Eye of the Hurricane: Liberia and Instability in West Africa

As armed conflict continues to spread in West Africa, four experts on the unfolding crisis discussed the destabilizing influence of the Taylor regime in Liberia; the regional dimensions of the violence; and U.S. foreign policy toward the region. Panelists also examined:

• The prospects for peace and/or regime change in Liberia.
• The ongoing army mutiny in the Ivory Coast.
• Possible pathways to peace and stability in West Africa.

Moderated by Chester Crocker, chairman of the Institute's Board of Directors, the discussion was followed by questions from the floor.

Speakers

• William M. Bellamy
  Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
• Amos C. Sawyer
  Co-Associate Director, Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis, Indiana University, and former President, Interim Government of Liberia (1990-1994).
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
  Chairman and CEO of Kormah Investment and Development Corporation and leader of the opposition Unity Party in Liberia.
• Chester A. Crocker, Moderator
  Chairman, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace, and Schlesinger Professor of Strategic Studies, Georgetown University.