Elisabeth Sköns Author

Dr Olawale Ismail has a strong research and publication record on security issues, especially on Africa and developing countries. His research interests include regional security mechanisms, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction, peace operations, security sector and justice reform, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, military expenditure, and youth and political violence. Dr Ismail's current work focuses on examining the impact of external actors on security and governance processes in Africa. He previously coordinated West Africa focused-research projects at King's College London on youth vulnerability and exclusion, and on militancy and violence. He is Head of Research at International Alert Dr Elisabeth Sköns is a Senior Fellow at SIPRI and former director of the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme. She has worked and published extensively on these issues for over 20 years. Since early 2009, she has focused on a project on external security-related activities in sub-Saharan Africa, involving both research and support for African advocacy organizations.