The crisis in Mali has received considerable media attention, but due to the turnaround in academic publishing far less scholarly analysis is available.

African Affairs (our sister publication) is therefore thrilled to be able to publish a trio of briefings from some of the most experienced and insightful researchers working on Mali. Together, they offer a broad range of perspectives on the crisis. Susanna Wing provides the essential background to recent events, demonstrating the historical roots of the crisis and the many barriers to the construction of a unified and democratic nation. Roland Marchal discusses the politics of the French intervention, and its unintended consequences both in France and in Mali. Finally, Caitriona Dowd and Clionadh Raleigh reflect on the way in which the “˜myth of global Islamic terrorism’ has shaped the international response to conflict in Mali and the Sahel, to the possible detriment of peacebuilding efforts.

BRIEFING MALI: POLITICS OF A CRISIS
Susanna D. Wing
Afr Aff (Lond) first published online May 29, 2013. doi:10.1093/afraf/adt037
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MILITARY (MIS)ADVENTURES IN MALI
Roland Marchal
Afr Aff (Lond) first published online May 30, 2013. doi:10.1093/afraf/adt038
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THE MYTH OF GLOBAL ISLAMIC TERRORISM AND LOCAL CONFLICT IN MALI AND THE SAHEL
Caitriona Dowd and Clionadh Raleigh
Afr Aff (Lond) first published online May 29, 2013. doi:10.1093/afraf/adt039
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Rita Abrahamsen and Nic Cheeseman
Editors, African Affairs