Radial rule: A new map for space, power and control in the Sahel

Peer Schouten; James Barnett

Radial rule: A new map for space, power and control in the Sahel

Peer Schouten
, James Barnett

Somerville College
Hudson Institute

Research output: Working Paper, Paper, Policy Brief, Brief, Impact › Policy Briefs, Briefs and Impacts › Communication

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Abstract

Conflict maps often depict who controls what territory, with the Sahel frequently shown as divided among jihadists, bandits and militias. Yet such maps obscure how armed groups actually operate. We propose a more nuanced model that distinguishes core areas of presence, areas of tribute extraction, and raiding frontiers – capturing how these actors interact with communities in varied and shifting ways.

Original language	English
Place of Publication	Copenhagen
Publisher	Danish Institute for International Studies
Number of pages	4
Publication status	Published - 20 Oct 2025

Series	DIIS Policy Brief

Keywords

Banditry
Political geography
Power
Sahel
Armed conflict
Spatial strategies

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DIIS_PB_power and control in the Sahel_WEB-lockedFinal published version, 559 KB

Cite this

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abstract = "Conflict maps often depict who controls what territory, with the Sahel frequently shown as divided among jihadists, bandits and militias. Yet such maps obscure how armed groups actually operate. We propose a more nuanced model that distinguishes core areas of presence, areas of tribute extraction, and raiding frontiers – capturing how these actors interact with communities in varied and shifting ways.",

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KW - Power

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KW - Armed conflict

KW - Spatial strategies

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Radial rule: A new map for space, power and control in the Sahel

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Battle for the bush: banditry and violent agrarian change in northwest Nigeria

Divided, they rule? The emerging banditry landscape in northwest Nigeria

Divided, they rule? Bandits in Northwest Nigeria

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