"This paper focuses on the problem-solving capacity of the African Union (AU) and ... the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) ... [including] an analysis of the empirical question whether there are any potential hegemons in Africa ... a brief analysis of the OAU’s rather dismal record with regard to conflicts ... [and] an account of the genesis of the AU, its ambitions, organizational setup and actual activities and accomplishments in the field of peace and security." (Quoted from synopsis)