The African Union (AU) has long been viewed through the lens of its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), and while the organisation does face a number of similar challenges, it has sought to establish itself as a critical actor on the continent. One major way in which the AU differs from the OAU is its stance on matters of governance, peace and security. This edited volume surveys the AU's 15 years as an institution and brings together experts on the AU's role in these areas. This work examines the strengths and weaknesses of the policies adopted by the organisation and actions taken on its part to tackle these issues on the continent. It focuses on three critical areas: pan-Africanism and its role in establishing (or not) a global order; the AU's work towards improved governance, security and development; and the AU's relationship to its external partners.

A common theme throughout this volume is that the AU is in a better place than it has been in previous years and is seeking to establish more effective, balanced partnerships with the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). With funding its operations a constant challenge, the AU's partnerships with these same institutions are often centred on their ability to provide financial support to the AU's operations. This attempt to set itself apart as a key player in continental politics is acknowledged by the authors in this work. However, the main strength of this edited volume is that it challenges the organisation and carefully investigates where the institutional deficits are and how these affect the organisation's development and ability to execute its mandates. This is in keeping with its aim of finding ways to allow the AU to be ‘fit for purpose’ (2).

Throughout this book the authors highlight the major impediments to the AU's process including financing the Union, lack of political will on the part of the leadership, undermining of the AU Commission by political leaders, confusion as to who is to take charge on certain issues, inability of the regional economic communities (RECs) to synchronise their protocols with those of the AU, and the AU's capacity to address mounting challenges and internal tensions. Still the book, which focused on South Africa in its discussion on the role of hegemons, could have benefitted from elaborating on Nigeria's role within the AU.

Another key point raised in this edited volume is that the AU cannot address political issues on the continent without dealing with the economic challenges its member states face. While this is somewhat addressed by a reliance on the RECs as ‘building blocks’, the AU needs to take a firmer, more involved stance on matters of economic development. Economic development is crucial to addressing political issues but also enables member states to contribute to the organisation by paying their dues. This requires a conscious shift from the AU solely defining itself as a political actor and truly embracing its larger role on the continent.

With the AU's increased responsibility in governance and security matters on the continent this book offers a much-needed look at the determinant factors. This volume is one that would appeal to those interested in the AU from a theoretical, political and policy perspective. Unlike some other works on the AU, this volume is critical and asks important questions without being pessimistic about the future of the organisation.