This research group focuses on the dynamics within societal contexts with emphasis on how various entities and actors are influencing the construct of African states and notions of statehood. This research group interrogates the extent to which the internal dynamics in African societal responses to security and development challenges are compelling a change in the state and manifestations of statehood. In particular it explores the question: how are evolutions in technology and new media altering societal responses to security and development challenges? How are these dynamics and evolutions influencing notions of statehood in Africa? And what justice and peace issues (puzzles) are brought to the fore by these dynamics and evolutions?