Includes bibliographical references (pages 485-491) and index.

Towards a theory of indigenous warfare : comparative forms of warfare -- Indigenous warfare : principles and spatial trajectory -- Indigenous warfare : its casus belli, types and levels -- Indigenous society and the army : the political utility of the Asafo -- Typological functional arms and roles of indigenous armies -- Indigenous military structures I : operational and tactical art of southern (Kwa) armies -- Indigenous military structures II : operational and tactical art of northern (Gur) armies -- Evolution and employment of weapons : weapon training in indigenous armies -- Command, control and communications in indigenous armies and warfare -- Leadership and generalship in indigenous warfare : generals and captains in victory and defeat -- Indigenous defence economics, and war logistics and administration -- Gender -- Indigenous military conventions, norms, traditions and customs -- Postscript : end of resistance and the European military legacy.

This book is a theoretical study of military art and science using Ghana and parts of present-day West Africa as a case study. It attempts to present a structured approach to the study of the concept and art of indigenous African warfare and their relevance in colonial and post-colonial contexts. It also sets out to correct the fundamental misconception that such warfare evolved only after contacts with Europeans. Finally, it seeks to rejuvenate the study of indigenous warfare and raise its profile in the study of modern warfare.