Thank you to all of the individuals and organisations that facilitated both my desk research and fieldwork in West Africa. I would like to acknowledge Mark Malan and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping & Training Centre in Ghana for their hospitality, as well as WANEP for sharing a wide variety of contacts. In Sierra Leone, the Network Movement for Justice and Development was very dedicated and hospitable, Forest Resources Promoters (FORPS) in Koidu introduced me to the mid-day heat of alluvial mining, the Youth Movement for Peace and Nonviolence facilitated focus groups in the Freetown slums, and the UNDP Arms for Development Programme made it possible for me to observe its work in action. UNCivPol/UNDP Coordinator Steve Minhinett and Supt. Andrew Gbanie of the Sierra Leone Police hosted me on their travels to Kambia. Koidu Holdings Ltd representatives openly shared the history and challenges of their operations. Cassie Nel and Neal Ellis made my long stay in Freetown possible (and also fun). In Liberia, thanks go to WANEP and WIPNET, Sari Nurro, Miguel Iturralde, Conmany Wesseh, April O’Neill, and Leora Ward. Finally, it is very important to acknowledge the very central role that a good driver plays in places with treacherous roads. Thank you, JP.