As Africa’s strategic importance has increased over the past decade and a half, United States security cooperation with the continent has expanded. The most visible dimension of this increased engagement was the establishment of the U.S. Military Command for Africa (AFRICOM). Some critics are skeptical of AFRICOM’s purpose and see the militarization of U.S. Africa policy while others question its effectiveness. Recognizing the link between development and security, AFRICOM represents a departure from the traditional organization of military commands because of its holistic approach and the involvement of the Department of State as well as other U.S. government stakeholders. Nevertheless, AFRICOM’s effort to combine security and development faces formidable conceptual and operational challenges in trying to ensure both American and African security interests. The human security perspective’s emphasis on issues that go beyond traditional state-centered security to include protecting individuals from threats of hunger, disease, crime, environmental degradation, and political repression as well as focusing on social and economic justice is an important component of security policy. At the same time, the threat of violent extremism heavily influences U.S. security cooperation with Africa.
In this examination of the context of U.S.-African security relations, Robert J. Griffiths outlines the nature of the African state, traces the contours of African conflict, surveys the post-independence history of U.S. involvement on the continent, and discusses policy organization and implementation and the impact of U.S. experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan on the U.S.-Africa security relationship. Africa’s continuing geostrategic significance, the influence of China and other emerging markets in the region, and America’s other global engagements, especially in light of U.S. fiscal realities, demonstrate the complexity of U.S.-African security cooperation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. The State, Politics, and the African Security Landscape 2. An Overview of Africa’s Conflict Zones 3. American Engagement with Africa 4. The Establishment of AFRICOM 5. Africa’s Strategic Environment and the U.S. Global Posture 6. Conclusion: A New Approach to Security in Africa? Bibliography Index
About the Author :
Robert J. Griffiths is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Review :
'The book is a well-written and timely reminder of the need for the United States to make a greater effort in the areas of diplomacy, development and human security in its security cooperation policy. The author acknowledges the accomplishments of AFRICOM in building military capacity but also incisively criticizes the unintended consequences.' - Dr. Stephen F. Burgess, Air War College, USA
