How the United States Can Shape Africa’s Future (Part 1)
Africa will shape the future—and not just the future of the people of Africa, but the world.
I would like tentatively to share the insights and analysis by Dr. Dramane Chabi Bouko, a lecturer in international relations, peace, security, and geopolitical studies with a specific focus on Africa and China at the University of Parakou, Benin, and a Humphrey Fellow at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
The Department of State’s Bureau of Africa Affairs provides three core objectives for U.S. foreign policy towards Africa: “1) Advancing trade and commercial ties with key African states to increase the U.S. and African prosperity; 2) Protecting the United States from cross-border health and security threats; and 3) Supporting key African states’ progress toward stability, citizen-responsive governance, and self-reliance.” Examining these objectives and their on-the-ground impacts, separating health and security threats, creates four unique strategic priorities. Although examined individually, it is vital to remember that the objectives are highly interdependent—promoting African economics, health, security, and governance requires solutions that affect change across multiple categories.
