Next Front? Evolving United States–African Strategic Relations in the “War on Terrorism” and Beyond

Abstract

Recent years have seen a shift in United States foreign and security policy vis-à-vis Africa, a process that has been accelerated by the needs of America's post-9/11 “global war on terrorism.” This evolution away from the “hands off” approach to the continent is a recognition of its geopolitical significance not only as a major front in the counterterrorism struggle, but also an increasingly important theatre for strategic competition for resources and influence between the U.S. and its near-peer competitors on the global stage, including the People's Republic of China. By way of concluding this panoramic perspective, the article will give a preliminary assessment of the emergent policies and structures of U.S. military and security engagement in Africa which lay the foundations for a more comprehensive framework, including a possible unified combatant command for the continent. EDITOR'S NOTE: On February 6, 2007, President George W. Bush announced the creation of a Department of Defense Unified Combatant Command for Africa that will be operation by the end of fiscal year 2008. The new command, dubbed AFRICOM, will have as its area of responsibility all of Africa except for Egypt which will continue to fall under the Central Command (CENTCOM).