National Interests and Strategy: Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
The end of the Cold War and dissolution of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact caused the United States and its allies to reevaluate its national interests and strategy in and toward the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. This paper examines the past US strategy toward Africa and develops a strategy for the future. Although there are many ways to develop a national strategy, this paper will concentrate on identifying US national interests, reviewing the strategic context and trends in the region, and identifying the threats and opportunities critical to our national interest. We will recommend US policy objectives and the tools of statecraft most likely to achieve those objectives and achieve our national interests. Since the retreat of European colonialism from Africa and the establishment of over 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the people of Africa have suffered through famine, pestilence, disease, and countless wars with an appalling loss of life. More important, Africa was yet another battlefield of the Cold War. Both the East and West vied for power and influence across the African continent From US-Soviet competition for influence in Ethiopia to international intervention in Angola, African nations served as the intellectual, cultural, and sometimes physical battleground of the Cold War.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA442070
Entities
People
- Peter Joel
Organizations
- National War College