Sub-Saharan Africa: Adrift in a Sea of Misery Defining U.S. National Strategy
Abstract
According to the National Security Strategy for Africa published in 1995 by DOD's Office of International Security Affairs, "the [Clinton] Administration is committed to maintaining a leading role in Africa despite the lack of vital [US] interests". But, the United States does have major interests in Africa. As an "island nation," the United States is dependent on global economic and military ties. Indeed, Africa poses one of our greatest challenges and opportunities to enlarge the community of market democracies" and protect and maintain our long-term interests worldwide. In fact, the United States' primary interests in the African region center around political stability and economic growth for each individual nation. The US would like to see democracy and economic prosperity come to Africa. Democracy and free markets would stabilize the region, improve the lives of Africans, and create markets for US goods and services. After all, there is a potential market of over 600 million consumers in Africa. In addition, US exports to Africa total $5.5 billion annually, more than the total US exports to the former Soviet Union U S exports are also growing at a rate of 15 percent per year, while there is an additional $10 billion US investment poised to go into Africa's oil sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA443012
Entities
People
- Chuck Mayer
- Jesse J. Kelso
- Ken Verbrugge
- Kent K. Kysar
- Larry Stutzriem
Organizations
- National Defense University