Strengthening U.S. Interests in Africa: The African Partnership Initiative (API)
Abstract
This SRP tracks a significant shift in U.S. attention toward Africa, given the continent s heightened strategic importance. It analyzes NATO s Partnership for Peace (PfP) and provides recommendations for future direction and implementation of a similar partnering program in Africa. It also provides a detailed list of recommended principles or considerations that should be taken into account when implementing this critical new program. The current African Union (AU) Peace and Security Architecture and the Theater Security Cooperation Plan of the newly established combatant command, AFRICOM, should be integrated into the proposed hybrid partnering program. African leaders reservations about aligning with one hegemon and the reluctance of some European allies to establish a NATO presence in Africa, warrant on-going collaboration with existing regional African organizations. Accordingly, this SRP proposes a hybrid partnering program for Africa, designated the African Partnering Initiative (API). The API should include the African Union, select African partner countries, and the European Union (EU). The United Nations (UN) should participate by means of the accepted NATO/PfP capacity building model. The API should allay concerns of European allies and African leaders. Moreover it should partner U.S. interests on the continent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA481371
Entities
People
- Terry Lambert
Organizations
- United States Army War College