Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa
Abstract
The 1998 bombing of U.S. embassies in East Africa and more recent attacks have highlighted the threat of terrorism to U.S. interests on the continent. Political instability and civil wars have created vast ungoverned spaces, areas in which some experts allege that terrorist groups may train and operate. Instability also heightens human suffering and retards economic development, which may in turn threaten U.S. economic interests. Africa's exports of crude oil to the United States are now roughly equal to those of the Middle East, further emphasizing the continent's strategic importance. This report provides a broad overview of U.S. strategic interests in Africa and the role of U.S. military efforts on the continent as they pertain to the creation of AFRICOM. A discussion of AFRICOM's mission, its coordination with other government agencies, and its basing and manpower requirements is included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA518912
Entities
People
- Lauren Ploch.
Organizations
- Library of Congress