Managing Perceptions of United States Africa Command
Abstract
As the Department of Defense (DOD) stands up its newest combatant command to concentrate attention on Africa, we must realize that our goal is not to win African hearts and minds and make them like us. It is about making them choose us from among their choices of potential partners and allies. How can the United States (US) manage the African states' perception of Africa Command (AFRICOM) as well as those of other powers involved in Africa so that America's interests can be best pursued? African nations have many suitors, including Russia and China. In order to successfully compete against these suitors, the US must build a credible case, based on truth and transparency, which makes a pro-American choice the logical outcome. In order for America to attain and sustain its credibility, Africans must perceive that America's goals are in their best interests as well. The AFRICOM area of operations consists of 900 million people in 53 nations speaking over 1,000 languages, thus its perceptual terrain is "rugged." How does the US military communicate to traverse this perceptually rugged terrain? Does our current communications strategy match the terrain? Russia and China also have interests in Africa, particularly those related to the pursuit of natural resources. How will their actions attempt to influence African perceptions of AFRICOM? A synopsis of the predominant frames and narratives used in Western and African cultures will provide background for understanding how some Africans may interpret US actions in the AFRICOM area of operations. In addition, a brief review of survey data of African opinions about America and African perceptions of US intentions will provide a foundation for describing the perceptual landscape AFRICOM must navigate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 12, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA539882
Entities
People
- Harold L. Wilson
Organizations
- Air War College