Changing Security Dynamics in Africa, Sources of Conflict, and US Strategy

Abstract

This research report provides insight into changing security dynamics in Africa, as well as sources of conflict on the continent and what the US should do in response. The report provides a view from South Africa, where some of the highest quality research and thinking takes place on African security issues and where many of the initiatives to improve African security and accelerate African development have originated. The report first describes what African regional (and sub-regional) organizations are doing to provide greater security and development and analyzes the increasing role that the continental-level African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other subregional organizations are playing in African security and development initiatives. Second, sources of conflict are examined, starting with terrorism, determining how the US can better shape efforts in Africa to execute the war on terrorism and especially to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists. Next, the role of energy in fomenting competition and conflict is considered, with a focus on Sudan in Northeast Africa and the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. Finally, the report conveys the role that water quantity and quality plays in promoting regional tensions and potential conflict, especially in the Nile basin in Northeast Africa, and how terrorists might target water resources. The report determines how water resources can be used to promote multilateral cooperation and regional confidence building measures, for example through the Nile Basin Initiative. Finally, the report concludes by recommending what the US can do (in concert with African states and organizations) in response to the changing dynamics in Africa.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA541517

Entities

People

  • Stephen F. Burgess

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Climate Change
  • Commerce
  • Department Of State
  • East Africa
  • Economic Development
  • Environmental Protection
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Law
  • Management Personnel
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Terrorists

Readers

  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Strategic Security Studies