Leveraging Peacekeeping Partners: African Continental Progress One Sub-Region at a Time
Abstract
Given its political and economic influence, strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, and vast resource capacity (e.g., energy, people and geographic size), Nigeria provides the United States the best opportunity to meet its regional objectives in sub-Saharan Africa. However, key to ensuring effective and efficient engagement of, with, and through Nigeria will be understanding (and respecting) its roles and goals within international, regional, and sub-regional organizations. In particular, the United States should look to Nigeria's position as a leader in peacekeeping as a prime leverage point. Nigeria's historical and (mostly) credible roles played in these operations across all three levels of organizational leadership provide entrance points for direct and indirect engagement by the United States. Additionally, Nigeria's ability to influence the level of credibility and legitimacy these organizations maintain will be instrumental in allowing the United States to fulfill its national interests of stability and strategic access. By leveraging Nigeria's position as a regional, continental, and international leader in peacekeeping operations, the United States can enhance and promote long-term stability in Western Africa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570201
Entities
People
- Colin W. Chinn
Organizations
- Naval War College