The Dragon Enters Africa
Abstract
China's emergence in Sub-Saharan Africa threatens to trump and reverse many of the political and humanitarian gains made by the United States in Sub-Saharan Africa in the post-Cold War era. China's support of autocratic regimes, like Angola and Zimbabwe, to further its own national objectives complicates U.S. efforts to conduct diplomacy, reduce instability, and promote liberal democracy. The United States cannot reduce its dependence on petroleum from the Middle East without access to supplies from Sub-Saharan Africa. China's growing diplomatic and economic influence in the region threatens U.S. efforts to diversify its energy supply. Additionally, African states have a quarter of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly. China looks to secure the support and votes of these African states to help influence international politics moving forward. China's declaration of its Africa Policy in 2006 demonstrated its long-term commitment to the region. As the region approaches a cross-roads in the direction of its future, the United States must reengage Sub-Saharan Africa beyond combating terrorism in the Sahel, and develop a long-term strategy involving the use of all its instruments of national power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA600896
Entities
People
- Kevin A. Shea
Organizations
- Marine Corps University