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In the four decades since most African states achieved independence, the continent has never been a foreign policy priority for the United States. During the early years of American engagement with Africa, Washington focused its attention on preventing communist countries from gaining major military bases or monopolistic concessions over any of the continent’s important strategic minerals. Although the United States provided large amounts of development assistance and food aid to a number of African states, most American interest and support was directed toward African countries and leaders who were regarded as Cold War allies. In those countries still struggling for independence, the United States usually supported African insurgents who were pro-Western and anticommunist in their orientation. In South Africa and Namibia, Washington generally professed great sympathy for eventual majority rule and independence but largely supported the status quo out of fear that liberation groups allied with the Soviet Union or China would win power in any political transition.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Africa, United States

Topic(s)

National Security, Defense Policy, Strategic Competition

Publication Date

9-2004

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

U.S. policy on Africa, African strategic engagement, United States-Africa relations, African security strategy, U.S. foreign policy Africa, African regional stability, U.S.-African defense cooperation, Africa governance initiatives, economic development Africa

Shaping U.S. Policy on Africa: Pillars of a New Strategy

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