Meeting the Challenges of Strategic and Human Security Interests in US–Africa Relations, or the Orphaning of ‘Soft Power’?

In the context of a changed global environment since the end of the cold war, Africa has assumed renewed importance in the foreign policy calculations of the USA. Moreover, the security interests of the USA and African states could be seen as converging. One of the major goals of US foreign policy is combating international terrorism, while Africa as a whole is vulnerable as a breeding ground and incubation site for international ter-rorists. Indeed, international terrorism thrives amidst poverty and underdevelopment, and nowhere is this more the case than in present-day Africa. What this represents for the continent is both a strategic and a human security challenge; and, given the current circumstances, it would seem reasonable to suggest that the USA and Africa should enter into wider partnerships to overcome the vulnerabilities African countries face in coping with these challenges, both strategic and human security. Unless the USA makes a concerted effort to commit substantial material, technical, and human resources in its relations with Africa, the root causes of domestic conflict and inter-national terrorism in the African region and in the world will continue to be major impediments to political and economic development and democracy, and thus to th