US Foreign Policy and the Quest for Regional Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The US long-term national interests are served by its increased engagement with African states. It should be emphasized that for too long Africa has been an afterthought in US foreign policy. During World War II, Africa was a strategic stepping stone to the places that mattered to America’s foreign policy goals, and during the Cold War, Africa was a pawn in the political struggle between the East and the West.¹ Historically, the United States has engaged in both a socioeconomic and political relationships with Sub-Saharan Africa. Different American presidents have committed to building strong relationships based on common interests and shared values, and this has, no doubt, made this region of Africa a higher priority and given it the attention it deserves.² For instance, over many decades, the United States has provided strong and visible support for the movement toward democracy and free market economies in this part of Africa. America has worked with many sub-Saharan African countries to address issues such as security, preventive diplomacy, and interstate conflict resolution.