U.S. Policy Toward Africa: Recommendations for the Next U.S. Administration, 2009–2013

Abstract

This comprehensive analysis of Africa presents information of interest to the next administration as the new president reconsiders U.S. policy toward Africa. Its explanation of why Africa is important to the United States highlights the continent's wealth of natural resources that are at a premium in this time of commodity inflation. Not to be dismissed either is the importance that has been attached to such resources as a result of China's and India's quests to acquire them to advance their growing industrial economies and exercise the political influence necessary to corner the market on such assets. One of the compelling policy recommendations relates to the key role played by the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Africa. Three prospects are named—one a Democrat, one a Republican, and one nonpartisan—selections that the new president is sure to consider invaluable in designating the person to handle African affairs during his administration.