US-Africa Relations: Articles and Search Terms

The author reflects on the U.S. foreign policy in Africa and explores whether security concerns outdo other U.S. priorities. Topics discussed include the slow growth of democracy in Africa, the centerpiece in U.S.-African policy, whether it is the economy or terrorism and national security, and the likelihood of keeping policy streams balanced and ideals responding to Africa's needs.

The article examines the relationship between the U.S. and Africa. Relations between the two geographic zones have undergone many changes over the last century. The slave trade and the Cold War have characterized the relationship between the U.S. and Africa. The two geographic zones have come to be associated in terms of their black populations and their political and military connections during the Cold War. The U.S.-Africa relations are ongoing. The two regions have had their moments of conflict and moments of reconciliation.

Years before Barack Obama took Office in late January 2009 to become the 44th President of the United States, positive relations have been observed between the United States and sub-Saharan African states, and attributed to former Presidents Clinton and Bush. President Barack Obama, whose late father is Kenyan, was then expected to at least continue where his two immediate predecessors left off. This paper examines the Obama Administration's relations with African countries, and asks whether the Obama Administration's policies toward African countries are similar to or different from those of former Presidents Clinton and Bush. To what extent does Obama's African origin impact his policies and stance toward Africa? We argue that unrealistic expectations might have exacerbated perceptions of Obama's legacy and that given broader institutional constraints, individuals can only do so much in shaping U.S. policy.