Security and Stability in Africa: A Development Approach

For a topic long overlooked by American policymakers and strategists, the security and stability of Africa has recently become an important national issue. This nascent importance is readily seen in the increased time, effort, and resources now devoted to the continent by such new organizations as the U.S. Africa Command USAFRICOM. However, to be effective this growing interest must be rooted in the desire to overcome centuries of ignorance and misunderstanding about the conditions and people of Africa. This paper seeks to overcome this lack of understanding of the significance of African security and stability by discussing the fundamental issues of economic development and political governance through which enduring stability and security might be obtained. This primer is particularly relevant for government and military officials tasked with African responsibilities but who may not possess much African experience. This is not a typical Letort Paper advocating a position or a policy. Although it does offer solutions in terms of improving African stability and security, its main intent is to offer a framework of several key issues which should give policymakers the knowledge they need to work in a constantly changing and very challenging environment. The Strategic Studies Institute is pleased to publish this paper as a contribution toward a more complete understanding of Africa and its security and economic environments in order to improve the conditions of its people.