Book Description:
The February 2007 decision to launch a new Department of Defense Unified Combatant Command for Africa (AFRICOM) has already been met with significant controversy both in the United States and abroad. AFRICOM’s proponents claim that the new command accurately reflects Africa’s growing strategic importance and an enlightened U.S. foreign
policy focused on supporting “African solutions to African problems.” Its critics allege that the command demonstrates a self-serving American policy focused on fighting terrorism, securing the Africa’s burgeoning energy stocks, and countering Chinese influence.
To overcome such misgivings, AFRICOM must demonstrate a commitment to programs mutually beneficial to both African and American national
interests. Yet a shrewd strategic communication campaign will not be enough to convince a skeptical African public that AFRICOM’s priorities mirror their own. Indeed, much African distrust is justified. Since September 11, 2001 (9/11), the Department of Defense’s (DoD) most significant endeavors in Africa have been
undertaken in pursuit of narrowly conceived goals related to the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Operations in North and East Africa, though couched in a larger framework of development, long-term
counterinsurgency, and a campaign to win “hearts and minds,” have nonetheless relied on offensive military operations focused on short-term objectives.

Table of Contents:
Preface

Chapter 1. Africom's Dilemma: The 'Global War on Terrorism', 'Capacity Building,' Humanitarianism, and the Future of U.S. Security Policy in Africa, pp. 1-50
(Robert G. Berschinski)

Chapter 2. Africa Command: U.S. Strategic Interests and the Role of the U.S. Military in Africa, pp. 51-97
(Lauren Ploch)

Chapter 3. Testimony before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives (July 23, 2008): Africom: Joined-Up Geographic Command or Federal Business Opportunity?, pp. 99-107
(Mark Malan, Refugees International)

Chapter 4. Statement before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs "Africom: Vision and Prospects", pp. 109-113
(Kathleen H. Hicks, International Security Program, International Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), July 23, 2008)

Chapter 5. Africa Command, Testimony before the House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (HOGR), July 16, 2007, pp. 115-119
(Theresa Whelan, Defense for African Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.)

Chapter 6. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, AFRICOM: Rationales, Roles, and Progress On the Eve of Operations, pp. 121-125
(J. Stephen Morrison, Africa Program, HIV/AIDS Task Force, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), July 23, 2008)

Chapter 7. Testimony before the House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (HOGR), July 23, 2008, James K. Bishop, Humanitarian Policy and Practice InterAction, pp. 127-132

Chapter 8. Statement of Mary C. Yates, Dept. of State Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Activities, United States Africa Command and Michael A. Snodgrass, U.S. Air Force, United States Africa Command Before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs on 15, July 2008, pp. 133-135

Index