Working Smarter, Not Harder: Emphasizing Soft Power in Africa to Achieve US Interests

摘要

American interests in Africa are growing amid a rapidly changing world order and an increasingly complex global environment. As the single, recognized super power in the world, the U.S. is faced with progressively more challenging problems but with dwindling resources to meet its security strategy. U.S. national security objectives in Africa will seek to advance American public and private interests while confronting the historical challenges of Africa. U.S. interests in Africa range from the protection of U.S. citizens abroad and at home, to obtaining resources necessary to sustain the vitality of the U.S. economy. Complicating the attainment of these objectives, the U.S. is heavily engaged in two armed conflicts, is undergoing the deepest economic downfall since the Great Depression and its diplomatic capacity has yet to rebound from years of budget cuts and disregard. Current conditions warrant a new engagement plan using 'smart power' approach in foreign policy matters in Africa. The term 'smart power' has increasingly been heard in the lexicon of U.S. foreign policy makers and government officials. It refers to a skillful combination of traditional hard power and less- conventional soft power methods by United States Government (USG) officials to achieve American interests abroad. Applying smart power in Africa will rely on a greater preponderance of soft power, where conditions are uniquely suited for its use. The USG has already implemented some highly successful soft power programs which can be leveraged for future gains, but more reform and growth is needed in specific areas that will eventually generate greater flexibility for U.S. policymakers and those tasked with implementing US policy.