SCRATCHING THE SURFACE: Expectations of USAFRICOM

摘要

Africa has become an increasingly important region to the United States from a national and global security perspective. Moreover, Africa's security problems are complex, ranging from traditional concerns such as resource competition to nontraditional issues such as health, environment, and terrorism. Addressing such problems is an overwhelming undertaking that requires much more than narrow military focused approaches. In response, the U.S. is taking a different approach with the formation of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM). USAFRICOM has been launched with high expectations and much fanfare in the U.S., but it remains to be seen whether or not it will succeed. Is USAFRICOM fully prepared to meet the challenges of Africa and live up to expectations.