This episode unpacks how Africa's demographic surge, critical mineral wealth, and expanding security threats are reshaping its relevance to U.S. foreign policy in the twenty-first century.

 

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

 

Guest:

Michelle Gavin, Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies, CFR

 

We Discuss:

• Why U.S. policy has historically treated engagement with Africa as an option rather than a strategic priority.
• How Africa's demographic growth is reshaping its position in the global order.
• Why maritime chokepoints around Africa are increasingly critical to global commerce.
• How other powers, including China, Turkey, and the Gulf states, are outpacing the United States in building African partnerships.
• What Africa's critical mineral resources mean for the green transition and for African domestic politics.
• How the United States can balance working with political elites while remaining relevant to broader African publics.
• What the diminished U.S. response to the current Ebola outbreak reveals about American policy choices.
• Why job creation should be the organizing principle for any coherent U.S. strategy toward the continent.

 

Mentioned on the Episode:

 

Michelle Gavin, "The New African Power Map," cfr.org

 

Michelle Gavin, The Age of Change: How Urban Youth Are Transforming African Politics

 

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/why-the-us-needs-an-africa-strategy

 

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.