Africa Seminar

A Political-Economic Conflict Seminar

February 10-12, 2015   |   Capitol Hill Club   |   Washington, DC

As the second largest and second most-populous continent in the world, Africa presents a diversity of topography, climate, peoples and languages. The continent's 52 countries have common problems, as well as specific interests and challenges that make Africa of particular interest to the United States.

The presence of enormous energy, mineral and agricultural resources make several African states key components of the global economy. Africa's political and economic weaknesses, along with civil and regional strife, directly affect U.S. national security. If Africa has largely been ignored in the foreign and economic affairs of the major powers in the past, it is clearly now on the international agenda. There has probably never been a better time to consider the challenges and promise of this area.

The political turmoil that began in Tunisia and swept across North Africa and throughout the Middle East may well have echoes throughout Africa south of the Sahara. Autocracy, corruption, and inequality have already generated conflict throughout the continent and could yet be magnified by the political upheaval in the north.

Drawing upon the knowledge and experience of a diverse group of prominent experts, this workshop will explore the social, political, and economic developments on the African continent. It will address current issues and trends that will affect U.S. national security interests in the years ahead. Talks are informal and off-the-record. Ample time will be allowed for discussion and question-and-answer sessions with each speaker.

 

SEMINAR TOPICS*

• U.S. National Security Interests in Africa
• Failed States and the International Terror Threat
• Africa and the Politics of Globalization
• AIDS, Famine, and Other Demographic Disasters
• The Growing Chinese Footprint in Africa
• Religious Resurgence: Christianity and Islam in a Changing Africa
• The Curse of Natural Resources: Winners and Losers in Africa
• Conflict and Political and Economic Development in the Horn of Africa
• Nation Building in Sub-Saharan Africa: Successes and Failures
• A Strategic Approach Toward Africa
• Criminal Terrorist Networks in West Africa: Weapons, Diamonds and Militant Islam
• Africa: Challenges of Governance and Security
• Nigeria: Political and Economic Developments
• Libya After Gadhafi: An Update
• Political Transition in Tunisia
• Egypt in Transition: Challenges in the Coming Period
• American Society and Africa
• South Africa: The Hopes and Disappointments of the "Rainbow Nation"
• Arab Spring/Arab Winter: Implictaions for U.S. Policy
• *The above topics may change to address changing current events at the time of the seminar.

 

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS

In all seriousness, this was the most intellectually, stimulating week I've ever been a part of (academic setting).

Extraordinary program—I didn't think I could generate a sincere interest in African issues, but I did, and now I have an excellent foundation to build on what I learned here. Invaluable!

I feel very fortunate and honored to have attended. This has definitely enriched my understanding of just how complex Africa is.

I truly enjoyed this seminar. The speakers were well prepared and presented the material in a clear and thought provoking manner. Excellent program!

Superb program

Well done!

Outstanding speakers

Great seminar—strategic thinking and education combined!

Outstanding speakers and discussion!

Complete plowing of new ground for me. I honestly feel enlightened. To be exposed to these issues at this moment in time has been fortuitous. Outstanding course!

The best program I have attended. The timely information made the program special. Extremely well organized! Keep up the good work.

 

MODERATOR

The program moderator will be of international stature and will have extensive professional experience in the policy issues covered in this three-day seminar. The moderator will facilitate, when necessary, dialogue between the speakers and participants, as well as lead the group discussions and Q&A sessions.

 

FEE

The fee for each three-day Foreign Policy Seminar is $1,985 per person. The program will feature approximately 12-15 separate presentations. Also included are continental breakfast and working luncheons. The seminar will be held in a private meeting room at the Capitol Hill Club. An on-site staff person will assist participants as needed and coordinate daily activities.

 

REGISTRATION

The target audience for these seminars are civilians (GS-15 and above) and military (O-6 and above). Others who have a special interest in the subject, need-to-know, or are in key positions may apply. Seminar space is limited to assure participants have ample time for open discussion with presenters. Upon registration, attendees will receive confirmation via email. Cancellations will be accepted in writing up to two weeks prior to each program. After that time, substitutions will be accepted. The Agency will be billed if registration is cancelled after the deadline.

If you have any questions or need further information, please call Iris Fernandez or Patricia Patton at 703-684-8807.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Foreign Policy Seminars will be held in a private meeting room at the Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street, SE, Washington, DC. The Club is directly across the street from the Capitol South Metro Station (Blue and Orange Lines). Business attire for participants is required. Military uniform is optional.

Reporting information concerning registration time and workshop start and end times will be sent to all participants approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of each program. The seminar meeting room will be open at 8:00 am and seminars will be conducted from 8:30 to 4:00 pm.

These programs are informal and strictly "off-the-record." No video, power point or audio-visual aids are utilized in the presentations.

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