AFRICA: U.S. FOREIGN POLICY AND SECURITY CHALLENGES

A Political-Economic Conflict Seminar

March 29-31, 2011

Army and Navy 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. Yet 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 has 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 tsunamis 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 of the African continent. It will address current issues and trends that affect U.S. national security issues and 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
• Turmoil and Winds of Change in North and South 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 Economic Development in the Horn of Africa
• Nation Building in Sub-Sahara 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
• South Africa: Emerging as a Dominant Power?

*The above topics are taken from previous seminars and may change to address current events at the time of the seminar.

FEE

$1,985 per person

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The seminar will be held in a private meeting room at the Army and Navy Club, located at 901 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC. The Club is in proximity to the Farragut West Metro Station. 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. Workshop is open to civilians (GS-15 and above) and military (O-6 and above).

Generally, registration will begin around 7:45 am and seminars will be conducted from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on the first two days and from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on the last day (subject to agenda and scheduling). Business attire for participants is required. Military uniform is optional.

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

Register Today