Does democracy foster economic growth? Does great power competition hurt or empower the continent? Does the U.S. even need a foreign policy for sub-Saharan Africa? Since the 1990s, there has been a consensus about U.S. priorities and policies toward the region. While continuity has its merits, it also acts as a brake on creativity, innovation, and new thinking about U.S. interests in sub-Saharan Africa. The CSIS Africa Debate Series offers an opportunity to question and refine policy objectives to meet a changing political landscape.
The CSIS Africa Program with the support of the Open Society Foundations is hosting a series of debates in Washington, D.C. and other U.S. cities to challenge old paradigms and identify new approaches to tackle pressing U.S.-Africa policy issues. For its inaugural debate on November 20, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., CSIS will pose the question, “Does the United States need a foreign policy in sub-Saharan Africa?” to former U.S. government officials and African scholars. Experts will face off to identify the advantages and disadvantages of U.S. engagement in Africa and to open a dialogue on a new framework for U.S. foreign policy toward the region. Audience members will vote key debate points as well as participate in a Question & Answer session. Save the date, register, and
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This event is made possible through the generous support of Open Society Foundations.
