Africa, the United States, and the World

The relationship between the United States and Africa is undergoing a vital evolution amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape. This moment calls for nuanced and adaptive approaches that balance U.S. interests with African priorities.

In an increasingly multipolar world, different global players are negotiating how their interests align with Africa’s complex needs and aspirations. Amid its growing strategic and geopolitical relevance, Africa’s global role is evolving, as are its diplomatic and economic relationships with countries around the world. The United States’ relationship with countries on the continent is likewise undergoing an evolution as U.S. foreign policy shifts. This moment calls for nuanced and adaptive approaches that balance U.S. interests with African priorities. While African countries continue to manage their traditional partnerships, new players like Brazil, India, Japan, Turkey, and the Gulf states have significantly increased their engagement in Africa.

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Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump’s Africa Policy: Commerce and Domestic Politics Clash

As Africa’s geopolitical importance grows, the United States must clearly define why it is the preferred partner for the continent. Only then can the Trump administration’s commercial diplomacy strategy deliver for both the United States and Africa.

Commentary by Oge Onubogu — October 6, 2025

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Trump’s Africa Policy: Commerce and Domestic Politics Clash

As Africa’s geopolitical importance grows, the United States must clearly define why it is the preferred partner for the continent. Only then can the Trump administration’s commercial diplomacy strategy deliver for both the United States and Africa.

Commentary by Oge Onubogu — October 6, 2025

President Trump’s “Carrot and Stick” Approach to Africa

The Trump administration needs a more nuanced approach to Africa that doesn’t alienate the people and the markets that it is seeking to engage. To do so requires the president to somehow square his domestic priorities with his foreign policy agenda.

Commentary by Cameron Hudson — July 8, 2025

Into Africa

Cameron Hudson on the internationalization of the Sudan war

Catherine Nzuki is joined by Cameron Hudson, Senior Fellow with the CSIS Africa Program. He unpacks the immediate causes of the war, the growing number of regional actors involved, and the unique role the U.S. can play in mediating a peace process.

Podcast Episode by Catherine Nzuki and Cameron Hudson — May 29, 2025

CSIS Into Africa

A Dire Crisis in Sudan: A Global Call to Action

Sudan's war is spiraling into a regional proxy conflict, with drones, foreign fighters, and arms flows reshaping the battlefield. Without urgent U.S.-led engagement to rein in external actors, Sudan and the region risks wider destabilization.

Congressional Testimony by Cameron Hudson — May 22, 2025

Can South Africa’s President Fix His Bilateral Relationship with Washington?

Cyril Ramaphosa’s Oval Office meeting with President Trump is a high-risk, low-reward encounter that is likely to accelerate a decline in bilateral relations unless the South African comes prepared to reverse many of his country’s most cherished foreign policy positions.

Critical Questions by Cameron Hudson — May 19, 2025

South Africa Cannot Have It Both Ways

The deterioration in U.S.-South Africa relations has been building in Washington over many administrations. A complex mix of geopolitics, race relations, and foreign policy differences means that addressing these myriad challenges won’t be fast or easy.

Commentary by Cameron Hudson — April 2, 2025

Repairing South Africa’s Fractured Relationship with the United States

The relationship between South Africa and the United States is at a low point. It is in South Africa’s best interest to find a pragmatic approach that focuses on rebuilding trust with the United States in order to preserve vital economic and strategic ties.

Commentary by Ryan Cummings — April 2, 2025