Downsizing US Ties to Africa Is Not the Answer

World Politics Review published on 2 January 2020 a commentary titled "America's Downsized Relationship with Africa Is About to Go Totally Adrift" by Howard W. French, foreign correspondent and global affairs writer.

Recent reports that the United States plans to downsize its military presence in Africa continue to raise questions about its commitment to the continent, which has always been a low foreign policy priority. The author bemoans the military-first American approach to Africa but argues that abruptly pulling American forces out is nonetheless harmfully shortsighted. He adds that rather than bad-mouthing Chinese initiatives in Africa, the U.S. should be looking for ways to smartly partner with China in expanding economic activity across the continent.