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. Information regarding speakers and event format will be posted in the coming weeks. Save the date, register, and subscribe to the CSIS Africa Program distribution list to receive updates on the Debate Series.

This event is made possible through the generous support of Open Society Foundations.

Photo: SEYLLOU/AFP/Getty Images

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