Biden’s team will try to reset engagement with Africa

Significance

This may see a redefining of US-Africa policy compared to the Trump administration’s focus on competition with China, including: resolving questions surrounding the role for US troops in regional counterterrorism efforts; deepening relationships with African leaders; multilateral approaches to regional conflict; and democracy and human rights promotion.

Impacts

• A renewed human rights focus will not end persistent questions about US military engagement in the regional ‘war on terror’.
• Domestic debates on racial inequalities will intersect with the administration’s public diplomacy and human rights agenda.
• The Trump administration's military reorganisations and planned troop drawdowns will force Biden's team to make unwelcome quick decisions.