Africa, as a continent, has always been marginal to overall US grand strategy. During the Cold War and immediately thereafter, Africa was largely neglected. It was only after 9/11 Athat interest in Africa picked up because of the challenge from terrorists in Africa and the entry of new powers in the continent. Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, made two trips to Africa in 2009 and 2012. These did not go down well with most Africans because she warned them against cooperating with countries which would exploit Africa’s natural resources. This was perceived in Africa as being patronising. In 2013, President Obama visited four Sub-Saharan African countries and this year in August, he is all set to host the first US-Africa Leaders’ Summit for promoting better relations with the continent. There thus seems to be a revival of American interest in the continent.

This Issue Brief seeks to answer the following questions:

(i) What are the reasons for the renewed American interest in the continent?;

(ii) What are the past and current US policies towards the region?;

(iii) Are these interests and policies different from those it had during the Cold War?;

(iv) How do Africans perceive the US?;

(v) What are the implications of a renewed US interest in Africa for India?

• International Affairs
• US Foreign Policy
• Economics and Finance
• Economic Diplomacy
• International Trade and Investment
• Africa
• USA and Canada
• ECONOMY AND GROWTH
• INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT
• STRATEGIC STUDIES

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