Thanks for this. I have a better understanding of our often miserable foreign policy now. Forwarded to my sister-in-law who has spent much of her acareer as an international economist in Africa. If memory serves, she was at the World Bank for a while.
What you wrote is all good (while tragic). Regarding your conclusion, I'm just wondering: How will we move the cheese? That is the issue. Bottomline: Do what? Who? How? When?
Thoughtful piece, well reasoned. But I think the lure of making a show of force overwhelms the ability to say, whoops, we made a mistake. It's hard to promote the value of doing nothing, especially around the threat of terrorism. Much easier to say look at how we're fighting this scourge, as few pay attention to effectiveness or results. And Americans are always wanting to do "something."
My only objection is -- “the fundamental flaw in US security assistance and cooperation programs, especially in Africa, is that the Pentagon is in charge.”
It is a critical flaw.
The underlying flaw (I would suggest) is the US with its universalist ethos does not understand the nationalism of others in an anti-colonial and postcolonial age.
And you get there sort of with “Real reform can only come from within. Were an outside power, say France or Britain, to intrude into the dysfunctionality of US politics and try to change things, that intrusion would be unwelcome. As with the US, so it is with any country, the prospects for change in Africa depend on the awareness and willingness of the population in these countries to own their own change processes, demand accountable and responsive governance, and then seek the external support they need to make it happen. Then, and only then, can outside support become useful and effective.”
Couldn't agree more with this: "The underlying flaw (I would suggest) is the US with its universalist ethos does not understand the nationalism of others in an anti-colonial and postcolonial age." We cannot get out of our own way, to the detriment of our own interests.
Thanks for this. I have a better understanding of our often miserable foreign policy now. Forwarded to my sister-in-law who has spent much of her acareer as an international economist in Africa. If memory serves, she was at the World Bank for a while.
Love to see her reaction.
I'll keep you posted.
What you wrote is all good (while tragic). Regarding your conclusion, I'm just wondering: How will we move the cheese? That is the issue. Bottomline: Do what? Who? How? When?
Thoughtful piece, well reasoned. But I think the lure of making a show of force overwhelms the ability to say, whoops, we made a mistake. It's hard to promote the value of doing nothing, especially around the threat of terrorism. Much easier to say look at how we're fighting this scourge, as few pay attention to effectiveness or results. And Americans are always wanting to do "something."
sadly, so true, Dan.
Loved your assessment..
And I second your comment "It's about time"
My only objection is -- “the fundamental flaw in US security assistance and cooperation programs, especially in Africa, is that the Pentagon is in charge.”
It is a critical flaw.
The underlying flaw (I would suggest) is the US with its universalist ethos does not understand the nationalism of others in an anti-colonial and postcolonial age.
And you get there sort of with “Real reform can only come from within. Were an outside power, say France or Britain, to intrude into the dysfunctionality of US politics and try to change things, that intrusion would be unwelcome. As with the US, so it is with any country, the prospects for change in Africa depend on the awareness and willingness of the population in these countries to own their own change processes, demand accountable and responsive governance, and then seek the external support they need to make it happen. Then, and only then, can outside support become useful and effective.”
Couldn't agree more with this: "The underlying flaw (I would suggest) is the US with its universalist ethos does not understand the nationalism of others in an anti-colonial and postcolonial age." We cannot get out of our own way, to the detriment of our own interests.