AFRICOM: The Militarization of Peace

On 1 October, 2008, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is set to become the next fully operational geographic, unified command to promote, and if necessary enforce, U.S. government policy. Despite the necessity to increase international focus on developing the security and stability of the African region, the U.S. has witnessed a global backlash by showcasing the nation's propensity to militarize its presence in the world community. This paper presents a detailed case study of a broad spectrum of open-source documents to ascertain the general suspicious response to the United States' political and strategic move regarding Africa. It should be applauded that the U.S. has finally recognized the importance of this oft neglected continent, but the wrong message is getting out. Rather than focusing on the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts that the command is advertising, the global community cannot overcome the militaristic face the organization wears in light of pursuing strategic economic interests and countering an ever-present China.