The New Tournament of Shadows: The Strategic Implications of China’s Activity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Africom’s Role in the U.S. Response
Authors
William R. Sprance
Abstract
China is determined to reacquire the superpower status it sees as its birthright, and its activities in sub-Saharan Africa have strengthened Beijing’s strategic position by providing unimpeded access to natural resources, new markets for its export-driven economy and political influence in international bodies such as the United Nations. The U.S. insists that it is not creating AFRICOM to counter Chinese influence in sub-Saharan Africa. However, China’s diplomatic and economic activity in sub-Saharan Africa has created strategic challenges for the U.S., and AFRICOM will exist to improve America’s strategic position on the continent. By engaging in security cooperation and other activities, AFRICOM will challenge the strategic status quo and will make economic and political conflict likely.
Author Biography
William R. Sprance
Captain William Sprance is a Judge Advocate in the United States Navy Reserve. In civilian life, he is an Associate Deputy General Counsel with the Department of Defense Office of General Counsel. He received his B.A. (History) from Vassar College; his J.D. from Northeastern University; his LL.M (International Law) from the Georgetown University Law Center; and his M.A. (National Security and Strategic Studies) from the U.S. Naval War College with highest honors. His publications include The United States and the World Trade Organization: The Political and Procedural Realities of the System, 13 American University International Law Review 1225 (1998, and "The Russo-Japanese War: The Rise of Japanese Imperialism", Journal of Military and Strategic Studies (2004), www.jmss.org. He dedicates this article to his wife and daughters.
