background
Africa’s historical context regarding foreign influence is important in understanding the current dynamics occurring on the continent. Over the centuries, African countries have navigated the complexities of colonialism, postcolonial struggles, and ongoing external influences. However, after gaining independence in the mid-20th century, many African countries faced the legacy of these exploitative relationships, often leaving them economically weak and politically unstable. In recent decades, a resurgence of great power competition has led Russia and China to assert their influence in Africa, often positioning themselves as an alternative to partnership with the West. This has led to a renewed emphasis on relationships with external powers. In fact, this historical context exists and is part of Africa’s current geopolitics, highlighting both the complexity and the reality of the importance of General Langley’s assessment of the continent’s role in the world order. .
General Langley’s Point of View
September 17, 2024 – Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), gave a candid assessment of the challenges facing African countries amid mounting external pressure from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China (China). . In a compelling conversation with the author, Langley argues that both Russia and China are asserting influence, often to the detriment of the rules-based international order, and that Africa is increasingly becoming part of global power competition. He emphasized that it is central.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Langley framed his insights within a broader discussion of engagement with the continent, emphasizing the complex and evolving nature of Africa’s place within the Earth system. Langley noted that Russia and China are deeply involved in Africa, driven by deep strategic and economic interests. Mr Langley pointed to activities such as misinformation campaigns, unbalanced economic practices and adverse mining concessions, saying: “Both countries have their own aspirations for the continent, which are inconsistent with the rules-based international order. There are many,” he said. These actions create a complex situation for African countries seeking to stabilize their economies and governance structures, he explained.
Langley said Russia has been assertive, particularly through activities that challenge the sovereignty and security of African governments. “There are other external players, particularly the People’s Republic of China (China) and the Russian Federation, which bring further complexity,” he said. He elaborated that African countries partnering with the United States face myriad challenges “while striving to strengthen their economies and institutionalize governance,” which often exacerbates tensions in African countries. hinted that Russia was using economic leverage and security partnerships to
Langley sees Africa as a continent with agency and an important voice in shaping the future of the world order. Mr. Langley noted AFRICOM’s success in working together with African Command to address regional security challenges and emphasized the importance of partnerships rooted in mutual respect.
Excerpt from the meeting
The following is an excerpt of the key points discussed at the meeting, closely reflecting General Langley’s original phrasing, while preserving General Langley’s intended meaning and tone, and for brevity and clarity. Minor edits have been made.
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, speaks with White House correspondent Pearl Matibe on September 17, 2024, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Source: U.S. Africa Command.
Pearl Matibe: Now let’s talk about the negative effects. As you mentioned earlier, I said I would go back to cyber, information-related risks, and AFRICOM’s challenges to the Russian Federation and China on the African continent. Could you please comment on that?
General Langley: Yes, we are seeing Chinese signatures trying to penetrate networks across several countries in Africa. Some countries want to protect their networks, while others invest in untrusted networks like Huawei and other Chinese products. We warn them about this. We provide value propositions on how to secure networks and, in some cases, advance the integration of Chinese networks that impact smart cities. Will it protect sovereignty? That’s questionable. That’s why we offer alerts and overall programs like Digital Africa that aim to help build responsible networks that respect privacy.
Matibe: Is (illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing) on the decline in the Gulf of Guinea?
Langley: Not from what I’ve seen. I’m going to a conference to talk about this. Even our African partners have seen significant declines in fishing over the past decade. They don’t have what it takes to protect the exclusive economic zone, so there are a lot of trawlers there. It’s not just China, but China is the biggest player in it. Other countries in these regions also engage in overfishing, hindering conservation efforts in African countries.
Matibe: Is China in the region looking to establish bases beyond the one it already has in Djibouti?
Mr. Langley: We expect China to be actively seeking this. In the marine sector, I think the biggest threat to African countries is illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
Analysis: World order debate
Langley’s perspective resonates with important themes from political theorists such as David A. Lake, Hedley Bull, and Alexander Wendt. Bull’s Anarchy (1977), a classic of international relations theory, views world order as an inherent struggle for balance within an anarchic system. In contrast, Langley emphasized Africa’s role as an active subject, not just a recipient of orders imposed by external forces. Echoing Hedley Bull’s argument, Langley said: “Order is not simply imposed; order is enforced.” It is formed by cooperative action,” consistent with Bull’s belief that a society of states is necessary to maintain order in an anarchic world.
David A. Lake, in The State and International Relations (2008), argues that Langley’s perspective on African subjectivity shows that states, especially those in the Global South, are able to engage in international relations despite institutional constraints. One would think that this is consistent with his claim that it is a subject who can shape the Lake emphasizes that while powerful states often influence global norms, smaller and emerging states such as African countries also have the ability to assert their interests within the world order.
Furthermore, Langley drew parallels with Alexander Wendt’s Anarchy is the Manufacture of States (2004), pushing back against the narrative of the conquest of Africa in the context of great power conflict. Wendt’s approach assumes that the international system is determined not by its inherent anarchy, but by the interactions and social structures that states construct. The author understands this idea and emphasizes, “Africa is not destined to become a pawn in global competition, but African countries are making it possible.”
His remarks prompted reflection on the challenges African countries face in navigating this complex terrain. While many African countries have fostered partnerships with both Western and Eastern powers, they have also developed their own strategies that reflect their own geopolitical realities. Langley’s insistence on agency highlights the growing recognition of Africa’s importance not only from a security perspective but also as a major player in global governance.
The growing interest of major powers in Africa’s natural resources, markets, and strategic locations, combined with the continent’s internal challenges, has become a double-edged sword for many African countries. While some African leaders have warned that this new attention could escalate conflicts and lead to instability, they see an opportunity to use these relationships to strengthen their countries’ development agendas. Some people find that.
In a broader context, Langley’s emphasis on African institutions and strategic partnerships is more closely aligned with Lake and Wendt’s outlook that global dynamics are shaped by interactions rather than being predetermined. matches.
As great power competition continues to unfold on the continent, Langley’s perspective on Africa suggests that the future of the international order may depend not only on the machinations of world powers, but also on the strategic decisions of African states themselves. I am doing it. His insights offer a forward-thinking approach to how Africa can move beyond traditional narratives of competition and carve out a unique place in the world order.
Finally, a consideration.
It seems prudent to prioritize cooperative U.S.-Africa security initiatives. By encouraging American companies to invest, especially in infrastructure and technology, the United States can help African countries better protect their resources for long-term growth. This may help reduce exploitation by foreigners. In any case, Africa is a central figure in the ongoing dialogue about global power and order. General Langley recognizes the aspirations of many African leaders and their understanding of Africa’s importance in shaping the international landscape.
