Virtual Meeting

Virtual Roundtable: Major Power Rivalry in Africa

Thursday, June 10, 2021
Leon Neal/Reuters
Speakers
Michelle Gavin

Senior Fellow for Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

Mzukisi Qobo

Head, Wits School of Governance, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

Presider
Paul B. Stares

General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action, Council on Foreign Relations

Center for Preventive Action, Africa Program, and Managing Global Disorder

Although major power competition on the African continent is a reality, it should not dominate the Biden administration’s vision for U.S.-Africa relations, argues Michelle Gavin in her new paper Major Power Rivalry in Africa, for the Managing Global Disorder Discussion Paper series. Speakers discuss how the Biden administration can pursue strategic partnerships that align African aspirations and U.S. interests while managing competition with China.

Top Stories on CFR

Globalization

Globalization Strikes Back
The ongoing pandemic and global climate-related disasters demonstrate the inadequacy of efforts to address the problematic aspects of globalization.

Article by Richard N. Haass July 26, 2021

Ethiopia

Risks Grow as Tigray Conflict Enters New Phase
The conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, far from over following the federal government's declaration of a ceasefire and Tigrayan fighters' capture of Mekelle, is entering an anxious new phase.

Blog Post by Michelle Gavin July 22, 2021 Africa in Transition

Climate Change

The EU Green Deal Just Raised the Bar on Climate Policy
When it comes to climate change diplomacy, the European Union is the world’s heavy hitter. But the ultimate fate of their new Fit for 55 plan will depend on three factors. 

Article by Stewart M. Patrick July 22, 2021 International Institutions and Global Governance Program