Programs

The Atlantic Council’s Africa Center promotes dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and helps redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

Content

In the News

Oct 16, 2017

Dr. J Peter Pham Joins BBC to Discuss Terrorist Attack in Somalia

By Dr. J Peter Pham

Watch the full discussion here.

Somalia

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Oct 12, 2017

Women’s rights in Morocco: Balancing domestic and international law

By Leila Hanafi and Danielle Hites

Despite Morocco’s many legal advances in women’s rights, its lack of effective implementation and the existence of legislative loopholes undermines its reputation as an open, tolerant, and progressive country. In recent months, Morocco’s human rights record has come under the scrutiny of international organizations, notably the UN Human Rights Council latest UPR. Morocco’s questionable human […]

Human Rights Morocco

MENASource

Oct 11, 2017

The limits of democratization in Morocco

By Dr. Nabeel Khoury

The demonstrations, police repression, and continued violence in al-Hoceima in the northern Rif region of Morocco bring back not only the rebellious past of that region, but also memories among Moroccans of Hassan II’s repression—the so-called years of lead. The events also bring the country full circle back to the beginning of the Arab uprising […]

Democratic Transitions Morocco

New Atlanticist

Oct 6, 2017

Lifting of US Sanctions on Sudan Seen as Positive Step Toward Re-engagement

The United States’ decision to lift the sanctions on Sudan, citing progress made on counterterrorism and humanitarian efforts, indicates Washington’s understanding that cooperation with Khartoum will best serve the interests of both countries, according to an Atlantic Council analyst. “This decision reflects the conviction that engagement, rather than isolation, is more likely to advance US […]

Sudan

In the News

Oct 5, 2017

Pham Joins PBS to Discuss US Soldiers Ambushed in Niger

By J. Peter Pham

Watch the full discussion here.

North & West Africa Sahel

In the News

Oct 5, 2017

Pham Joins PRI to Discuss US Special Forces Soldiers Die in Niger

By J. Peter Pham

Listen to the full discussion here.

North & West Africa Sahel

Event Recap

Oct 5, 2017

Briefing on the Electoral Commission’s plans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

By Africa Center

On Thursday, October 5, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted an exclusive briefing with Mr. Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, President of the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Atlantic Council Vice President and Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham welcomed guests and introduced Mr. Nangaa. In his remarks, Mr. […]

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the News

Oct 4, 2017

Pham Quoted in New York Times on Militants in Niger

By Peter Pham

Read the full article here.

North & West Africa Sahel

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Oct 4, 2017

US strategy toward China’s belt and road initiative

By Gal Luft

The balance in Eurasia is shifting. China’s President Xi Jinping has ambitious visions for Asia, while the rest of the world reshuffles to find its place in the rapidly changing global order. The United States would be better off engaging with the BRI and trying to influence its design and mechanics from within, rather than staying on the sidelines and witnessing its allies gravitating toward China.

Africa China

Defense Industrialist

Oct 3, 2017

The military implications of Catalonian secession—an update

By James Hasik

assuming that Catalonia was admitted to NATO, what would the newly independent country contribute? At the 2014 Strategic Foresight Forum at the Atlantic Council, Anne Marie Slaughter of the New America Foundation opined that an independent Catalonia would do a fine job of defending itself. After all, Catalonia is a country of over 7 million people, with more than $300 billion in GDP. Spending just 1.6% of that—well below the widely-ignored NATO threshold, of course—provides over $4.5 billion annually. y de-emphasizing the military forces that any landlocked country will have, and instead steering investments towards those it is comparatively positioned to provide, Catalonia could punch above its weight in European political affairs.

Defense Policy Eastern Europe

Experts

Events