How Should the United States Shape Training for Those Countries That Are in the Support of the African Crisis Response Initiative

Historically Africa has been viewed as a continent with little strategic significance to the United States. As a result the United States has enacted ad hoc policies towards Africa. However, in the emerging 21st century strategic landscape Africa will become a national interest to the United States. Africa is a dynamic continent rich with raw materials and minerals used by countries all over the world. These minerals are essential to the industrial and technological growth of the United States. A peacekeeping force capable of prosecuting peacekeeping and peace enforcement mission provides security and stability for these interests. Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher launched the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI) in October 1996. The initiative was to work with international partners and African nations to enhance African peacekeeping and humanitarian relief capacity.