Utilizing the Elements of National Power to Predict Ungoverned Space

The greatest threat to stability in Africa is the increase in transnational terrorist groups and criminals that occupy the ungoverned spaces. African nations suffer from the inability of the African governments to secure their borders and protect their citizens. The situation creates problems not only for Africa but also for the remainder of the world. The way to mitigate the risk of transnational terrorists and other violent non-state actors is to take away the conditions that lead to ungoverned space. The United States must identify the African nations with the greatest potential for change. The way to identify these nations is by accessing the strength of their national powers. Enhancing the diplomatic, informational, economic, and law enforcement powers allows the nations to focus personnel and resources towards the goal of removing ungoverned space from the African continent. Once the sanctuary is removed, the transnational terrorist will be identified and eliminated. The result is a stable African continent whose nations are better established and able to connect to the remainder of the global community.