PO 5220 - Regional Studies: Africa

Colonialism, tribalism, sexism, and racism combined with natural resources, cultural, and ecological riches intersect in one of the most complex geopolitical environments on the planet, Africa. 

In this course, students will cover the history, gender roles, political economy, Chinese influence, illicit trafficking, and instruments of US government power to inform a simulated strategic recommendation for the Lake Victoria region of East Africa.

Students will model an Interagency Policy Committee process and create a recommendation for a principal for the US president.  In this simulation, the African continent is a strategic battleground upon which modern great power competition is unfolding, and the US National Security Council needs help to formulate a strategy, founded in Africa’s history and culture, to position the US to compete against its adversaries and to facilitate economic and social opportunities for Africans. 

Join us for this challenging and complex course modeled on real life policy making processes for an in-depth look at the East Africa region and the geopolitical factors that drive its progress and the influence of outside powers. Credits: 4