Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
DOI
10.25776/cy9g-vd34
Pages
1-17 pp.
Abstract
As the United States seeks to position itself in an increasingly competitive world, Africa has emerged as an increasingly key arena of great power competition where the United States, China, and Russia are competing to determine the nature of political norms, economic governance and security architecture on the continent.
The combination of growing transnational threats (such as terrorism, pandemics, climate-related instability, and digital vulnerability), and growing authoritarianism, has transformed the continent into a testbed for competing visions of international order. In light of this backdrop, this paper posits that the United States must pursue a strategy of sustained strategic openness in order to effectively promote and protect its interests in Africa and to support African agency.
Drawing upon recent developments, theoretical debates in grand strategy, and multi-case studies, the paper argues that strategic openness — defined as the use of transparent governance, institutional resilience, information sharing, and strengthened multilateral partnerships represents the best available means to counteract the effects of authoritarian fragmentation, mitigate borderless threats, and preserve the liberal international order. Further, the paper critiques the limits of restraint, offshore balancing, and episodic engagement arguing that these approaches create vacuums that are exploited by coercive external actors.
Ultimately, the paper asserts that strategic openness is a necessary component of durable alliance-building and institutionally strengthening African institutions; however, it is equally a long-term investment in global stability, legitimacy, and U.S. leadership in the 21st century.
Rights
© 2026 Chick Edmond.
Included with kind permission of the author.
ORCID
0009-0006-9633-0945 (Edmond)
Original Publication Citation
Edmond, C. (2026). Great power competition in Africa: Sustaining openness amidst transnational threats and authoritarian fragmentation. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.25776/cy9g-vd34
Repository Citation
Edmond, Chick, "Great Power Competition in Africa: Sustaining Openness Amidst Transnational Threats and Authoritarian Fragmentation" (2026). Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications. 91.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/politicalscience_geography_pubs/91
Included in
African Studies Commons, Comparative Politics Commons, Defense and Security Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons