Part 2: Trendlines and Transformations in African Democratic Governance: Lessons for 21st-Century US-Africa Relations

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, the Wilson Center Africa Program, in partnership with the Social Science Research Council African Peacebuilding Network and Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa program, is hosting the second event in the series on the Trendlines and Transformations in African Democratic Governance: Lessons for 21st Century US-Africa Relations. 

The discussion focuses on geopolitical shifts and evolving global actors in Africa and their interactions with and implications for US-Africa relations. Middle and emerging powers are playing an increasingly prominent role in conflict and security dynamics with direct implications on governance and security. Paramilitary and internationally sponsored conflict actors are taking advantage of the dire security and economic situations to provide repressive and manipulative capabilities to governments and warring parties.  

The increased international presence and multitude of actors engaging in political and conflict dynamics are further complicated by shifting geopolitics, which contributes to uncertainty about responses to the existing and emerging challenges at the intersection of security and governance. While there has been greater inclusion of the African Union (AU) in global forums like the G20 and the UN, the AU’s relationship with African regional economic communities (RECs) will be vital. However, current challenges to the structures and mandates of RECs like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) raise the question of the efficacy of African inclusion in these forums if the continent continues to face security and governance challenges. Similarly, newer multilateral forums like BRICS continue advancing different agendas that potentially compete with US interests. It is unclear how prominent African powers, like Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia, will evolve in their relationship with the United States and Europe and what impact that might have on Africa’s global engagement more broadly. 

This second event features African researchers and thought leaders sharing insights on how these geopolitical trends influence democratic governance across Africa and the emerging opportunities and challenges these trends pose to US-Africa relations.  

**additional speakers to be added**