Perhaps the defining factor will be the contenders' ability to bring in external sources of financing, technology and expertise. This is where relationships with the United States, the European Union and individual European states such as France will make a difference. African countries with close military ties to Washington, such as Kenya and Nigeria, may have a better chance of getting elected as regional security leaders because of the opportunity for technology transfers, military assistance and training with the United States.
Under the auspices of the African Crisis Response Initiative, a Clinton-era program intended to train African militaries for peacekeeping operations, countries like Kenya and Senegal could conceivably become regional proxies for U.S. military concerns over the continent. However, the initiative still does not reflect the full military strategy of the United States, especially in post-Sept. 11 military planning. This is why Washington would also prefer that more powerful U.S. allies like South Africa and Nigeria gain control of continental peacekeeping decisions.
Under the auspices of the African Crisis Response Initiative, a Clinton-era program intended to train African militaries for peacekeeping operations, countries like Kenya and Senegal could conceivably become regional proxies for U.S. military concerns over the continent. However, the initiative still does not reflect the full military strategy of the United States, especially in post-Sept. 11 military planning. This is why Washington would also prefer that more powerful U.S. allies like South Africa and Nigeria gain control of continental peacekeeping decisions.