Beyond Humanitarianism: What You Need to Know about Africa and Why It Matters

by Princeton N. Lyman (Introduction)

Currently, 15 percent of U.S. oil imports come from Africa--as much as from the Middle East--and the continent is poised to double its output over the coming decade. It has become the focus of attention from countries like China, which now imports more oil from Angola than from Saudi Arabia. In addition, Africa is rising in importance in trade, international security, democracy promotion, and efforts to tackle worldwide concerns about global health and poverty. The Council on Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs present Beyond Humanitarianism , a compilation of recent work on Africa. This citizen's guide to the complex issues and conflicts on the continent clarifies what s at stake in Africa's future. It addresses underlying trends--such as the growth of democracy, the rising activity of China, and the political and economic prospects for the countries of Africa, as well as regional conflicts and terrorist threats there--and provides an absorbing look at Africa's emergence as a strategic player. A Caravan Project Book

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Economics, Politics

252 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Félix Tremblay · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is propaganda. Or quite naive. The author seems to believe that war is fought for freedom and democracy, and that some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world would spend their own money and time for a global cause because they care so much. There's barely any mention of any president, but there is the obligatory chapter on Trump and how he changed things. Also, Biden's election is deemed historic by the author.

He uses the word "Latinx", which I hate. No spanish-speaking people can pronounce that word. It was made up by white people and forced upon a community of people by racist liberals. He talks a lot about inequality, probably too much for a book that is not about equality, but he makes the common mistake to believe inequality equals injustice.

He argues the dummest, most far-reaching conspiracy theory about the CFR, the one that nobody actually believes, to dismiss all the other theories that actually make sense, like the CFR is staffed with rich people who want to enlarge their bank account way more than they want to help the destitute, and that they use foreign policy to this end.

This book is made for the gullible mind who watches a lot of mainstream media.

[Frank Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a proud member of the Council on Foreign Relations, I was delighted they published this short tome on its 100th anniversary. It truly is a remarkable institution - and this short history encapsulates the impact the CFR has had on history.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of organization’s history and past leadership.

[Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful overview of the history of CFR, starting with "the Inquiry" which accompanied Woodrow Wilson to negotiate peace at the end of World War I and carrying to through to the pandemic of 2020. It is an easy read for anyone interested in that history, or in seeing how the organization that shows up in so many conspiracy theories sees itself. It doesn't go deep nor challenge the role of such independent, elite, expertise organizations, but it does discuss how an institution that started as a 'rich man's club' could evolve into such a useful organization.

The book was commissioned by CFR as part of its Centennial celebration, and has some of the problems of a book that is sponsored by its subject. It does a fair job of dealing with the organization's challenges in becoming a more diverse and democratic organization as the society changed, and how it has remained relevant in encouraging non-partisan debate about foreign policy. After talking with people who lived through the addition of women and people of color to the Council, I think this shows a true by overly triumphant view of how the Council adjusted.

I read the book because I am spending a year at the Council as visiting Fellow, and wanted a quick overview of what the Council has done over time. The book works well for that, and fills a niche not well handled by the unauthorized books that address the council, whether historically strong or conspiratorial. (BTW, CFR has a whole web site section devoted to conspiracy theories about the organization.)

I think the strongest part of the book is its coverage of how the Council dealt with the controversies and trama of Vietnam, which had split the politics and the cadre of experts. The Council, as a place that focused on civil policy debates, served as one of the places of healing for the fractured national security elite, and, IMHO, that may have been one of its greatest achievements.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of articles that appeared in "Foreign Affairs" about Africa. The central theme is that Africa is changing from being seen as primarily a humanitarian problem in the world community to engaging in the full range of foreign policy.

The book would be useful to anyone wanting to learn more about Africa. Since it is a collection of essays, the overall effect is somewhat uneven, with some countries covered in depth and others hardly at all. However, the collection as a whole is interesting and a good starting place for learning more about this fascinating continent.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This compulation of essays, some outdated, gives a brief overview of where and why the USA should be interested in Africa. It is a pratical read, good for policy makers - whom I assume it was written for.

[Rishi Garg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit wonk-ish in its policy recommendations but a good statement that the US ought to engage Africa on a number of strategic foreign policy matters. A bit more historical context may have made each regional essay more interesting.

[Geoff M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only a short history of CFR, but also a short history of US foreign policy over the past century. Discusses the positives and negatives of the Council. Showed how the Council had to change for it to hold its relevance in an ever changing world

[Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on Africa, short read.

[Patricia Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and straight to the point.