President Obama’s Diplomatic Style Toward Africa Putting...

A NEW APPROACH TO AFRICA The world was watching as the son of an African settled into his position in the oval office. And it did not take long for the world to find reason to be disappointed. Within the first year of his presidency journalists in Africa, Europe, and the U.S. were reporting on his lack of involvement with Africa. Comparisons between Bush and Obama were focused on foreign assistance and the HIV/AIDS relief program. Many were wondering why there was no ground breaking initiative from Washington to Africa and these questions have turned to abandon in his second term. It would not be wrong to say that George W. Bush probably did more for this continent. Theres a growing realization that Obama has no desire to be some kind†¦show more content†¦There are many aspects of Obama’s style that are reminiscent of his predecessors and we see many initiatives and policies that Bush and Clinton enacted that Obama is in full support of. But there is a great deal of c hange in the presidential style when it comes to engagement with African nations, leaders, and citizens. Obama’s rhetoric has always had a sense of affection and trust for the African people. Like a parent or older sibling, he deeply understands that hovering is never as powerful as confidence and faith in a person’s ability to do the right thing and prosper. Obama is entrusting the future of Africa to Africans themselves and he expects them to fully own this responsibility. His statements from long before his presidency have shown this belief. In 2006 he told the Associated Press that, Ultimately, a new generation of Africans have to recognize the international community, the international relief organizations or the United States cant help Africa if its own leaders are undermining the possibilities of progress. This is a hard message for people all over the world to swallow when the opposing message of giving alms to this, the poorest of continents, is a message str ongly promoted by celebrities and governments alike. But with evidence revealing that aid can actually deepen the poverty of Africans and slows the growth of nations, perhaps this new approach is a breath of fresh air for everyone. In the last decade a flood of research