Promoting U.S. Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa - (International Political Economy) by R Hendrickson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Addressing an under-studied aspect of U.S. foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa, Roshen Hendrickson provides a critical historical analysis of efforts to promote private investment in the region since World War II. The author investigates the role of institutions such as the United States Agency for International Development, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and bills such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act. She draws attention to the way strategic factors, domestic pressures and ideas about the role of U.S. investment in Africa influenced policymakers during the Cold War and post Cold War periods. Examples of government assistance to private investors highlight trends in bilateral policies and point to the necessity for the United States to contribute to global governance that will enable private investment to play a role in promoting sustainable economic growth in Africa.

Book Synopsis

Addressing an under-studied aspect of U.S. foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa, Hendrickson provides a critical historical analysis of institutions designed to promote private investment in the region. She draws attention to the interaction between strategic factors, domestic interests, and the ideas used to achieve consensus on policy.

Review Quotes

"The thrust of this exceptional book is clear and unambiguous: Africa is a land of opportunity with respect to the core economic interests of the United States. Hendrickson proves to have mastery of a complex subject, with strong indicators for both gains and challenges while also exhibiting a wonderfully unusual sympathy for the African side in the long encounter of inequality. This is an extraordinary book grounded in data, rich in detail, judicious in its evaluations, and sensible in its conclusions. It will surely make it into classrooms as well as onto the desks of influential policy makers and analysts." - Toyin Falola, University Distinguished Teaching Professor and Jacob and Frances Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, the University of Texas at Austin, USA

About the Author

Roshen Hendrickson is Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Political Science and Global Affairs of the College of Staten Island (CUNY), New York, USA.