American foreign policy and the continent of Africa do not go hand in hand. Very little of our foreign policy has anything to do with this ancestral land. At least one-tenth of the American population came to America in slave ships from Africa (Booker 88). This fact shows that many American citizens trace their heritage back to Africa.

First, it is important to start with a general background of Africa, the continent itself. Africa is home to fifty-three sovereign nations and 800 million people (88). In

the 222 years of U.S. history, no American president had ever made an extensive visit to Africa until President Clinton (88). This fact is interesting because Africa represents enormous size in the areas of population and geography. Within Africa, many countries exist. It is not a country that has the potential to be overlooked physically. Yet, somehow it seems as though American foreign policy has overlooked this land completely. In a time when our nation's leaders visit the Middle East and Europe on almost a daily basis, Africa has been forgotten.

Clinton's recent visit to Africa becomes all the more important because this is the most promising period for Africa since African independence forty years ago (88). This visit shows that it is now time for American foreign policy to take the necessary steps towards a peaceful and respectful relationship with Africa. In the past eight years Africa has celebrated the independence of Namibia and Eritrea; an end to the war in Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Liberia; a peace agreement in Angola; as well as democratic majority rule in South Africa (88). It is obvious that Africa is experiencing political, social, and economic change.

The specific reason as to why Africa is such a complex and sometimes overlooked part of American foreign policy lies in a major difference between the two nations. The difference is that Africa is a continent and the U.S. is a country. Within Africa many countries exist. Each separate country deals with its own turmoil. Therefore the economic, political, and social development of each country within Africa is very different.

Part of American foreign policy deals with the belief in the spread of democracy. Clinton's visit was based on America's national interest to spread democracy. This ideal can be viewed as a positive one because it enables Africa to become involved with new opportunities for trade. Along with trade come the issues of peacekeeping and debt. Many of the nations are currently in war-like situations that have altogether stopped trade and caused debt. Because of these facts, American foreign policy has devised a "new Africa policy." As stated by writer Salih Booker this policy will "promote greater private business involvement in Africa" (88). The potential results from this policy can affect trade incentives. A separate result could create democratic political change and military peacekeeping.

American Foreign Policy. New York: Crown Publishers. Sixth Ed

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Approximate Word count = 1674
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)