The Bush Administration's Oil Policy On Africa And Its Influence On The National Security Of The United States

The United States is now the largest oil-consuming country in the world. It has become gradually dependent on oil imports from the biggest oil-producing region-the Middle East. The frequent ethnic conflicts and religious problems tightened the in this region relationship between the United States and the Persian Gulf countries. In the wake of 9.11, the United States began to multiply its anti-terror efforts and to seek additional oil supplies with the purpose of reducing oil dependency on the Middle East. In consequence, the Untied States started to divert part of its attention to Africa especially the oil-rich West Africa.Africa is strategically valuable to the United States in two respects: oil and anti-terrorism. On the one hand, Africa is an important emerging market player in the world's oil market for its rich proven oil reserves and promising oil output. On the other hand, the Pentagon believes that prevailing poverty and internal discord on the African continent are likely to provide a breeding ground for terrorism. Therefore, African countries are viewed by the United States as important partners in global war on terrorism.The militarized policy on African oil of the United States secures the country's access to African oil and enhances the anti-terror capacities of the African countries. However, the US'deep military involvement in Africa tends to develop anti-American sentiment of the opposition forces in Africa. Therefore, how to avoid the creation of potential national security threats by increased military efforts might be worth considering for the Bush Administration.