Foreign Intervention in Africa: From the Cold War to the War on Terror

Elizabeth Schmidt's Foreign Intervention in Africa examines external involvement in African conflicts from the 1950s to the present day. The book traces the actions of foreign powers during the continent's independence movements, regional conflicts, and civil wars. The analysis covers interventions by the United States, Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and former European colonial powers. Schmidt presents case studies from regions across Africa, documenting military operations, economic pressure, and political influence campaigns. The work incorporates archival records, government documents, and firsthand accounts to reconstruct the complex web of international relationships. The narrative follows both overt military actions and covert operations carried out by various state actors. Through its examination of decades of foreign involvement in Africa, the book reveals patterns of intervention that continue to shape international relations and regional stability today. The text serves as both a historical record and an analytical framework for understanding modern geopolitical dynamics in Africa.

Readers describe this as a detailed reference book that connects Cold War politics to modern African conflicts. Many note its value as a comprehensive overview for students and researchers. Likes: - Clear organization by region and timeline - Extensive documentation and sources - Balanced coverage of different foreign powers' roles - Makes complex conflicts understandable - Useful maps and chronologies Dislikes: - Academic writing style can be dry - Some readers wanted more analysis of cultural impacts - Limited coverage of pre-1950s events - Focus on political/military events over social factors Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (15 ratings) Multiple academic reviewers praised the book's use as a teaching text. One Goodreads reviewer noted: "Perfect primer for understanding foreign intervention in post-colonial Africa." An Amazon reviewer criticized that "certain regions like North Africa receive less attention than others."

Africa: A Modern History by Roland Oliver, Anthony Atmore This comprehensive examination of post-colonial Africa traces the impact of international powers and external influences on the continent's political development from 1945-2000.

The Cold War in Africa by Philip E. Muehlenbeck This analysis documents how both Soviet and American interventions shaped African politics through military aid, economic policies, and diplomatic relations during the Cold War period.

Ghost Wars by Steve Coll The book details the CIA's involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion through 2001, revealing patterns of foreign intervention similar to those seen in Africa.

The Looting Machine by Tom Burgis This investigation exposes how foreign powers and multinational corporations continue to extract Africa's resources through modern economic and political mechanisms.

Empire's Workshop by Greg Grandin The book examines U.S. intervention policies in Latin America, providing parallel examples of Cold War-era foreign involvement in developing regions.

🌍 Despite formal independence, 49 African nations experienced over 200 military coups between 1956 and 2001, many of which were influenced by foreign powers seeking to maintain control over the continent's resources. 🎓 Elizabeth Schmidt is a professor emerita of history at Loyola University Maryland and has spent more than 40 years studying African history and politics, including extensive field research in several African nations. 💭 The book reveals how Cold War rivalries led the United States to support controversial leaders like Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), who embezzled an estimated $4-15 billion during his 32-year rule. 🗺️ Foreign intervention in Africa shifted dramatically after the Cold War, with humanitarian concerns often serving as justification for military intervention, though economic and strategic interests remained key motivators. 📚 The book challenges the common narrative that Africa's conflicts are primarily tribal or ethnic in nature, demonstrating how foreign intervention has played a crucial role in creating and sustaining many of the continent's challenges.