Africa in Perspective 2004

Schedule:

In recent months, the tragic stories of war, massacres, and disease in Africa have swept headlines across the globe. This barrage of disturbing news has illuminated the challenges of a struggling continent rich in natural resources but unable to achieve prosperity for its people.

One key explanation for these problems is public health. With over 25 million Africans likely infected with the AIDS virus, and 2.5 million dying annually from Malaria, it is exceeding difficult to achieve any kind of stability.

Another major challenge is economic. Since the end of colonialism, Africa’s economic development has generally remained stagnant, and has suffered under both domestic and foreign trade barriers. USAID and the World Bank have launched numerous programs to stimulate growth, but have not seen lasting results.

In an effort to begin tackling these problems, African leaders formed the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) to present vision of how Africa can develop and integrate into the world economy. But is this new institution the answer? Can it harness the resources to bring prosperity to its members?

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is offering this course to provide Congressional Staffers with an economic and historical perspective on the problems facing Africa. This program will help policymakers address such questions as:

• How does Africa’s colonial history and political structure affect its present day problems?
• What should be the role of foreign aid in combating AIDS and malaria?
• Should the west support the New Economic Partnership for African Development?
• What role should the US play in stimulating economic growth in Africa?