The U.S.-Algerian relations have long been subject to fluctuation and uncertainty since Algeria’s independence. However, recently after a cabal of neoconservatives was swarmed into the Bush Administration there had been an increasing interest in the country. This paper looks into the rationale of the American unexpected shift of interest towards Algeria in the dawn of the 21st century. It situates the place of this so long neglected country in the design of American neoconservative foreign policy agenda following the 09/11 attacks. The terrorist attacks on the United States and the rise of the neoconservative cabal, undoubtedly changed international relations in significant ways. Those events pushed the United States to alter its policies toward a number of regimes by building a broad “coalition against terrorism”. Washington reached out to countries that until recently were considered hostile or at least not so friendly.
In foreign policy, the neoconservatives do differ from other American politicians and pundits in their intense commitment to the projection of American military and economic power. The agenda of the neoconservatives was based on stretching American influence to protect its vital economic interests by establishing friendly relations with countries that correspond to America’s perspectives.
Although it never constituted a priority for the United States in the past, in recent years Algeria has increasingly become a region of great interest to policymakers in Washington. However, an outstanding interest in the country came with the rise of neoconservatives to power in the Bush Administration. This new significance attached to the country derives from a number of considerations that fall into two broad sets: political and economic energy interests, and military, strategic and security interests. The first are linked to America’s energy needs from oil and gas; and interest in a potentially important market for U.S. businesses, especially since competition has heightened with China in Africa. The second motives are relatively connected to Washington’s reshuffle of strategic and security policies. These increased the need for new ways of managing issues related to security, terrorism and democratization.
Table of Contents
Introduction
US -Algerian Relations in Retrospect
A Promising Future
Algeria in American Binoculars
The Neoconservative Rise and Impact of September 11
Strategic Alliance
Wavering Policies
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the rationale behind the shift in American foreign policy interest toward Algeria at the beginning of the 21st century, specifically focusing on how the neoconservative agenda post-9/11 redefined Algeria's strategic and geopolitical importance to the United States.
- The impact of the 9/11 attacks on U.S. foreign policy toward North Africa.
- The role of energy security and hydrocarbon interests in shaping bilateral relations.
- Algeria's geostrategic significance as a "pivotal state" in the fight against terrorism.
- The complexities and historical mistrust inherent in the U.S.-Algerian relationship.
- The influence of neoconservative political strategy on regional cooperation and democratization efforts.
Excerpt from the Book
The Neoconservative Rise and Impact of September 11
On September 11, came the time to steer America’s rage into an all-out war to destroy America’s despised enemies and foes, the Arab and Islamic rogue states that have resisted US hegemony and loathe Israel. For them, all Islamists (moderates and radicals) want to fight “the American Great Satan” for the supremacy of Islam. Thus, Islamism and militant groups represent a direct threat to regional stability, the fragile democracies of the African continent and the security interests of the United States. In addition, they see Islamism as a global problem that must be dealt with, by, among other actions, supporting the Arab regimes that confront it.
What is peculiar in the case of Algeria is that even those opposed to the Islamists held the Algerian government responsible for the conditions that caused instability in the country, and, practically, for the massacre of thousands of civilians that led to the confrontation with radical Islamist insurgents. When President Bush, after defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan, was looking for a new front in the war on terror, neoconservatives provided differing lists of potential threats. The Wall Street Journal, for example, immediately offered a specific target list, calling for US air strikes on “terrorist camps in Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, and Algeria, and perhaps even in parts of Egypt”. However, Iraq constituted an immediate and most suitable target for them, “it was a brittle oppressive regime that might break easily” as Paul Wolfowitz argued in the War Cabinet.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the shift in U.S. foreign policy following the 9/11 attacks and the emergence of the neoconservative agenda regarding Middle Eastern and North African regimes.
US -Algerian Relations in Retrospect: An analysis of the historical tensions and ideological differences that defined the U.S.-Algerian relationship from the post-independence era through the late 1990s.
A Promising Future: This section explores the normalization of relations in the late 1990s, specifically catalyzed by the election of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Algeria in American Binoculars: Examines the debate over whether Algeria constitutes a "pivotal state" and the growing U.S. interest in its energy resources and regional stability.
The Neoconservative Rise and Impact of September 11: Discusses how the 9/11 events provided the neoconservative faction in Washington with a mandate to reshape relations with Algeria within the framework of the War on Terror.
Strategic Alliance: Analyzes the convergence of energy interests and security goals, particularly under the Cheney plan, which sought to secure alternative energy sources from Africa.
Wavering Policies: Reviews the inconsistencies and ongoing mutual suspicions in the relationship, including disagreements over counter-terrorism measures, the Sahara, and Palestinian rights.
Conclusion: Summarizes the current state of U.S.-Algerian cooperation, noting that despite improved ties, fundamental mistrust remains due to clashing political objectives.
Keywords
Algeria, United States, Neoconservatives, Foreign Policy, Counter-terrorism, Energy Security, Geopolitics, 9/11, Hydrocarbons, Maghreb, Regional Stability, Bilateral Relations, AFRICOM, Democratization, Strategic Alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The work examines the evolution of U.S.-Algerian relations, specifically focusing on the shift in U.S. policy toward Algeria due to neoconservative strategic interests post-9/11.
What are the primary thematic pillars of the research?
The study centers on geopolitics, the securitization of energy interests, the impact of the global War on Terror on regional alliances, and the role of Algeria as a pivotal state.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to explain the rationale behind the unexpected U.S. pivot toward Algeria at the turn of the 21st century and how this was driven by a specific neoconservative agenda.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes a political science and international relations approach, employing historical analysis and policy evaluation to synthesize the interaction between the two nations.
What topics are covered in the main section of the book?
The text covers historical bilateral tensions, the rise of the neoconservative faction in the Bush administration, energy policies, the impact of 9/11, and ongoing security cooperation efforts.
How would you characterize the keywords defining this work?
The keywords highlight the intersection of security (Counter-terrorism), resources (Hydrocarbons), and power dynamics (Geopolitics, Neoconservatives) within North Africa.
How did the 9/11 attacks specifically alter the U.S.-Algeria dynamic?
The attacks shifted Algeria from a peripheral state to a strategic partner in the War on Terror, allowing the regime in Algiers to integrate into the U.S. security framework while pursuing its own domestic goals.
Why does the author consider the neoconservative influence crucial?
The neoconservative faction advocated for a more aggressive foreign policy that prioritized energy security and regime alignment, which significantly dictated how Washington engaged with Algeria's resources and security landscape.
Does the book suggest that the two nations are now fully aligned?
No, the author argues that while security cooperation has increased, deep-seated mistrust remains regarding regional conflicts, human rights, and differing views on Western hegemony.
- Citation du texte
- Abdelkrim Dekhakhena (Auteur), 2012, The Position of Algeria in the Neoconservative Agenda from Bush to Obama, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/276380
