Smart Power for Hard Problems: The Role of Special Operation Forces Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights in Africa

1 U. Balt. J. Int'l L. 154 et. seq. (2013)

30 Pages Posted: 12 Jul 2013

See all articles by Kevin H. Govern

Kevin H. Govern

Ave Maria University - Ave Maria School of Law

Date Written: July 10, 2013

Abstract

This article will assess the roles and responsibilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF) within the newly created U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as an active proponent of a so-called "smart power" national security strategy. In particular, it will outline the economic, political, and military challenges faced in Africa; specifically, how and why SOCAFRICA is the U.S. force of choice for promoting human rights and rule of law in Africa. With the goals of the U.S. military in mind, questions will necessarily arise as to "what success looks like" for both the U.S. and African nations, and the roles of each in joint and combined civil–military initiatives. The concluding comments reflect on how these forces must model "what right looks like," and provide specific modeling failures, and the consequences when that modeling did not take place.

Keywords: Africa, Human Rights, Rule of Law, Special Operations Forces, SOF, U.S. Africa Command, AFRICOM, Special Operations Command Africa, SOCAFRICA, Smart power, Diplomacy, Economics, Military, Foreign Affairs, Civil-Military

JEL Classification: H56, N47, O55

Suggested Citation

Govern, Kevin H., Smart Power for Hard Problems: The Role of Special Operation Forces Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights in Africa (July 10, 2013). 1 U. Balt. J. Int'l L. 154 et. seq. (2013), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2292716

Kevin H. Govern (Contact Author)

Ave Maria University - Ave Maria School of Law ( email )

1025 Commons Circle
Naples, FL 34119
United States
(239) 687-5390 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.avemarialaw.edu/faculty/kevin-h-govern/

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