Militarization "creeps" into foreign policy

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to discuss the role of our nation's military in foreign policy. In particular, the hearing focused on the evolving relationship between the Department of Defense and the State Department in dealing with foreign affairs.

Both Deputy Secretary John Negroponte and Under Secretary for Defense Eric Edelman agreed that the role of the two departments were becoming increasingly intertwined, and both are adapting well to the new changes. Edelman said that unique military situations like those in Iraq and Afghanistan require military personnel to assume roles with which they are not accustomed. He went on to say that traditional state conflict is no longer the only form of international conflict, but rather combatants within the states are providing difficulties. These situations become more complicated when the governments of these combatants themselves are US allies.

This shift in relations is exemplified by the creation of groups like United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Both engage in humanitarian and military duties. However, several members of the panel expressed concern over the "militarization" of foreign policy, which could jeopardize America's global image and effectiveness. Edelman and Negroponte remained confident that both departments could maintain their roles without such issues, and asked the committee for increased funding for the fiscal year 2009 to expand their efforts.

AFRICOM has diplomatic goals

The status and future of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was discussed at The Brookings Institution by Vice Admiral Robert Moeller, deputy to the commander for military operations. AFRICOM, currently a sub-unified command of the United States European Command (EUCOM), will assume control on Oct. 1, 2008. Tasks currently handled by other unified commands, such as presence in the Horn of Africa, will transfer to AFRICOM on this date. Moeller said that AFRICOM will provide a primary focus on Africa for the United States military, a focus that is currently split between three unified commands. Currently, 500 individuals work for AFRICOM with a goal of 1,300 by fiscal year 2009.

According to Moeller, AFRICOM will work to prevent conflicts by engaging African states through an inter-agency partnership. Alongside the Department of Defense, other areas of the US government, such as the Department of State and the Department of Commerce, will work to assist African states in the development of intelligence and infrastructure. AFRICOM will also provide humanitarian assistance when requested. Moeller stressed that AFRICOM means to aid African partners as needed and that the United States military will not involve itself “if not invited” since a military engagement would require a change in US policy.

Currently, the headquarters of AFRICOM is located in Stuttgart, Germany. Moeller said that an African location for AFRICOM may be realized in years to come but that current military representation in African embassies is a sufficient presence. In addition, Moeller said that future discussions with African partners would be the best way to determine if an increased presence on the continent is necessary.

Today at Talk Radio News

Today at Talk Radio News Service the Washington Bureau will be covering an event with the Brooking's Institute about the aims, status and future mission for United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). As well as an address by Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus, a discussion with a Holocaust survivor entitled "Under Three Empires: The Thorns and Roses of Life." Also to be covered is a policy forum at the Cato Institute on "Relief from Gridlock: Surface Transportation Reauthorization in 2009."