ARTICLE

DIGITAL DIPLOMACY ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF US COUNTERTERRORISM INITIATIVES IN AFRICA

05 Pages : 36-42

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/girr.2023(VI-III).05      10.31703/girr.2023(VI-III).05      Published : Sep 2023

Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa

    Terrorism has rapidly become a new strategy of warfare and a critical security challenge, both in Africa and worldwide, in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. Terrorism has continued to undermine people's fundamental human rights both directly and indirectly on the African continent, for example, contributing to large numbers of people being forcibly displaced from their homes or nations. Currently, there is a fast-expanding trend of terrorist operations throughout Africa, notably in the eastern, northern, and western areas. This article examines US counterterrorism initiatives in Africa via the prism of media tactics. This article delves into the complex network of digital communication strategies used by the US, illustrating how media is strategically used to support diplomatic efforts in Africa by influencing attitudes, shaping narratives, and shaping perceptions.

    African Continent, USA, Terrorism, Media, Digital Diplomacy, Human Rights, Regional Security Complex
    (1) Arsha Saleem Meer
    Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Adejumo, T. O., Adams, J. A., & Abumbe, G. (2022). Terrorism and Abrahamic Religious Tradition: A Focus on Boko-Haram Islamic Fundamentalism in the North-Eastern Nigeria.  https://ssrn.com/abstract=4146823 

  • Afzal, S., Iqbal, H., & Inayay, M. (2012). Terrorism and extremism as a non-traditional security threat post 9/11: Implications for Pakistan's security. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(24).  https:/doi.org/10.47205/jdss.2023(4-III)19  
  • Agbalajobi, D. (2021). Africa in Peacekeeping Operations in a Changing Global Order. Springer. 
  • Apuuli, K. (2021). The African Union and Peacekeeping in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. In Africa and the Formation of the New System of International Relations (pp. 169-181). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77336-6_12 
  • Arslan, F. E. (2022). Sahel region: New battleground for international coalitions, terror groups. Anadolu Ajansı. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sahel-region-new-battleground-for-international-coalitions-terror-groups/2661709 
  • Bamako. (2021). Sahel: End Abuses in Counterterrorism Operations. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/02/13/sahel-end-abuses-counterterrorism-operations 
  • Bamako. (2021). Sahel: End Abuses in Counterterrorism Operations. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/02/13/sahel-end-abuses-counterterrorism-operations 
  • Bangura, I., & Mbawa, H. (2023). Emerging Trends: DDR and Countering Violent Extremism in Africa. Disarmament, Demobilisation & Reintegration of Ex-Combatants in Africa, 86-102. 

  • Bassey, O. B. (2023). Leadership and the success of African integration and development agenda: Juxtaposing the African continental free trade area-afcfta and agenda 2063.  https://doi.org/10.52589/AJSSHR-QBOEBIGD 
  • Craft, K. (2020). Remarks at a UN Security Council Open Debate on Counterterrorism and Violent Extremism in Africa. United States Mission to the United Nations. https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-open-debate-on-counterterrorism-and-violent-extremism-in-africa/ 
  • Harkema, E. S. (2014). US Counterterrorism Strategy in Africa. 
  • Hassan, M. Z. (2021). Explaining the resilience of Boko Haram’s insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. South African Journal of International Affairs, 1-18.  https://doi.org/10.1080/10220461.2021.1927822 
  • Okumu, W., Atta-Asamoah, A., & Sharamo, R. D. (2020). Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020: Achievements, opportunities and challenges. Institute for Security Studies Monographs, 2020(203), 1-60. 
  • Oluwole

  • Pamuk, H. (2020). U.S. creates new envoy position to counter rising terrorism in Sahel. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-sahel/u-s-creates-new-envoy-position-to-counter-rising-terrorism-in-sahel-idUSKBN20T2ZJ 

Cite this article

    CHICAGO : Meer, Arsha Saleem. 2023. "Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa." Global International Relations Review, VI (III): 36-42 doi: 10.31703/girr.2023(VI-III).05
    HARVARD : MEER, A. S. 2023. Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa. Global International Relations Review, VI, 36-42.
    MHRA : Meer, Arsha Saleem. 2023. "Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa." Global International Relations Review, VI: 36-42
    MLA : Meer, Arsha Saleem. "Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa." Global International Relations Review, VI.III (2023): 36-42 Print.
    OXFORD : Meer, Arsha Saleem (2023), "Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa", Global International Relations Review, VI (III), 36-42
    TURABIAN : Meer, Arsha Saleem. "Digital Diplomacy: Assessing the Impact of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives in Africa." Global International Relations Review VI, no. III (2023): 36-42. https://doi.org/10.31703/girr.2023(VI-III).05