China's Increasing Influence in Tunisia: Implications for U.S. National Security

ABSTRACT

Africa remains relevant to U.S. national security strategy, particularly in the context of great power competition. In the 2017 National Security Strategy, the U.S. classifies China as a revisionist power and views China's increasing influence in Africa as an emerging security threat. Recent U.S. Africa Command posture statements reflect the U.S. policy shift focused on countering China's increasing influence. China is emerging as a major competitor seeking to gain strategic positions of advantage in the international system. The nature of these challenges demand that the U.S. be prepared to meet these threats across the range of military operations. Recent studies highlight the fact that China is challenging U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Does the same hold true in Africa? This study examines the case of Tunisia. The purpose of this research is to support or challenge the position that China poses the primary threat to U.S. interests in Tunisia. If not, does the U.S. military's main focus on China have negative effects, diverting attention and resources from other threats in North Africa?