Ambassador Reuben Brigety on the African Union

Established in 2001, the African Union (AU) represents all African countries in the pursuit of economic development, human rights and security, and good governance. Africa is the youngest continent in the world with a booming population and several emerging economies, representing both immense potential and a serious challenge. 

In this episode, guest speaker Ambassador Reuben Brigety, the former US Ambassador to the African Union and current Dean of the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, discusses his experience representing the US within the AU. Ambassador Brigety also explains why he is optimistic about the future of the AU in terms of economic development and interstate relations. However, he cautions that lack of serious US engagement with African nations could undermine US interests on the continent.

Dig Deeper

Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic:

Humanity as a Weapon of War, Amb. Reuben Brigety, Center for American Progress

History of the African Union, US Agency for International Development

Aid for the Future, Amb. Reuben Brigety, Center for American Progress

Photo credit: Center for American Progress