The Foreign Service Journal, September 2022

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2022 5 September 2022 Volume 99, No. 7 Focus on Engagement with Africa 24 Much Cause for Worry: A Clear-Eyed Look at Africa It is time to put sentiment aside and look clearly at Africa through an objective lens. By Ma r k G . We n t l i n g 28 A Brighter Future for Africa? U.S. policy needs to recognize the continent’s tremendous riches in resources and human capacity and help develop their potential. By T i b o r Na g y 33 Great Expectations The administration’s vow to host the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit this year has sparked hope that Washington will treat Africa as a strategic priority. Here’s what’s at stake. By Ke n d r a L . Ga i t h e r 38 Higher Education and the New Scramble for Africa Investment in higher education is a vital component of effective and constructive U.S. engagement in a dynamic Africa. By J o n a t h a n V. Ah l s t r om 43 Kennedy, Nixon and the Competition for Mr. Africa, 1952-1960 John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon were the first American politicians of national rank to prioritize Africa— more than half a century ago. By G re go r y L . Ga r l a n d Feature 48 Helping Refugees in Poland One FS family member shares her “all-consuming” experience on temporary duty in Warsaw during the war in Ukraine. By L i l i a L a l l y FS Heritage Retirement Supplement 52 The Short Diplomatic Career of Mordecai Manuel Noah In the 19th century, this ambitious American lived several lifetimes, including as a peddler, politician, publisher and even, albeit briefly, a U.S. diplomat. By L u c i a n o Ma n g i a f i c o 74 Retirement Planning: A Mid-Career Checklist Long before your retirement date there are steps to take. Here are the most important ones. By J o h n K . Na l a n d