U.S.-Liberian Relations: Challenges to the Twenty-First Century

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Periodical article

Title:	U.S.-Liberian Relations: Challenges to the Twenty-First Century
Author:	Siklo, Tim Dweh
Year:	2000
Periodical:	Liberian Studies Journal
Volume:	25
Issue:	1
Pages:	16-35
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Liberia United States
Subjects:	foreign policy international relations Politics and Government
Abstract:	This paper examines the relations between the USA and Liberia over the past two centuries, but with a particular focus on 20th-century relations. A review of the literature shows that US-Liberian relations have clearly been based on American national interests. The US benefitted both economically and security wise, while Liberia was exploited or not adequately compensated for the services, spaces and materials it provided. During the Cold War period, Liberia became an integral part of the US defense strategy. After the 1980 military coup, US-Liberian relations were largely defined by increased US military and economic assistance to the Doe regime. The continued civic unrest in Liberia, coupled with the end of the Cold War, resulted in a diminished strategic importance of Liberia to the US. In the period after the 1997 Liberian elections US-Liberian relations have been characterized by crisis management. The paper concludes with a discussion of challenges for US-Liberian relations in the 21st century. Ref.