Addressing an under-studied aspect of U.S. foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa, Hendrickson provides a critical historical analysis of institutions designed to promote private investment in the region. She draws attention to the interaction between strategic factors, domestic interests, and the ideas used to achieve consensus on policy.
"The thrust of this exceptional book is clear and unambiguous: Africa is a land of opportunity with respect to the core economic interests of the United States. Hendrickson proves to have mastery of a complex subject, with strong indicators for both gains and challenges while also exhibiting a wonderfully unusual sympathy for the African side in the long encounter of inequality. This is an extraordinary book grounded in data, rich in detail, judicious in its evaluations, and sensible in its conclusions. It will surely make it into classrooms as well as onto the desks of influential policy makers and analysts." - Toyin Falola, University Distinguished Teaching Professor and Jacob and Frances Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, the University of Texas at Austin, USA