Network-centric US military intelligence strategy for Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape

Key Words: Military intelligence • Africa • United States • United States • network-centric

The study, published in the African Security Review and co-authored by West Point geography faculty member John Melkon, examines the growing geopolitical competition in Africa, specifically focusing on expanding Chinese influence. The authors advocate for a network-centric approach to U.S. Military Intelligence (USMI), emphasizing the critical integration of human intelligence (HUMINT) and the establishment of strategic partnerships with African intelligence services. By applying social network theory, the research outlines strategies to engage key influential nodes within these local communities, which maximizes information flow and counters adversarial disinformation. These findings highlight the necessity of joint intelligence centers, staff exchanges, and revitalized regional expertise, expanding the U.S. framework for maintaining strategic partnerships and regional stability in an era of great power competition.

To cite this article: John Melkon, Brock A. Salgado & Dries Putter (03 Aug 2025): Network-centric US military intelligence strategy for Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape, African Security Review, DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2025.2528706

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