In recent years, the world has witnessed a rise in Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to promote and protect the interests of Christianity in government and society. This ideology has been on full display in the foreign policy decisions of the Trump administration, particularly when it comes to Africa.
In a move that has sparked outrage and concern, President Trump recently ended deportation protections for South Sudanese immigrants, while simultaneously prioritizing asylum for white South Africans. This decision, along with his threat to invade Nigeria, is a clear indication of how Christian nationalism is shaping Trump’s foreign policy towards Africa.
The decision to end deportation protections for South Sudanese immigrants is a direct attack on the vulnerable and marginalized communities who have sought refuge in the United States. These protections were put in place by the Obama administration in 2016, in response to the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. However, Trump’s decision to revoke these protections is not only heartless, but it also goes against the values of compassion and empathy that are at the core of Christianity.
At the same time, Trump has shown a clear bias towards white South Africans by prioritizing their asylum claims. This move is in stark contrast to his administration’s strict immigration policies, which have targeted and demonized immigrants from other countries. It is also a clear example of how Christian nationalism is used to justify and promote white supremacy, even in foreign policy decisions.
But perhaps the most alarming aspect of Trump’s foreign policy towards Africa is his threat to invade Nigeria. In a recent phone call with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Trump reportedly expressed his willingness to send American troops to Nigeria to help combat terrorism. This threat not only undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty but also perpetuates the harmful stereotype of Africa as a continent in need of Western intervention.
These decisions, taken together, paint a troubling picture of how Christian nationalism is shaping Trump’s foreign policy towards Africa. This ideology, which seeks to promote the interests of Christianity above all else, is being used to justify discriminatory and harmful policies towards African countries and their people.
But this is not the first time that Christian nationalism has influenced American foreign policy towards Africa. In the 1980s, during the height of the Cold War, the Reagan administration supported and armed Christian militias in Angola and Mozambique, in an effort to combat the spread of communism. This led to devastating consequences for the people of these countries, as well as for the stability of the region.
It is clear that Christian nationalism has a long history of shaping American foreign policy towards Africa, often with disastrous results. And now, under the Trump administration, we are seeing a resurgence of this dangerous ideology, with even more dire consequences.
But why is Christian nationalism so prevalent in American foreign policy towards Africa? The answer lies in the long-standing belief that Africa is a continent in need of Western intervention and salvation. This belief is rooted in the colonial mindset that has plagued Africa for centuries, and it continues to be perpetuated by those who seek to promote their own interests under the guise of Christianity.
However, it is important to note that not all Christians subscribe to this ideology. In fact, many Christian leaders have spoken out against Trump’s policies towards Africa, citing the values of love, compassion, and justice that are at the core of Christianity. They have also highlighted the hypocrisy of using Christian nationalism to justify discriminatory and harmful policies towards African countries, while ignoring the teachings of Jesus to love and care for all people.
In conclusion, Trump’s foreign policy towards Africa is a clear example of how Christian nationalism is being used to promote discriminatory and harmful policies. It is a dangerous ideology that has no place in modern society, and it is up to all of us to speak out against it and promote a more inclusive and compassionate approach to foreign policy. As Christians, we must remember that our faith calls us to love and care for all people, regardless of their race, nationality, or religion. Let us reject the Christian nationalist playbook and work towards a more just and equitable world for all.
