Resolved: Development of third world regions is a priority over military stabilization.

My argument will consist of the archetypal three-legged stool analogy. A brief road map. I will first outline the need for stabilization of the region, then I will discuss the economics of the issue, completing with a contention on morality of the situation (yes, I know morality is subjective, it is still valid). Definitions: development- humanitarian, economic, or any non-military aid third world region- area defined as an LDC or an area in the first two stages of development priority- primary action, chronologically first stabilization- neutralization of threats, securing of assets, establishment of domestic security Contention A.1 The stabilization of the hypothetical region in question is a indisputable necessity. One can easily look at the Sahel and see that there are major threats there. It would be detrimental to the efforts of development should the area not be secured. Lesley Anne Warner from the National Defense University said the following: "Our military actions ultimately enhances the United States" ability to ensure its own national security. Finally, from a whole government perspective, the security of African countries can either support or undermine U. S. investment in other sectors such as trade, good governance, health and education. [National Defense University] Sub a.1 [All are Brookings Institute] Military aid must come first to rebalance U. S. engagement with African countries so that it is more proactive rather than reactive. The US requires a more holistic approach to African security - one that does not solely lie within the domain of the Department of Defense. Efforts to prevent and mitigate conflict cut across agencies and often address some of the root causes of conflict in Africa. Sub a.2 Establish multi-year funding authorities for building partner capacity programs. Moving away from episodic engagements with African countries towards sustained security partnerships will require that the authorities that govern security cooperation become more flexible and streamlined. This move should help improve the planning of U. S. military engagement on the continent and work towards facilitating interagency coordination. Sub a.3 Continue to support regional and sub-regional mechanisms for conflict resolution. Although the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken the lead in responding to the crises in Mali, its efforts have been impeded by limited crisis response planning capabilities, accompanied by the insufficient military readiness of several troop-contributing nations. These deficiencies demonstrate several opportunities for U. S. assistance to regional and sub-regional organizations. Contention B.2 Many of these regions are hubs of resources. Many Asian and eastern European countries recognize this. I have several points outlining the necessity of American involvement in the sake of competition. The failure to perceive and prepare for China"s moves would be dangerous, unwise and potentially detrimental for the United States in the near future. Sub b.1 Since 2001 China"s pursuit in the continent has rapidly expanded into the economic arena, focusing on Africa"s rich natural resources to fuel China"s domestic economic growth. [UN Energy Research Commission] Sub b.2 Under the framework of of "resources for development" Beijing mobilizes its vast state financial resources to invest broadly in infrastructure projects across Africa and extract natural resources in return. [Chinese Premier Press Release] Sub b.3 In July 2010, China doubled its 2009 commitment to provide $20 billion in financing to Africa to further its strategic blueprint in the next three years. [UN Energy Research Commission] Contention C.1 It is our responsibility, as civilized people to ensure the safety and survival of fellow man. We have proved time and time again that we have done it and it has worked. Sending in development aid without protection would be counterproductive. If we were to send in a team of volunteer aid workers, they would be open to attack by local feuding tribes. It would be imprudent to send in our citizens without proper protection. In order to get further along in African diplomacy we must go in and protect these countries so that they may begin to flourish themselves and find prosperity on their own terms by their own people.