China and Africa: The New Era

In just over two decades, China has gone from being a marginal to a leading power in Africa, driven by economic interests. This book argues that politics defines the 'new era of China–Africa relations' and explores how Africa is integral to China's global ambitions. It demonstrates how African actors constrain, shape, and use China's engagement for their own purposes, and how security has become a particularly notable new area of engagement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

In just over two decades, China has transitioned from a minor to a dominant force in Africa. The prevailing belief holds that the country's remarkable rise on the continent is primarily driven by economic interests, particularly the pursuit of resources such as oil. However, this book presents a different perspective, contending that politics plays a pivotal role in shaping the "new era of China-Africa relations." It delves into the significance of politics across various domains, including foreign policy, debt, development, and the Xi Jinping incarnation of the China model.

Extending beyond mere descriptions of China's engagement as either predatory or benevolent, this book delves into the intricate ways in which Africa is integral to China's global aspirations. It examines how Africa is both a beneficiary and a constraint of China's initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and strategic rivalry with the United States. It sheds light on how African actors actively shape, influence, and utilize China's engagement to serve their own interests.

As China endeavors to safeguard its established interests and the well-being of its citizens, security has emerged as a prominent and significant area of engagement. This book offers a comprehensive and timely guide to contemporary China-Africa relations, serving as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and professionals engaged in global politics, development, and international relations.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 149 x 210 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509536337