The Political Economy of China's Belt and Road Initiative in East Africa

This book explores the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in East Africa, analyzing its political and hegemonic implications. It examines the extent to which the BRI is a project of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) directed by the state-civil society complex. The book uses data from international organizations and policy documents and qualitative content analysis of newspaper articles to examine three infrastructure projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. The work finds that the BRI contributes to increasing connectivity in East Africa, but also has numerous consequences that shape a hegemonic project.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 321 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2023
Publisher: Springer

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate details of implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in East Africa, a project that holds immense geopolitical and geo-economic significance for China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. The author's primary objective is to address research gaps, particularly in the areas of individual BRI project analysis and the underappreciation of processing narratives within participating countries. Central to the inquiry is whether the BRI can be characterized as a political or hegemonic initiative driven by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) within the state-civil society complex of East Africa. To answer these critical questions, the author employs a multi-faceted approach. They analyze extensive databases of international organizations and policy documents, providing valuable insights into the BRI's strategic objectives and implementation strategies. Furthermore, a qualitative content analysis of newspaper articles from local media outlets in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania is conducted, focusing on three key infrastructure projects. Through this analysis, the author illustrates the multifaceted impacts of the BRI on East Africa, highlighting both its positive contributions to connectivity and the emergence of concerns regarding economic relations, power dynamics, and the potential for hegemonic influence. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the BRI in East Africa and its broader implications for global politics and economics.

Weight: 445g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658411602
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023