Ugandan Agency within China-Africa Relations: President Museveni and China's Foreign Policy in East Africa

Barney Walsh's book explores China's involvement in East Africa, particularly focusing on President Museveni of Uganda's efforts to leverage China's presence to shape regional security dynamics. The book highlights Chinese-funded mega-infrastructure projects and China's role in security issues related to terrorism and the oil sector. Despite the East African Community's efforts to stabilize regional security, key African leaders' personalities have influenced its processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In his comprehensive book, Barney Walsh delves into China's intricate involvement in East Africa, with a particular emphasis on President Museveni of Uganda, who has played a pivotal role in leveraging China's presence to shape regional security dynamics to his advantage. The book primarily focuses on the period from 2010 to 2015, during which time the 'Coalition of the Willing' was formed by Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, undertaking high-profile but contentious regional integration projects without the involvement of Tanzania and Burundi. Central to these endeavors were Chinese-funded mega-infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway and Uganda's oil pipeline.

Walsh's analysis of the East African Community (EAC) sheds light on China's role in addressing ongoing security concerns related to terrorism, stemming from China's involvement in small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation and the global ivory trade. Furthermore, China holds a significant position in the region's oil sector, serving as a market for oil, participating in its development, and playing a key role in mega-infrastructure construction.

While the EAC as an institution has been striving to stabilize regional security dynamics and enhance its institutional role, it has been unduly influenced by the personalities and presence of key African leaders. Here, Museveni's role has been instrumental in leveraging Chinese engagement to shape regional processes.

Overall, Walsh's book provides a detailed and insightful exploration of China's engagement in East Africa, highlighting the complex interplay between regional security, economic development, and the influence of key leaders. It sheds light on the ways in which China's presence is shaping the dynamics of the region and offers valuable insights into the future of East Africa's geopolitical landscape.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350255470