University of Florida Homepage

From Non-Interference to Adaptative Pragmatism: China’s Security Policy in Africa

by Mamoudou Gazibo and Abdou Rahim Lema Abstract China’s growing focus on African peace and security has generated discussions on its longstanding foreign policy principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of African countries and most of that growing body of research have argued that China is doing away with its foreign policy principle. Drawing […]

Going Viral? The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sino- African Relations

by Pádraig Carmody Abstract How are we to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on geopolitics and specifically the relations between China and Africa? Is the pandemic a conjunctural event, which will not have lasting impacts, or does it represent a “critical juncture” where the nature of Sino-African relations is recast in significant ways? This paper explores […]

The Dragon Shapes Its Image: A Study of Chinese Media Influence Strategies in Africa

by Michael Leslie Abstract As China continues its human, cultural and commercial expansion into Africa it has a clear strategic interest in managing its image on the continent. The leadership in both its government and private sectors know China must find ways to counteract negative reports that accuse China and some African leaders and their regimes […]

The Image of Africa in China: The Emerging Role of Chinese Social Media

by Lianxing Li Abstract While the debate on Africa’s image is sliding into two extremes in the Western world, either too desperate or too optimistic, China’s narrative on this continent remains politically oriented and does not fit the fast growing economic and trade relationships between two sides. As the online social platform is gaining mass popularity […]

Zambia and China: Workers’ Protest, Civil Society and the Role of Opposition Politics in Elevating State Engagement

by Agnes Ngoma Leslie Abstract This paper examines the role of civic protest and opposition politics in changing the dynamics of the relationship between Zambia and China at the top leadership and working class levels.  It looks specifically at how the workers’ plight became elevated to the top agenda and became a major issue for the […]

China-Democratic Republic of Congo Relations: From a Beneficial to a Developmental Cooperation

by Claude Kabemba Abstract The relationship between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) relations provides a unique case to test China’s win-win policy with African countries. A recurring question is how can a win-win partnership be realized between very unequal partners? China is a global power ideologically, economically, militarily, and financially. The DRC is […]

The Political Economy of Galamsey and Anti-Chinese Sentiment in Ghana

by Richard Aidoo Abstract Recently, as Chinese engagements in Africa involve a diverse array of actors, including states, corporations, private and public ventures, individuals, and groups, Beijing’s economic and diplomatic relationships on the continent have become rather variegated and complex. The colliding of these actors and varied interests/motives is also shaping the discourse of anti-Chinese sentiment, […]

China’s Peace and Security Strategies in Africa: Building Capacity is Building Peace?

by Lina Benabdallah Abstract There is a growing body of scholarship that examines China’s security engagement in Africa. However, such scholarship largely views security cooperation in terms of military aid and military equipment and considers security from a traditional perspective. This article proposes to expand the scope of security to include non-traditional aspects of cooperation such […]

Sino-optimism in Africa

by Seifudein Adem  Abstract Sino-optimism refers to the conviction or expectation that China is a force for good in Africa.  There is little doubt that China would like to see Africa succeed.  The sense of solidarity with Africa in China’s diplomatic thought is quite deep—intrinsic interest underlies China’s approach to Africa today, unlike the West’s interest, […]