This course looks at the totality of the China-Africa relationship historically, currently and into the future. The course will give special attention to the politics, economics and security interests of China in Africa's 54 countries. It will examine the methods and objectives China has employed in Africa, African countries' response to China, and the perceptions of both sides. At the end of the course, students should have a solid understanding of the development and current state of China-Africa relations, where China excels and where it faces challenges. Students will also learn how China interacts with African regional and sub-regional organizations, other emerging non-African powers on the continent, and the implications for the United States and Europe.
Topics in the overlapping political, economic and security spheres will be examined. Questions investigated include: How do Chinese policymakers see Africa and its place in China's foreign policy? What are Chinese objectives in Africa? What methods does China use to achieve its objectives in Africa? Why and how do China's foreign policies differ from country to country? How have African countries responded to China's expanded economic and political presence on the continent? How have domestic political and economic changes in China and in African countries helped shape its relations with African countries? How have African countries sought to achieve their objectives vis-a-vis China and how successful have they been?
The deliverables for this class are two written policy briefs, an oral presentation, and class participation. In addition to improving students' knowledge of ChinaAfrica relations, this course also seeks to help them improve their ability to convey information to an informed audience as well as their ability to obtain and process the information conveyed by others.