CGSP Podcasts
Weekly discussions with key thought leaders about China’s engagement in Africa and the Global South.
podcast
China Forced to Regroup After Israel-Iran War
China is emerging from the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in a much weaker position. For years, Beijing counted on Tehran to serve as a bulwark against Washington. Today, though, that's no longer possible as the Iranian government and its proxies across ...
China’s Africa Security Strategy: Training, Arms, and Political Influence
Over the past 25 years, China’s military engagement with Africa has grown dramatically. In 2000, fewer than 5% of African weapons came from China. Today, Chinese-made armored vehicles are used by 70% of African militaries, and China has become the continent’s ...
How Middle Powers Are Navigating the U.S.–China Rivalry
In this new era of surging instability and geopolitical uncertainty, so-called "Middle Power" states are rapidly diversifying their foreign policies to deepen engagement with other countries in the Global South, while reducing their exposure to the U.S. and China.
The Chinese FDI Boom in Africa That Wasn’t
For years, China has been seen as the pivotal international economic partner across Africa. That was certainly true in terms of steadily rising trade volumes and a fire hose of state backed loans that built roads, railways, and ports across the ...
How China’s EV Price War Is Reshaping Africa’s Electric Vehicle Market
Vehicle buyers in various African countries are turning to affordable electric vehicles (EVs) from Chinese manufacturers for compact EVs, which are well-suited for taxi services and short-distance travel, as practical replacements for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Choosing Sides or Playing Both? Latin America Navigates U.S.–China Rivalry
Latin America is the key focal point for the United States in its global competition with China. President Donald Trump has made it clear that he deems China's growing presence in the Western Hemisphere a direct threat to U.S. interests in ...
Trump’s New Africa Policy Focuses on Deals… and China
U.S. foreign policy towards Africa has been totally upended since Donald Trump returned to power earlier this year. Gone are the decades-old humanitarian programs that have been replaced by a new strategy that focuses on expanding U.S. commercial ties and countering ...
China-Africa Critical Minerals Update: Clean Up in Zambia, Disputes in the DR Congo
In Zambia, efforts to clean up a massive acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine have been met with skepticism, despite government assurances. Officials claim restitution is underway and rehabilitation plans are in place, but activists question the fairness of compensation and ...
Active Non-Alignment in the Era of U.S.-China Rivalry
From Panama to Kenya to Indonesia, a growing number of developing countries are being pulled into the intensifying rivalry between China and the U.S. For these middle powers, the stakes are high as they must carefully navigate the tension to avoid ...
How Chinese EVs Are Powering Africa’s Mobility Revolution
Chinese e-mobility technology is poised to transform large swathes of Africa's transportation ecosystem in the coming decade, but in very different ways than in other regions where EVs are the primary focus. Bicylces, scooters, tricyles, tractors, cars, minibuses, and full-sized coaches, all ...
As Bolt and Uber Dominate, Kenyan Startup Pushes Local Alternatives
Ride-hailing in Africa has long been dominated by global giants like Uber and Bolt—especially in Kenya, East Africa’s tech innovation hub. But as the electric vehicle movement gathers momentum, a new wave of local startups ...
Why the India-China Détente May Be Over
After several months of steadily improving ties, India-China relations appear to be cooling once again following the recent clashes in Kashmir. China’s military support for Pakistan during the conflict earlier this month has triggered fresh concerns in New Delhi, with ...