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Long Read: Is Great Power Competition in Africa a Problem? Not Necessarily

As geopolitics become more polarized, the idea that both the U.S. and China have something to offer Africa has fallen out of vogue in both Washington and Beijing.  However, the prominent Africa-China researcher Howard French recently revived it in a 

Howard W. French on the Similarities (and Differences) Between the Soviet Union’s Advances in Africa and China’s Engagement Today

Author and journalist Howard W. French prompted a lively discussion on Twitter this week following the publication of his weekly World Politics Review column that drew parallels between the Soviet Union's embrace of Africa during the Cold War with China's present-day engagement. ...

New Report Examines Where Africa Fits Into China’s Global Strategic Vision

Understanding where Africa fits within China's broader strategic geopolitical vision is something of a mystery to many outside observers. Most international reporting and research on the issue relies on English or French language materials that go a long way to frame the prevailing narratives about Chinese priorities ...

Three Africa-Themed Podcasts You Really Should Listen to This Weekend

Over the past week, three excellent podcasts have been published that focus on China, Africa, and China-Africa related issues that are definitely worth listening to and even subscribing for future episodes. PODCAST #1: China’s Increasing Engagement with Africa: A ...

Author and Journalist Howard W. French on the History, Geopolitical & Economic Impact of China’s Engagement in Africa.

Columbia University just published a video today of a talk that the acclaimed author and journalist Howard W. French gave at the Columbia Global Centers in Nairobi. French's popular book "China's Second Continent" has influenced global views of the China-Africa relationship. ...

Analysis from Cobus van Staden

BRICS Announces Numerous New Initiatives

The BRICS group wrapped up its two-day leaders’ summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. The summit’s final communique is a 16,000-word doorstop that covers numerous issues from economics to education.
The communique avoids any direct mention of the United States, and references to “unilateralism” and other coded criticism are also relatively scarce. Rather, the communique keeps the focus on the BRICS’ vision of the strengthening and reform of the global multilateral system ...