| |
| author |
Chekwubechi Okunowo
| | title |
Sino-Africa Investment: Examining its Role as a Political Preservation Strategy for African Political Elites
| | abstract |
China's significant involvement in African infrastructure, resource extraction, and trade
presents a complex picture for African nations. While these investments create jobs, develop
infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, concerns exist regarding their long-term impact
and potential for perpetuating dependence on raw materials and unskilled labor. Taking these
benefits and disadvantages into consideration, the existing scholarship often frames African
acceptance of Chinese investment within a "neocolonial" narrative or emphasizes its perceived
indispensability for development. This research proposes a different perspective, shifting the
focus from what China is doing "to" or "for" African countries to the role African political elites
play in negotiations. Understanding their motivations for accepting Chinese investment is crucial
for having a grasp of the socio-economic dynamics of the region. These motivations, shaped by
colonial legacies of power and resource control, intersect with Chinese investment to become
tools for attaining and retaining power. A case study of Zambia, a major recipient of Chinese
investment and a long-standing Chinese ally, will be used to investigate this framework. By
examining interactions between elites, investment, and elections, this study aims to reveal how
Chinese investment can be used by African political elites for political preservation purposes.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2024)
|
| advisor |
Jason Jordan
|
| full text | COkunowo.pdf |
| |
