UNDERSTANDING AFRICA–CHINA RELATIONS
Dr Mandira Bagwandeen, lecturer, Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University
Monday 19–Wednesday 21 January 5.00 pm COURSE FEES R345; Staff and students R173
This course explores the significant and evolving relationship between Africa and China in the twenty-first century. It begins by examining the development of political ties, tracing the history from China’s support for African liberation movements during the Cold War to the economic dimensions of this relationship, including trade, investment and infrastructure development projects. Finally, it looks at China’s increasing security presence on the African continent. This course will make it possible for participants to contextualise the historical foundations and motivations behind these ties, critically assess the advantages and disadvantages of China’s engagement in Africa, and consider the future of Africa–China relations within the context of a shifting global order.
Lecture titles
- The political dimension of the Africa–China relationship
- Understanding Africa–China economic ties
- China’s security footprint in Africa
Recommended reading
Anam, P and Ryder, H. 2024. Reimagining FOCAC Going Forwards: An African Assessment of Needs, Demands and Opportunities for FOCAC 2021 and Beyond. Development Reimagined, 4, pp. 1–56.
Bagwandeen, M. 2024. Developing a Common African Approach to China in a Divided World. Africa Report 44.
Institute for Security Studies.
Benabdallah, L. 2016. China’s Peace and Security Strategies in Africa: Building Capacity is Building Peace.
African Studies Quarterly, 16(3–4), pp. 17–34.
Carmody, P. 2021. Going Viral? The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sino-African Relations. African Studies Quarterly, 20(3), pp. 1–23.
Chiyemura, F, Gambino, E and Zajontz, T. 2022. Infrastructure and the Politics of African State Agency: Shaping the Belt and Road Initiative in East Africa. Chinese Political Science Review, 8(1), pp. 105–131.
TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/performance.aspx?itemid=1575297771
Dr Mandira Bagwandeen is a lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s Political Science Department, where she teaches Global Political Economy and International Relations. Mandira was previously a Senior Research Fellow at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She has authored several academic, research, and opinion articles on Africa-China issues and often provides commentary for various media outlets.