The Role of Ideology in PRC-Africa Relations

 The Hudson Institute has just published a study titled "The 'China Dream' and the African Reality: The Role of Ideology in PRC-Africa Relations" by James Barnett.

The author argues that Beijing seeks to provide developing world elites with a malleable intellectual and practical program for advancing illiberal governance.  This ideological element is present in China's approach to Sub-Saharan Africa.  The Communist Party of China's overall impact on African politics should not be overstated, however.  Ideological affinities matter, but economic interests play a greater role in moving African states into Beijing's orbit.  

China in the Middle East

The Center for Strategic and International Studies just posted an excellent 20 minute podcast titled "China in the Middle East: Part One" narrated by Jon Alterman and including remarks by several China-Middle East experts.

The podcast concludes that China is not interested in kinetic military engagement or great power competition with the United States in the Middle East. China's focus is on expanding its economic interests. The commentary in the podcast provides a useful juxtaposition vis-à-vis China's engagement in Africa.

The World According to China

The Diplomat published on 3 October 2018 an analysis titled "The World According to China" by Bradley A. Thayer, University of Texas at San Antonio, and John M. Friend, University of Hawaii.

The authors conclude that China is offering authoritarian values that are appealing to governments whose hold on power is threatened by U.S. principles such as the rule of law, free speech, democracy, and transparency and accountability in government. By 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, they predict Beijing will expect other countries to accept the new Chinese concept of global order.