Product Description

China's involvement in Africa has provoked much debate and discussion. Is China just the latest in a line of exploiters of Africa's rich natural resources who put their own economic interests above humanitarian, environmental or human rights concerns? Or is China's engagement an extension of 'South-South solidarity'? Does China's involvement enable African countries to free themselves from the tyranny of debt and conditionality that, through two decades of structural adjustment programmes, have reversed most of the gains of independence? Or is Africa swapping one tyranny for another? Much of the commentary on China in Africa focuses either on assessing how Western capital's interest might be affected, or on denouncing China for practices that have for centuries been the norm for US and European powers - support for dictators, callous destruction of the environment, exploitation of minerals, and complete disregard for human rights. Lost in that noisy debate has been the voice of independent African analysts and activists. They are heard in this unique collection of essays from the prize-winning weekly electronic newsletter, Pambazuka News. As these articles demonstrate, there is no single 'African view' about China in Africa, but the authors are united by their concern for, and commitment to, social justice for Africa's people. The contributors include: Ali Askouri, Horace Campbell, Michelle Chan-Fishel, Moreblessings Chidaushe, John Blessing Karumbidza, Daniel Large, Anabela Lemos, Firoze Manji, Stephen Marks, Ndubisi Obiorah, Kwesi Kwaa Prah, Daniel Ribeiro and John Rocha.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150682 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 188 pages

Review
' - the first attempt in recent years to examine African views of China' London Review of Books. 'anyone interested in economic developments in Africa - and China - will find much useful material here' Charlie Hore, Socialist Review 'This book is both an interesting and easy read, granting the reader access to an enriching debate and opening new questions. Bringing us a global vision of China's role in Africa in its small number of pages, the book is essential for lovers of contemporary Africa seeking an African perspective' Tania Adam, Centre d'Estudis Africans, Barcelona

About the Author
Firoze Manji, a Kenyan, is founder and executive director of Fahamu and editor of Pambazuka News. He has formerly worked as programme director for the International Secretariat of Amnesty International, CEO for the Aga Khan Foundation UK, and regional representative for health for IDRC's office for Eastern and Southern Africa. Stephen Marks is a freelance researcher, writer and consultant specialising in issues of economic development, human rights, planning, and the environment.

Customer Reviews

Finally the African voices
As a student researching China's relations in Africa, it is extremely refreshing to discover a book that specifically shows the African perspective. This book offers a variety of views on Chinese relations with African countries from different African countries with reactions to China ranging from hopeful to critical. Most books on China in Africa do not offer African voices and ignore them for the most part. This book proved useful in my research on Africa's response to Chinese involvement in the continent.