Chinas Aid-for-Profit Economic Policies in Africa: Implication to US Foreign Policy and African States Development
Abstract
Though China's foreign aid programs in Africa do provide some positive impact on local populations, their profit-driven nature prevents them from targeting, as claimed, the infrastructure gaps perpetuating the developmental challenges facing most African states. Unfortunately, Western lenders and aid programs stopped providing years ago the type of major infrastructure projects needed to address these challenges. The number of African states and the size and youth of their populations, position many African states to be some of the most politically and economically important of this century. If the US seeks to maintain its leadership role, it should reverse its diplomatic retreat from Africa and help African states fill their infrastructure gaps. These actions would enhance US influence worldwide, ensure the long-term stability and economic viability of states across Africa, and provide opportunities to both compete and cooperate with China for the betterment of all. Until the US provides a meaningful alternative to China's aid-for-profit programs, needy African states are left prey to China's political influence enabled by its monopoly on infrastructure-focused aid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1124821
Entities
People
- Sidney H. Mcmath
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College