The Political and Economic Dimensions of US-China Rivalry in Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The US-China competition in Africa is propelled by China’s pursuit for natural resources to feed its industrial needs along with its aspiration to develop political and economic dominance in the continent, challenging the prevailing US hegemony. Alternatively, the major objective of US involvement in Africa is to counter China’s headway and maintain its dominance. African countries are caught in the middle of a tug of war, as great powers strive for supremacy. These circumstances have substantial consequences for global politics, with possible hazards of heralding a new cold war and limited direct conflicts. The study maintains that nurturing collaboration between China and the US will be more advantageous, developing a win-win situation for all stakeholders through strategic diplomacy and effective dialogues. China’s non-interference policy, contrary to USA’s insistence on democratic reforms, has given China a competitive advantage. Nevertheless, Chinese engagement in Africa has posed the risks of debt dependency, environmental deterioration and resource exhaustion. This study exhibits the double-edged nature of US-China rivalry, bringing numerous benefits and posing several threats to African countries. On one hand, US-China competition has brought several benefits to African nations in form of economic growth, infrastructure development, education promotion and technology transfer, on the other hand, challenges like diminution of sovereignty, debt trap and economic dependency on external states are crucial concerns.