Dorothy-grace Guerrero

China's New Role in Africa and the South: a Search for a New Perspective Dorothy-grace Guerrero

Brief Description: Picking up from the discussions provoked by Fahamus African Perspectives on China in Africa, this book widens the lens to provide both Chinese and African perspectives on Chinas growing role in Africa and the global South. This book is based on papers presented at a meeting in Shanghai of academics, commentators, and activists from Africa, China and beyond that was organized in 2007 by Fahamu, Focus on the Global South, the Transnational Institute and others. Chinas New Role in Africa and the South reflects the growing dialogue between scholars and commentators in China, Africa, and the global South. Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.; Publ. in assn. with Focus on the Global South. Biographical Note: Dorothy-Grace Guerrero is a senior research associate with Focus on the Global South and the head of its China program. Firoze Manji is the founder and executive director of Fahamu and the editor of "Pambazuka News." He is the former program director for the International Secretariat of Amnesty International and the former CEO for the Aga Khan Foundation UK. Publisher Marketing: China's global expansion is much talked about, but usually from the viewpoint of the West. This unique collection of essays, written by scholars and activists from China and the global South, provides diverse views on the challenges faced by Africa, Latin America and Asia as a result of China's rise as a significant global economic power. Chinese aid, trade and investments - driven by the needs of its own economy - present both threats and opportunities for the South, requiring a nuanced analysis that goes beyond simplistic caricatures of good' and evil'. China's engagement cannot be understood independently of the imperial expansion of the US in the global economy. Chinese production and American consumption, ' writes Walden Bello, are like the proverbial prisoners who seek to break free from one another but cannot because they are chained together. This relationship is progressively taking the form of a vicious cycle.' Arising from a conference held in Shanghai in May 2007, when the African Development Bank was also meeting in that city, this book provides a fresh perspective that focuses on the economic, social and environmental impact of China's expansion. It represents the first attempt to establish a dialogue between civil society in China and the global south. From reviews of Fahamu's African Perspectives on China in Africa (2007): ...a timely book on a subject of critical importance. We should use it to strengthen Africa's hand in negotiating with China...' Irungu Houghton, Pan African Policy Advisor, Oxfam GB ...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

Contributor Bio:  Manji, Firoze Firoze Manji is project coordinator and Director of fahamu.