Schroeder, Brock

Title:
In the Dragon's Claws: China's Soft Power in Africa

Abstract:
In my literature based research I will use the given data to project potential Chinese movements for the coming years in the African region. As this period represents the transition from socialist to neo-colonial policies and from a developing nation to a superpower; some possible directions for Chinese future policy goals in the region are as follows:

Neocolonial Superpower: China creates a new colonial system and abuses the nations of Africa into becoming subservient by buying them off with infrastructure and “special aid”.

Partner in Arms: China refrains from abusing Africa and as such they grow together. This followed more closely with their original intents in the 1960s.

Failed Powershift: China makes a critical mistake in its foreign policy gamble. The result is losing out on Africa due to a combination of low profits, rebellion/displeasure of African States, and aggressive pushes by other powers.

I choose to examine these potential futures by analyzing the factors of politics, culture, and economics; as these are the most crucial parts in the Chinese efforts to secure a foreign policy victory. Politics covers the Chinese mindset domestic and abroad. Culture is how China is exporting their viewpoints and securing trust. While, economics provides the hardline reasoning for opting to attack via soft power options. I will also gauge the capabilities of the other major powers in the region namely France, Russia, and the United States to understand their responses in these scenarios.

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