African solutions to African problems in the age of Chinese Lebensraum in Africa: any lesson for Africa?

MA (International Relations), North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2015This study focuses on African solutions to African problems in the age of Chinese lebensraum in Africa in order to asses if Africa cannot learn any lessons from the Chinese approach. The objective was to explore Africa's approach in providing solutions to Africa's development and economic challenges. It also examines methods that Africa can use to influence the proposed partnership with China, as well as the way it enhanced the outcome of the Strategic Partnership of the new Chinese peaceful development approach(c). Furthermore, this study assessed the implications of such a strategic partnership and based on the findings, conclude on the perspectives for the of future Africa's China relations. The different views that have led them to pursue similar priorities in their national interest as well as in their political , economic and development agendas. The study utilised the explanatory qualitative approach which mainly descriptive. The study plan took a conceptual structure and alternated between a more theoretical and more authentic facts concerning the political economic interrelations between Africa and China. The general idea is deductive in style, in that, it starts from a theoretical outline of investigation discussing and analysing sources dealing with the description of Peaceful development idea of China in relation to Africa's economic expansion and improvement. Theories used to analyse the scenario within this study are the Nee-realism and Liberalism theories. Observing Chinese engagements in Africa, it is clear that it seeks to maximise its power economically by harnessing the resources of Africa as well as to benefit Africa with investments and aid in the form of loans. Therefore its actions are a custodian to the tenets of the realism theory of national interests and self-help. However, China employs the tactic of peaceful development and persuasion than military action; it is very cooperative in its operations with African partners. It reflects the attributes of the liberalist theory of cooperation of states in order to conduct International Relations. This study observed that both theories are relevant to analyse the tactics of china in its relations with Africa. This study concludes and recommends that Africa should continue to harness and create conducive environment to attract Chinese trade and investment because it presents Africa with substantial benefits for African people including economic stability and good governance. This will assist Africa, empower the content and offer African solutions to African problems in the age of Chinese lebensraum. Additionally the study advocates that Chinese policy in Africa should not be viewed in the context of an ordinary search for natural resources but in the light of its national interest's policy objectives which includes emerging to be a dominating power or a global hegemony which supersedes its contemporaries in the permanent UN Security Council. Furthermore, as a way to creating solutions for Africa in the age of Chinese lebensraum, Africa should not depend on aid which has failed to bring about or yield capital in terms of institutional, human and societal capabilities. Rather, emphasis should be on infrastructural development and regional integration in order to initiate a holistic approach to address matters of common interest among African states including solving common problems found in African states. Finally, the study concluded that, considering China a genuine partner and a responsible strategic friend of Africa cannot be without any political pressure and economic disadvantages for Africa.Master