MACMILLAN The Political Economy of China―US Relations: Digital Futures and African Agency (International Political Economy Series)

This book offers a rich perspective on Africa’s agency in the changing global order marked by intense geopolitical contestations. It discusses ways in which the African continent has been on the margins of the global economic system because of the actions of major powers and Africa’s own leaders, and how this legacy can be overcome. The book covers an uncharted ground in analyzing the intersection between geopolitical rivalry, digital futures, and Africa’s place in the world. This text makes a clarion call for African leaders and citizens to define better development pathways for the continent through insisting on ethical and transformation leadership as well as building credible institutions that are inclusive. This, according to the author, will ensure a sounder basis for Africa’s positive agency. Further, the book makes a strong case for structural transformation that is innovation-led, and that African decision-makers should leverage US-China rivalries to achieve Africa’s own development interests. Review "African agency in moderating China-US competition to advance peace and prosperity on our continent, with mutual benefit for the two global powers, is well-served by this concise and compelling book. It synthesizes a wealth of historical, current data, including the diverse but vital effects of accelerating technologies. At a time of pandemics, climate change and other transnational events which severely impact Africa, this book should be required reading for policy makers and concerned publics throughout Africa and abroad." (-- John Stremlau, Head of Peace Programmes, Carter Centre, US.) “The inexorable West to East power shift that is underway in the global political economy, in many ways has the African continent at its center. Qobo provides a compelling argument for Africa to seize this moment and to turn the challenge of hegemonic power struggle into an opportunity for Africa to exert agency and to define new development paths that leverage global power tensions for the benefit of the continent.” (¾Maxi Schoeman, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa) “The growing rivalry between the US and China, and the decline of the liberal international order dominate the current international relations discourse. Both of these developments have a profound impact on Africa, but most of the analysis considers Africa as a peripheral actor. This well-timed volume by Qobo sets the record straight. Africa is neither passive nor is it peripheral. It has agency. The great geopolitical shifts require the strategic exercise of this agency to advance the continent’s development.” ( ¾Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, chief executive, South African Institute of International Affairs) “China’s interest on Africa is often perceived as another “scramble” for raw materials, a new colonialism, a search for a dumping ground for a large and manageable population. Yet, as Qobo points out, there is subtlety, diplomacy and often nuance in China’s quest for hegemony over Africa against its principal competitor, the United States. While Africa’s prosperity depends on embracing technological advances in a treacherous order, Qobo’s insight is that Africa’s future lies in building robust institutions to withstand external forces of domination.” (¾Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Advocate of the High Court, South Africa.) From the Back Cover “African agency in moderating China-US competition to advance peace and prosperity on the continent, with mutual benefit for the two global powers, is well-served by this concise and compelling book. This book should be required reading for policymakers and concerned publics throughout Africa and abroad.”  -- John Stremlau, Head of Peace Programmes, Carter Center, USA. This book offers a rich perspective on Africa’s agency in the changing global order marked by intense geopolitical contestations. It discusses ways in which the Afric