Seifudein Adem

The Paradox of China’s Policy in Africa

In many cases it was China’s longstanding solidarity with several liberation movements in Africa in the colonial period which was later upgraded to bilateral and state-level diplomatic relations in the postcolonial era. However, the twenty-first century has also brought about quantitative and potentially qualitative changes in Sino-African relations which are more complex than what the advocates of stronger Sino-African relations (Sino-optimists) and proponents of disengagement (Sino-pessimists) seem to suggest. The defining patterns of China’s influence in Africa are either not yet fully crystallized or they come in paradoxical pairs. The essay spells out the manifestations of these paradoxes and what can be done under the circumstances to improve the African condition. The divergent schools of thought about the possible impacts of China’s increased activities in Africa seem not to be totally unrelated to their underlying assumptions about the causes of Africa’s unsuccessful modernization. The essay also explores these intellectual issues by focusing on the contradictory dimensions of Afro-Chinese relations.

China in Ethiopia: Diplomacy and Economics of Sino-optimism

Abstract: This article examines the motive behind Chinas increased activities in Ethiopia in recent years and concludes that it lies in Ethiopias perceived diplomatic usefulness. If Chinas relations with many African countries could be described as one of “infrastructure for natural resources,” the Sino-Ethiopian relationship can be described “infrastructure for diplomatic support.” After exploring the nature and scope of Ethiopias relations with China and highlighting areas of divergence of interest, the article seeks to demonstrate how the convergence of interests between the two countries has ushered in a period of Sino-optimism among Ethiopias elite and rising expectations among ordinary Ethiopians.

Africa in Japanese Diplomatic Thought: An African Perspective

What is Africa’s place in Japanese diplomatic thought, and what are the driving forces of Japan’s African diplomacy in the new century? The need to maintain continuity in Japan’s post—Cold War Africa policy, leadership style, and priorities of Japan’s prime ministers, as well as broader considerations of the nation’s vital interests, are all relevant factors for understanding Japan’s diplomacy toward Africa in the new century.

Ali A. Mazrui, the Postcolonial Theorist

Abstract: The primary goal of this article is to examine why Ali A. Mazrui is a relatively obscure figure in postcolonial theory despite the outstanding contributions he has made to it. It argues that the explanation can be found in the nature of postcolonial theory itself, and in Mazrui’s perceived ideology and cultural identity. The article, then, introduces Mazrui’s theory of the “triple heritage,” his most innovative and, possibly, most enduring contribution to scholarship. It also explains the specificity of Mazrui’s brand of postcolonial theory as well as the complexity and breadth of his thinking about Africa in general. Résumé: L’objectif principal de cet article est d’examiner pourquoi Ali Mazrui est une autorité relativement obscure dans la théorie postcoloniale, malgré les contributions exceptionnelles qu’il y a apportées. Cet article soutient que l’explication peut se trouver dans la nature même de la théorie postcoloniale, ainsi que dans l’idéologie et l’identité culturelle perçues de Mazrui. Par la suite, cet article introduit la théorie de Mazrui du “triple héritage,” probablement sa contribution théorique la plus innovante et la plus durable. Il explique aussi la spécificité de la marque de Mazrui sur la théorie postcoloniale ainsi que la complexité et l’ampleur de sa réflexion sur l’Afrique en général.

Is Japan's Cultural Experience Relevant for Africa's Development?

Japan broke a new path of modernization when it became the first successfully-industrialized nation in the non-Western world. Therefore Japans modernization experience has a wider relevance for Africa and beyond. The objective of this paper is, however, to single out and discuss only the role of cultural factors in the process and then consider the implications for Africas development. A conclusion is then drawn – that is, Japans historical experience strongly suggests that Africas own cultures have a greater relevance for Africas development. What does this mean, and why is it so? The paper addresses these questions.

Ali A Mazrui: a great man, a great scholar

In 2013, Ali A Mazrui gave a lecture in Muscat (Oman) about Barack Obama, the 44th president of the USA, in which he suggested that Obama was a great man but not yet a great president. Mazrui said we would have to wait and see if Obama would become a great president. I think Mazrui was right. But we would not have to wait any longer to say: ‘Ali A Mazrui: a great man, a great scholar’. On 12 October 2014, Ali Mazrui passed away at the age of 81. He was indeed a great man and an extraordinary scholar. This essay is a special tribute to him.

China in Africa: articulating China's Africa policy

through ‘cognitive and emotional signals’ (71) to create a collective narcissism of national charisma and foreign disgrace. This argument is made mainly by repetition and assertion, and by the end of the book remained, if not entirely unconvincing, then at best partial and incomplete. Given the depth and extent of xenophobia in South Africa and the continuing academic debate about its nature and causes, any serious book-length treatment of the subject is to be welcomed. But to use the book’s own dance analogy, Matsinhe dances around the subject in a series of expressive and energetic but ultimately frustrating rhetorical leaps and theoretical twirls, stepping on some other scholars’ toes and leaving others out of the dance altogether. Rather depressingly, his interpretation offers little either explicitly or implicitly in the way of remedy or policy prescription, and is very much aimed at an academic audience. Scholars in the social sciences who are interested in social relations in contemporary South Africa, or indeed in the rise of anti-immigrant attitudes in any society, will find Apartheid Vertigo a worthwhile read. Just do not expect any ‘aha’ moments of genuine explanation.