Hoover InstitutionStanford University
China’s Gambit for Soft Power Supremacy in Africa

Published June 27, 2024

While China rapidly expands its economic and political relationship with African nations, the United States’ engagement with Africa has been inconsistent across multiple administrations. The continent’s strategic location, booming young workforce, and abundant critical natural resources like cobalt and lithium, makes meaningful relationships with African nations as necessary as ever for the United States. As China continues to invest billions into infrastructure, energy, and natural resource extraction through its Belt & Road Initiative, the United States must offer real partnership, not just positive rhetoric.

Check out more from Jendayi Frazer:

  • Read "Engaging Africa on its Own Terms" by Jendayi Frazer here.
  • Read "The Kosovo Conditions and the Case for American Unilateral Recognition of Somaliland" by Oliver McPherson-Smith & Jendayi Frazer here.
  • Watch "Interest in South Africa Political Developments," an interview with Jendayi Frazer here.

The opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University. © 2024 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.

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Jendayi Frazer

Jendayi Frazer

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