Course Description

As U.S.-China geopolitical tension and rivalry heightened in recent years and peaked following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Washington has set its sights on the continent of Africa. Geostrategically located and rich in natural resources, Africa has become the focus of global powers’ competition. The Biden administration released a U.S.-Africa Strategy in August 2022 and convened a U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022. Meant to advance U.S.-African interests, the summit was also a means for Washington to gauge Chinese influence in the continent. In fact, the U.S. is far behind China’s cooperation with and investment in African countries. African nations are aware of both the advantages and pitfalls of global competition over their continent, making investment in their continent a matter of respect and mutual benefit. In this special lecture, Dr. Rabil will survey the history of global competition over Africa, probe Beijing’s economic and political influence in the continent, and explore ways by which Washington can compete with Beijing and make sound, lasting investments and friendships with African nations.