The Influence of China’s Global Soft Power Strategy on Its Relations with African Nations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jir.3107Keywords:
China’s Global Soft Power, Strategy, African NationsAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of China’s global soft power strategy on its relations with African nations
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: China's soft power strategy in Africa, through Confucius Institutes, media outlets, scholarships, and cultural festivals, has enhanced its image as a development partner and fostered diplomatic ties. However, challenges include limited rural reach, perceived cultural dominance, and dependency concerns. Effective engagement requires inclusivity, transparency, and alignment with African cultural and developmental contexts.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Soft Power Theory, Dependency Theory and Constructivist Theory in International Relations maybe used to anchor future studies on the influence of China’s global soft power strategy on its relations with African nations. Prioritize mutual respect, transparency, and local empowerment, ensuring that soft power tools are not perceived as mechanisms for cultural domination as well as adapting its Confucius Institutes and cultural programs to African contexts by integrating local cultural elements.
Downloads
References
Afesorgbor, S. K. (2018). Economic diplomacy in Africa: The impact of regional integration versus bilateral diplomacy on bilateral trade. Research Handbook on Economic Diplomacy. Retrieved from Elgar Online
Arab-Africa Economic Forum (2022). Saudi Vision 2030: Strengthening Partnerships with Africa. Forum Publications. Retrieved from Arab-Africa Forum
Cherono, K. M. (2022). Economic diplomacy as a strategy of bilateral relations between Kenya and Uganda (2010-2020). Kenyatta University Library. Retrieved from KU Repository
Cook, N. (2020). South Africa: Current Issues, Economy, and US Relations. EveryCRSReport. Retrieved from Every CRSReport
Flew, T. (2016). Entertainment media, cultural power, and post-globalization: The case of China's international media expansion and the discourse of soft power. Global Media and China. Retrieved from Sage Journals
Iftikhar, A., & Hanif, B. (2023). Strengthening China-Africa ties: Unveiling cultural collaboration, media influence, and effective communication strategies. Pakistan Journal of International Affairs. Retrieved from PJIA.
Indonesia-Africa Forum Report (2021). Bridging Opportunities in Trade and Investment between Indonesia and Africa. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia. Retrieved from Ministry Report
Li, S., & Rønning, H. (2018). China in Africa: Soft power, media perceptions, and a pan-developing identity. CMI Report. Retrieved from CMI.
Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, South Korea. (2022). Annual Trade Statistics on Africa-South Korea Relations. Government Reports. Retrieved from MOTIE Official
Odoom, I., & Owusu-Akyeaw, J. (2020). China’s soft power and Africa: Confucius Institutes in Ghana. African Affairs. DOI:10.1093/afraf/adz052.
Okeke, R. C., Odigbo, J., & Eze, J. N. (2021). African Political Economy and the United States of America: From the Carter Presidency to the Trump Administration. Journal of Political Science and Leadership Research. Retrieved from IIARD Journals
Pay, V. N., & Gitonga-Mutethia, R. (2021). US-Africa Relations: A Case Study of US-Kenyan Economic Diplomacy. African Studies Quarterly.
Song, L., & Wang, Y. (2022). Soft power and infrastructure diplomacy: A case study of China-Kenya relations. Journal of Asian and African Studies. DOI:10.1177/00219096221049998.
Wasserman, H., & Mano, W. (2016). China's media and soft power in Africa: Promotion and perceptions. Springer. Retrieved from Springer.
Yoon, J., & Kwak, S. (2019). Education as diplomacy: Chinese scholarships in Africa. Journal of International Education Development. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2019.03.012.
Zhao, H., & Cheng, X. (2021). Cultural diplomacy through festivals: China-Africa relations. International Journal of Cultural Policy. DOI:10.1080/10286632.2021.1932217.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Li Wei
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.