Abstract
China's growing influence through soft power diplomacy is a parallel storyline to Africa's current experience with coalition politics and electoral democracy, especially in the Middle East and East Asia. This chapter examines how China employs coalition politics to enhance its larger diplomatic efforts in Africa with the goal of connecting these two crucial storylines. This chapter uses examples from the Middle East and East Asia to explore the complexities of coalition governments in Africa and how they might help or hurt China's soft power ambitions. This study, which takes an interdisciplinary approach, will shed new light on the complex dynamics at play when coalitions of politicians, democratic governments, and foreign governments interact. The chapter finishes with concrete suggestions for policymakers, stressing the importance of a comprehensive knowledge of these overlapping domains for the development of effective and democratic approaches to government in Africa. Policymakers, academics, and practitioners in the fields of politics, international relations, development studies, and sociology are among the many who will find value in this chapter.
Top1. Introduction
Over the past few decades, China has established itself as a major actor on the international stage, contributing to the development of international politics, economy, and culture (Falkner, 2016). Modern China has shown a subtle yet assertive stance in foreign affairs, emerging from a past marked by revolutions, reforms, and a period of isolation (Garver, 2015). Its contacts with Africa and the Middle East, two regions of strategic importance in terms of resources, trade, and geopolitics, have been particularly indicative of this policy. China's ascension to global power status, propelled by its economic and diplomatic capabilities, provides an interesting context against which to analyze its strategic moves in these areas.
The countries of Africa and the Middle East are as varied as their rich tapestry, and each faces its own set of difficulties and possibilities. Election democracy and long-term economic growth in Africa have been hampered by coalition politics (Le Van, 2011). These coalitions, whose durability and efficacy can vary widely, provide a testing ground for democratic administration but complicate international diplomacy. Similarly, the Middle East, which is widely regarded as a complex maze of religion, ethnicity, and politics, has emerged as a difficult but indispensable ally in international affairs (Jackson, 2013). The economic, social, and political policies, as well as the use of soft power, that make up China's engagement with these areas go beyond simple trade agreements.
Many of China's soft power projects in Africa have focused on fostering win-win cooperation models, fostering cultural interchange, and investing heavily in infrastructure and human development (Zreik, 2021a). China's financial support for infrastructure projects in Africa's key development areas—including transportation, electricity, and education—has been a game-changer (Rolland, 2017). China has taken a measured, nuanced approach to the Middle East, navigating the region's political intricacies in order to build economic partnerships, with an emphasis on the region's abundant oil resources (Kalantzakos, 2017). These initiatives are typically carried out in tandem with Western involvement, giving these regions new avenues for collaboration and throwing a wrench into the traditional East vs. West storyline.
This means that the complexities of local political environments, such as coalition politics, are essential to comprehending China's influence in Africa and the Middle East. This chapter's goal is to clarify this interface by providing an interdisciplinary understanding of the entangled nature of these linkages. Connecting these two important narratives, and learning how China uses coalition politics to bolster its bigger diplomatic efforts in Africa and the Middle East, will aid policymakers in developing successful and democratic responses to these troubled regions. This research is an important contribution to the fields of international relations, development studies, and political sociology, and should be read by academics, professionals, and policymakers in these areas.
The chapter's discussion of these topics not only adds to our knowledge of China's place in global politics, but also sheds light on the fascinating relationship between soft power diplomacy and coalition building. As China continues to increase its worldwide presence through a carefully calibrated blend of hard and soft power, this perspective allows the reader to grasp the multifaceted interactions and intricate dynamics at play.
China's soft power and Africa's coalition politics are generally discussed separately in academic and policy debates. There has been a noticeable lack of research into the intersection of China's soft power initiatives and the rise of coalition politics as a significant feature in Africa's governance landscape, despite the fact that there is a growing body of literature devoted to understanding the nuances of China's global reach through these initiatives. This split-brain thinking ignores the mutually beneficial or antagonistic nature of these two fields of study, as well as the impact that their interactions may have on domestic administration and foreign relations.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Soft Power Diplomacy: The use of attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or economic incentives to shape the preferences and behaviors of other actors in the international system. This includes cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and public diplomacy.
Democratic Governance: A system of government based on democratic principles, including citizen participation, rule of law, transparency, and accountability. Democratic governance may exist in various forms, such as direct democracy or representative democracy.
Sino-African Relations: The diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationships between China and countries in Africa. This term encompasses a broad range of interactions, from trade and investment to diplomatic initiatives and cultural exchanges.
Multipolar System: An international system characterized by multiple centers of power, rather than dominance by a single superpower or a bipolar division. In a multipolar system, influence is more diffuse, and relationships are often more complex.
Asymmetry in Relations: An imbalance of power, influence, or resources between two parties in a relationship. This term is often used to describe relationships where one party, such as a country, has significantly more power or influence than the other.
Strategic Interests: Long-term goals or objectives that are important for the security, economic prosperity, or influence of a nation. Strategic interests guide policy decisions and diplomatic interactions.
Geopolitical Significance: The strategic importance of a geographic area, often due to its location, natural resources, or influence over key international routes. In the context of this chapter, it refers to Africa's emerging role in global geopolitics.
Comparative Analysis: A research methodology that involves the systematic comparison of different variables or cases to identify patterns, similarities, and differences. In this context, it refers to comparing China's strategies in Africa and the Middle East.
Coalition Politics: The process by which multiple political parties or factions collaborate to form a government, often due to the inability of a single party to secure a majority of seats in the legislature. Coalition politics often involve compromise, negotiation, and a blending of different political platforms.
Cultural Exchange: The mutual sharing of cultural elements, such as art, language, and traditions, between different countries or societies. Cultural exchange often forms a crucial component of soft power diplomacy.