Book Review: Wei Ye, China’s Education Aid to Africa: Fragmented Soft Power, London: Routledge, 2023.

Abstract

In China’s Education Aid to Africa, Ye navigates the complex terrain of China’s engagement with Africa through the lens of education aid, offering a critical realist examination with a specific focus on Ethiopia. The preface sets the stage, highlighting misconceptions about China’s soft power strategy in Africa and underscores the lack of a clear overarching strategy. The subsequent chapters delve into the theoretical foundations, perspectives on foreign aid, and existing research on China’s education aid to Africa, ultimately presenting a transformative model for understanding China’s distinctive approach. The author expresses gratitude for the support received during fieldwork in Ethiopia, conducted amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This personal touch adds depth to the narrative, offering readers insight into the researcher’s experiences and the real-world implications of studying soft power dynamics during a global crisis.