Making sense of the new episode of great power rivalry in Africa through neorealist lenses: the Sino-US competition

Abstract

This study reveals the implications for US interests of China’s extensive engagement with the continent. China’s strengthening ties with African countries challenge US foreign policy goals and vision for the continent in several ways. The first is China’s quest for African oil. The second concerns China’s non-interference policy in African countries’ domestic affairs. The third is the implications of China’s extensive engagement with Africa for US global hegemony.