Introduction
China’s expanding influence in Africa has become a focal point in international security studies, raising questions about power dynamics, economic dependencies, and geopolitical strategies. This essay examines how China is gradually strengthening its position on the continent through the lenses of neorealism and liberal institutionalism—two key theoretical frameworks in international relations. Neorealism emphasises state competition for power and security in an anarchic system, while liberal institutionalism highlights cooperation through institutions to achieve mutual gains (Waltz, 1979; Keohane, 1984). From an international security perspective, China’s activities, such as infrastructure investments and diplomatic engagements, arguably blend these approaches to enhance its strategic foothold. The essay will explore these theories in relation to China’s African engagements, evaluate their implications, and conclude with broader security considerations. This analysis draws on sound understandings of global power shifts, with some awareness of limitations in applying Western-centric theories to non-Western actors.
Neorealism and China’s Power Projection in Africa
Neorealism posits that states pursue relative power gains to ensure survival in a self-help international system, often through balancing or bandwagoning behaviours (Waltz, 1979). In Africa, China exemplifies this by leveraging economic and military tools to counterbalance Western influence, particularly that of the United States and former colonial powers. For instance, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, has funded extensive infrastructure projects across the continent, such as railways in Kenya and ports in Djibouti. These investments not only secure access to vital resources like minerals and oil—essential for China’s energy security—but also establish strategic footholds that enhance its military presence. The establishment of China’s first overseas military base in Djibouti in 2017 underscores this neorealist logic, providing a platform for power projection in the Indian Ocean region and protecting trade routes (Sun, 2018).
However, this approach is not without limitations; critics argue that it fosters debt dependencies, potentially leading to ‘debt-trap diplomacy’ where African states cede control over assets, as seen in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port handover, though evidence in Africa remains debated (Brautigam, 2020). From a security viewpoint, such strategies heighten tensions, as they challenge the post-colonial order and prompt responses from other powers, like the US’s Prosper Africa initiative. Indeed, neorealism helps explain China’s gradual consolidation of influence, but it overlooks cooperative elements, which liberal institutionalism addresses more effectively.
Liberal Institutionalism and China’s Cooperative Engagements
In contrast, liberal institutionalism argues that states can mitigate anarchy through institutions, fostering interdependence and absolute gains (Keohane, 1984). China’s African strategy aligns with this by emphasising win-win cooperation via multilateral forums. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), established in 2000, serves as a key institution for dialogue, pledging billions in aid and loans without political conditionality, unlike Western donors. This has strengthened China’s position by building alliances and securing voting support in international bodies, such as the United Nations, where African nations often back China’s positions on issues like Taiwan or human rights (Alden, 2007).
For example, in 2021, China committed $40 billion to African development at the FOCAC summit, focusing on health, agriculture, and green energy, which promotes mutual benefits and reduces conflict risks. This institutional approach arguably enhances security by addressing root causes of instability, such as poverty, though it raises concerns about eroding democratic norms. Generally, while effective in expanding soft power, liberal institutionalism’s optimism may downplay underlying power asymmetries, where China’s dominance in these institutions could mask neorealist self-interest.
Implications for International Security
Evaluating both perspectives reveals a hybrid strategy: China uses neorealist tactics for immediate security gains while employing institutionalism for long-term legitimacy. This duality poses challenges to global security, potentially escalating great-power rivalries in Africa and complicating conflict resolution in regions like the Sahel. However, it also offers opportunities for collaborative security efforts, such as joint peacekeeping under the African Union.
Conclusion
In summary, China’s strengthening position in Africa integrates neorealist power-balancing with liberal institutionalist cooperation, as evidenced by initiatives like the BRI and FOCAC. This blend enhances China’s security interests but introduces risks of dependency and rivalry. For international security, understanding these dynamics is crucial to navigating multipolar tensions. Future research should explore how African agency influences this trajectory, highlighting the limitations of applying these theories uniformly.
References
- Alden, C. (2007) China in Africa. Zed Books.
- Brautigam, D. (2020) ‘A critical look at Chinese “debt-trap diplomacy”: The rise of a meme’, Area Development and Policy, 5(1), pp. 1-14.
- Keohane, R. O. (1984) After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy. Princeton University Press.
- Sun, Y. (2018) ‘China’s Military Relations with Africa: A New Era?’, The Diplomat. Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2018/08/chinas-military-relations-with-africa-a-new-era/.
- Waltz, K. N. (1979) Theory of International Politics. Addison-Wesley.
