Africa amid US-China tech rivalry
Start Date
13-4-2023 2:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2023 3:30 PM
Description
Prevailing metaphors and analogies are framing US-China relations in terms of a new “Cold War” and a new “Era of Great-Power Competition”. This competition threatens to turn Africa, yet again, into a geopolitical playing field. Unlike previous eras of colonial and ideological partition, African countries now risk becoming incorporated into different technological spheres as US-China competition increasingly revolves around digital infrastructure and tech rivalry. The aim of the paper is to explore this emerging phenomenon. First, the paper aims to map how US-China rivalry plays out in the technology field on the African continent. Second, using IR theories and concepts, the paper seeks to make sense of what is unfolding and how it can affect African states. Third, the paper also intends to contribute to the academic debate by offering novel theorizing.
Document Type
Presentation
Recommended Citation
Åberg, J. H. S. (2023, April). Africa amid US-China tech rivalry. Presented at the International Symposium on Africa-China Relations in an Era of Uncertain Future. Lingnan University, Hong Kong.
Africa amid US-China tech rivalry
Prevailing metaphors and analogies are framing US-China relations in terms of a new “Cold War” and a new “Era of Great-Power Competition”. This competition threatens to turn Africa, yet again, into a geopolitical playing field. Unlike previous eras of colonial and ideological partition, African countries now risk becoming incorporated into different technological spheres as US-China competition increasingly revolves around digital infrastructure and tech rivalry. The aim of the paper is to explore this emerging phenomenon. First, the paper aims to map how US-China rivalry plays out in the technology field on the African continent. Second, using IR theories and concepts, the paper seeks to make sense of what is unfolding and how it can affect African states. Third, the paper also intends to contribute to the academic debate by offering novel theorizing.