Additional Reading on External Actors in Africa

A Review of Major Regional Security Efforts in the Sahel

By the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, March 4, 2019

Increased attacks from militant Islamist groups in the Sahel coupled with cross-border challenges such as trafficking, migration, and displacement have prompted a series of regional and international security responses. [Infographic]

Chinese Hard Power Supports Its Growing Strategic Interests in Africa

By Paul Nantulya, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, January 17, 2019

China’s growing military engagement in Africa is aimed at advancing Beijing’s economic and strategic interests, in particular its Belt and Road Initiative.

Grand Strategy and China’s Soft Power Push in Africa

By Paul Nantulya, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, August 30, 2018

China is doubling down on its soft power initiatives in Africa as part of China’s Grand Strategy to tap emerging markets, shape global governance norms, and expand its influence.

How China Got Sri Lanka to Cough Up a Port

By Maria Abi-Habib, New York Times, July 2, 2018

China’s infrastructure deals are ubiquitous across Africa. The motivations behind these deals vary, however. This investigative report details how China leveraged the indebtedness of Sri Lanka to effectively force it to cede a port to China. The experience has implications for the debt trap many African countries face, especially with China, as well as for China’s interest in acquiring strategic assets in Africa, military and intelligence interests in China’s commercial activity, oversight over major infrastructure and natural resource contracts including China’s Belt and Road Initiative on the continent, Chinese influence in foreign elections, and risks to African sovereignty.

Security Topics:  External Actors in Africa