SAIS-CARI is focused on producing and promoting analysis of the relationship between China and African countries. It also specializes in conducting evidence-based analysis, fostering collaboration, and training future leaders to understand the economic and political dimensions of China-Africa relations and their implications for human security and global development.
The initiative is directed by Dr. Deborah Bräutigam, SAIS Professor of Comparative Politics and director of the International Development Program (IDEV). She is the author of Will Africa Feed China? (2015), The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa (2009), and the blog "China in Africa: The Real Story." Both of Bräutigam's books use extensive fieldwork and on-the-ground evidence to challenge conventional wisdom on China's relationship with African countries.
Research
China's annual committed finance to African countries, 2000-2014[1]
Keynotes were Kristen Hopewell (University of British Columbia), on “Clash of Powers: US-China Rivalry in Global Trade Governance”, and Stephen Kaplan (George Washington University), on “Globalizing Patient Capital: The Political Economy of Chinese Finance in the Americas”[2]
2020 – "Strategic Interests, Security Implications: China, Africa, and the Rest," Sep 22–Oct 2, 2020 (virtual)
The 2020 keynote speaker was Prof. Chris Alden, on China's Changing Role in African Security.[3]
2019 – "Catalysts, Competition and Learning: Knowledge, Skills, and Technology Transfer in China-Africa Engagements", April 15–16, 2019
Presenters discussed aspects including knowledge transfer in entrepreneurship, special economic zones, the manufacturing sector, FDI, and infrastructure.[4]
2018 – “Matters of State: Politics, Governance, and Agency in China-Africa Engagement”, April 19–20, 2018
Panels discussed the relationship between China, Africa, and the West, African agency and strategic bargaining, leadership, civil society, and state capacity.[5]
2016 – "Orient Express: Chinese Infrastructure Engagement in Africa", October 13–14, 2016
2015 – "Researching China’s Overseas Finance and Aid: What, Why, How, Where and How Much?", April 10, 2015[6]
2014 – "China’s Agricultural Investment in Africa: 'Land Grabs' or 'Friendship Farms'?", May 16, 2014[7]
SAIS-CARI publishes policy briefs, working papers, briefing papers, and economic bulletins on a range of topics concerning the growing relationship between China and Africa. The publications can be found on CARI's website.
Funding
SAIS-CARI currently receives support from Carnegie Corporation of New York to develop a database to track Chinese finance and investments in Africa; construct and maintain the CARI website; publish newsletters, working papers, and policy briefs; host conferences, roundtables, and workshops; and fund the CARI fellowship program for scholars, journalists, researchers and practitioners.
