The Voice (vox populi)

     This article is adapted to:  The Economist issue week’s cover | Jan 18th 2025 Edition        From the rise of nationalist movements in Europe to the assertive foreign policies of major powers like China and Russia; often referred to as  'revisionist states', competition and self-interest increasingly define the international landscape. The liberal belief that unity is possible in the global arena through cooperation, tolerance, and institutions promoting peace and governance, seems to be failing to hold the center. Recent developments strongly indicate that 'Realism' remains the best predictor of future policy positions politically and otherwise. 'Realism' as a paradigm in politics and international relations provides a quite plausible yet simple lens on alliances, wars, hindrances and cooperation, imperialism including other various political phenomena. It does so by simply acknowledging the fact that social interactions like polit...

INTRODUCTION A n advocate of the developing world or seeking dominance? Africa's development partner or new colonizer? These are some of the questions that come to mind when considering the evolving China-Africa relations. Over the past two decades, China has emerged as a global superpower, reintegrating into the world economy by joining the WTO in 2001. Chinese economic and trade foreign policy has expanded beyond traditional dominant markets such as the United States and Europe to include African markets. This rise of China has sparked discussions about China's intentions in Africa, raising concerns about the socio-political and economic impacts of this relationship. China's presence in Africa has been characterized by a fluid relationship of bilateral and multilateral engagement, with the People's Republic of China rapidly growing its influence on the continent. Through its foreign policy of "Going Global," China has increased its presence...

INTRODUCTION Geopolitical dynamics are shifting; the existing world order is under significant structural changes, and it is the dawn of a new era. America’s unipolar moment stands challenged by the rise of new Global development actors. Indeed, it cannot be disputed that this century is becoming a ‘global south’ century with the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) which comprises the five largest economies outside the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, particularly the rise of China. From receiving bilateral environmental aid from the World Bank in the 1980s to the so-called One Belt One Road Initiative of the 21st century which involves infrastructural development and investments in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The rise of China to the global scene is evidenced by the growth of its bilateral relations and its aid flows in the global south primarily in Africa, Latin America, and the developing countries in Asia which has become substantial ...