China’s global governance strategy and the revival of leftist ideologies in Africa: a constructivist analysis of norm diffusion and political alignment

Abstract

This empirical and theoretical study examines China’s strategic engagement in Africa through a constructivist lens, analyzing how Beijing’s approach to global governance influences the resurgence of leftist ideologies across the continent. Using relational theory and norm diffusion frameworks, the research explores the tension between China’s anti-imperialist rhetoric and its capitalist economic policies while challenging Western-centered IR paradigms. Methodologically, the study combines qualitative case analysis involving Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia with discourse analysis of primary sources, including CPC policy documents, FOCAC declarations, and speeches by African leaders. The findings identify three main patterns: effective localization of Chinese governance norms through party-to-party exchanges, especially in Tanzania’s revived Ujamaa socialism; increasing institutional alignment, reflected in African support for China in UN votes and BRICS+ expansion; and ongoing contradictions between Marxist rhetoric and extractive economic practices. The study concludes that while China’s normative influence has revitalized anti-Western leftist discourses, African agency complicates Beijing’s global influence ambitions. The research advances constructivist IR by illustrating how non-Western powers reshape global governance narratives and offers policy insights for African states navigating Sino-Western competition. Overall, the paper strives to provoke scholarly debate and research on China’s global governance influence on the African simmering receptivity to communism as a viable alternative governance and economic model for the development of Africa.