EU-China-Africa Trilateral Relations in a Multipolar World

Abstract

This book considers the effect of China's unprecedented economic growth and more prominent geopolitical role in the twenty-first century. Rising powers considerably alter international relations, leading to the emergence of a multipolar world order that impacts more traditional international players like the European Union (EU). China's growing economic and diplomatic influence is particularly relevant in Africa, where it presents an alternative to conventional North-South relations and proposes a new type of South-South partnership. Stahl examines the EU's foreign policy response regarding China's growing presence in Africa, as well as the EU's attempts to refocus attention on the African continent. Drawing on a rich body of evidence collected through fieldwork in China and Africa, and extensive expert interviews, the author sheds light on the novel trend of EU-China-Africa trilateral relations. The book offers a new analytical framework for the study of the EU's foreign policy of engagement with emerging powers and will appeal to graduate students and scholars interested in the EU's international role, international relations and development, as well as contemporary Chinese and African studies. EU-China-Africa Trilateral Relations in a Multipolar World -- Foreword -- Acknowledgements -- Interview Codes -- Contents -- Abbreviations -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- 1 Introduction -- 1.1 The EU and the Emerging Multipolar World -- 1.2 Chinaâ#x80;#x99;s Global Rise and the Progress of Sino-Africa Relations -- 1.3 Research Puzzle: Assessing EU Engagement with China and Africa -- 1.4 Literature Review and Analytical Concepts -- 1.5 Research Methods -- 1.5.1 Data-Gathering Techniques 1.5.2 Data Analysis: Evidence Gathered from Field Research and Expert Interviews1.5.3 Case Study Design -- 1.6 Overview of the Book -- 2 Reconceptualising EU Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World -- 2.1 Opening the Black Box of the EU -- 2.2 Multifaceted and Multilevel EU Foreign Policy -- 2.3 EFP Strategy: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership -- 2.4 EFP Instruments: EU Engagement -- 2.4.1 Transformative EU Engagement -- 2.4.2 Reciprocal EU Engagement -- 2.5 Responses to EU Engagement -- 2.6 Summary of the Analytical Toolbox 3 The Bilateral EU-China Dialogue on Africa3.1 The Bilateral EU-China Strategic Partnership -- 3.2 Situating the EU-China Dialogue on Africa -- 3.3 Bilateral EU Engagement with China on Africa -- 3.4 Assessing Bilateral EU Foreign Policy -- 4 The Multilateral EU-China Dialogue on Africa within the OECD -- 4.1 The OECD DAC and the Multilateral Development System -- 4.2 The DACâ#x80;#x99;s Outreach to China as an Emerging Donor -- 4.3 Multilateral EU Engagement with China in the Context of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation 4.4 Assessing Multilateral EU Foreign Policy5 The Attempted Trilateral EU, China, Africa Development Dialogue -- 5.1 The Trend of Trilateral Development Cooperation -- 5.2 The Reform of EU Development Cooperation and Its Implications for China and Africa -- 5.3 The Bilateral EU-Africa Strategic Partnership -- 5.4 Trilateral EU Engagement with Africa and China -- 5.5 Assessing Trilateral EU Foreign Policy -- 6 Chinese and African Responses -- 6.1 Chinese Foreign Policymaking -- 6.2 Africaâ#x80;#x99;s Growing Role in International Affairs