Coevolutionary Pragmatism
Approaches and Impacts of China-Africa Economic Cooperation

Decades-long field research, investigate Chinese approach in Africa's development, reinterpret classics on industrial capitalism, and reveal effects of non-linear synergism

Xiaoyang Tang (Author)

9781009257831, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 August 2022

300 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.408 kg

'Coevolutionary Pragmatism is a landmark study that is already part of the canon of global China studies. Provocative yet balanced, thorough in analysis yet lucid in writing, the book is a powerful contribution to the current debate on China's involvement in the Global South and beyond.' Miriam Driessen, The China Quarterly

China-Africa economic tie has experienced lasting rapid growth since the 2000s, attracting lots of discussion on its nature and effects. A key question is whether Chinese engagements provide an alternative paradigm to existing mainstream models, like Washington Consensus, for developing countries. However, theories on state-market dichotomy can hardly explain the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation. By examining a broad range of practices with solid field research, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, industrial zones, labor and socio-environmental preservation, this book proposes a new angle of non-linear circular causality to understand Chinese approaches to work with Africa. Guided by the pursuit for sustainable growth rather than by specific models, Chinese actors are able to experiment diverse methods to foster structural transformation in Africa. In particular, the author carefully records mutual influences between Chinese and African stakeholders at all levels, from grassroots to policy making, to illustrate the effects of coevolving industrialization.

Preface
Foreword by Deborah Brautigam
List of abbreviations
1. A 'Model' with no model
2. Trade
3. Infrastructure
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Special economic zones
7. Employment and training
8. Social and environmental responsibility
Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: Political economy [KCP], International institutions [JPSN], Geopolitics [JPSL], Diplomacy [JPSD]