On becoming a norms maker: Chinese foreign policy, norms evolution and the challenges of security in Africa

Chris Alden*, Daniel Large

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract (may include machine translation)

This article explores China's engagement with the development of norms on security in Africa, with particular attention to its changing post-conflict engagement. Applying the gradualism characteristic of its approach to policy formulation and implementation, the Chinese policymaking community is playing a key role in seeking to redefine the contemporary international approach to managing African security dilemmas. By reinterpreting concepts such as liberal peacebuilding, Chinese policymakers have begun a process of reframing established norms on security and development that are more in line with its principles and core interests. This agenda in the making has enabled the Chinese government to move beyond the constraints of a rhetoric rooted in non-interference in domestic affairs that prohibited involvement in African security issues to a set of practices that allows China to play a more substantive role in security on the continent.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)123-142
Number of pages20
JournalChina Quarterly
Volume221
DOIs
StatePublished - 19 Mar 2015

Keywords

  • Africa
  • Chinese foreign policy
  • norms
  • peacebuilding
  • security

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