African Political Analysis Think-Tank Vignettes

In this final blog series on China two important lessons are explored:  a. Accepting and opening doors to trade  b. improving standard of living using technologies, skills and knowledge other than your own. According to John E. Schrecker, 1971: Imperialism and Chinese Nationalism; Germany in Shantung There was a scramble for China. This was under the prevailing scramble for spheres of influence by European countries. China's shores welcomed Europeans and Americans from 1890's to 1911. The rise of nationalism held back this scramble. Before that there were fights, many of which ended up in bloodshed. Some of it is captured in literature, like this between Germany and a Chinese Town. "After this reprisal raid which became the most notorious act committed by the Germans in Shantung, the detachment marched directly back to the coast and boarded the Gefion for Tsingtao," (Schrecker, page 97). Lessons to mother land Africa We continue our third ser...

Africa the motherland learns from China This is the second of a mini-series on China and Africa. In this series, we shall read about: 1. How China capitalized on its cultural history of dynasties which were only broken briefly only to be re-established. We shall be introduced to Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Song dynasties. Followed by the Mongols, who were overthrown by the Ming dynasty. This is paved the way to modern era China that interacted mostly with Europeans and missionaries. 2. We shall read about the effects of large populations being mobilized by a galvanizing leader. What this meant for China was a spirit of nationalism and confidence of people in their country and leaders. 3.We shall read about the unique investment portfolio of China. 4. In this series, we shall be introduced to what replaced the kow-tow obeisance that China insisted on as it dealt with other sovereign states. 5. China had threats and dealt with boarder skirmishes with next door countries. We s...

China the dragon teaches Africa the motherland This is the first of a mini-series on China and Africa. China stands out as a tip of a huge mountain China however, would serve as one country to emulate if Africa needs to eradicate poverty. China has its worthy successes as well as its mistakes. In order for Africa to copy what China does well, there is need to understand what China does well. This paper attempts to throw light on China from far gone dynasties to present day. Where Africa can look for help Africa can break the barriers in its way as it embraces modern approaches or appropriate methods to: good governance; eradicate poverty; ill health; poor standards of living; poor environment and resource use. Africa can look to USA, Canada, Europe, Russia, South America, Caribbean, Asia (especially India, China, Pakistani, Philippines and Japan), or Australia. China; its bark and bite China is a country that has been put in the position it enjoys not...