Going Out or Staying In? The Expansion of Chinese NGOs in Africa

• In Event: 522 - Section on Sociology of Development Paper Session. Emerging Issues in the Sociology of Development

Abstract

This article examines the overseas behavior of Chinese NGOs in two African nations, Ethiopia and Malawi, with varying political regime types. Our findings suggest that irrespective of regime type, Chinese NGOs are yet to make a substantial impact in either nation. We argue that, despite the strength of the Chinese state and high levels of international development assistance given, domestic politics and regulatory frameworks in host nations still matter a great deal. The implications of our study suggest that the Chinese model of international development will continue to be one where temporary one-off projects are favored; and, insofar as social organizations will play a role, they will be in the domain of government-organized, NGOs than grassroots NGOs

Authors

• Jennifer YJ Hsu, University of Alberta

• Timothy Hildebrandt, London School of Economics