Rethinking the Post-COVID-19 Soft Power Competition and Rivalry in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of the United States and China

• In Event: China, the US, and the World: Elephant and Grass

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global landscape has witnessed a reconfiguration of power dynamics, particularly in the realm of soft power competition. This study endeavours to explore and compare the post-COVID-19 soft power competition and rivalry in Africa between the United States and China, employing the lens of Soft Power Theory. Soft Power Theory, as conceptualized by Joseph Nye, posits that a nation's influence is derived not solely from military or economic strength, but also from its ability to attract and persuade through culture, values, and diplomacy. Against this backdrop, this comparative analysis delves into the strategies employed by the United States and China in their efforts to enhance influence in Africa. The United States traditionally espouses democratic values, human rights advocacy, educational exchanges, and cultural exports to exert soft power. Conversely, China has increasingly utilized initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economic assistance, infrastructure projects, and cultural diplomacy to expand its influence across the African continent. Through a meticulous examination of post-COVID-19 developments, this study seeks to elucidate how the pandemic has shaped the soft power dynamics between these two global powers in Africa. It scrutinizes the effectiveness of various soft power strategies adopted by the United States and China in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Furthermore, it analyses the responses of African nations to these soft power overtures, considering factors such as cultural affinity, economic dependency, and strategic alignment. By employing a nuanced understanding of Soft Power Theory, this study aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of international relations in Africa post-COVID-19. It seeks to contribute to scholarly discourse on soft power competition and rivalry, while also offering practical implications for policymakers, diplomats, and stakeholders involved in shaping the future of Africa's geopolitical dynamics amidst the complexities of the contemporary global order.

Author

• Ibrahim Steven Ekyamba, African Centre for the Study of the United States-University of Pretoria