“China beats the west to win respect by Kenyans”. This
is the news title that appeared recently on a local daily Kenyan newspaper.
According to a survey conducted across the country by consumer insight Kenya,
China has emerged as the main source of inspiration for Kenyans. This must be the case for the rest of Africa as these kinds
of headlines are repeated across African dailies.
Africa traditionally looked to the
west for inspiration. However, Since China entered the fray; the tide has
slowly shifted in China’s favor to a point where the west is almost totally
eclipsed from the main arena of things diplomatic. China’s secret lies in its
diplomatic philosophy that endears to African states.
Whereas in International relations,
states relate to each other based on national interests, perceptions and
philosophical thinking plays a big part in shaping their foreign policies.
Philosophy provides the theoretical guidance for foreign relations, while
activities of foreign affairs are a practice under the guidance of diplomatic
philosophical theory.
Different countries have different
philosophical foundations for foreign affairs that shape their policies on
world situations and international relations. As Africa becomes more assertive
in the International arena, it responds accordingly to the various diplomatic
philosophies towards it. An analysis of the west’s diplomatic philosophy in
general as well as towards Africa explains why African States and the African
people are turning to China.
The United States conforms to
pragmatism and cherishes the values of freedom. It proclaims that the current
world order is problematic and it will not acquire security if it retreats
within its own borders. Despite complaints against anti-terrorism laws and
interference, it has remained firm and unapologetic. “We will choose to act
confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom.
Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer, so we
will act boldly in freedom’s cause”. This is America’s diplomatic philosophy
that signifies domination, unilateral actions and inequality in relations.
The Germans uphold rational and
technical philosophy. They believe that globalization, Democracy and European
civilization, together with western values; economic, social and political
system is good for the entire globe. German leaders have famously proclaimed
that NATO has become a global alliance of public interest and that it should be
used as a political instrument for making the world a secure environment. This
sends shivers to every African leader and ordinary Africans who have seen the
fall of regimes through military interventions.
Russian leaders put forward that, in
dealing with foreign relations, Russia is returning to “realism from Idealism”;
giving more consideration to the interests of Russia and its International
Image. This new philosophy has improved Russia’s image in Africa, especially
when they have opposed sanctions targeting poor African countries.
French leaders’ philosophy is more
of diversity in international exchanges and multilateralism. This has made it
difficult for African states to predict it responses to international matters.
However, its involvement in the ousting of Libyan ex-dictator Muammar Gaddafi
has seen it labeled a rogue power by its critics in Africa.
China’s history and evolution has
always had a bearing on Africa. For thousands of years, it had a reputation of
a civilized country that upholds harmony and propriety. Its history resonates
with Africa and its quick rise in stature offers great lessons and inspiration
to African states. Its history of being colonized by various powers, poverty
stricken and isolation have shaped its diplomatic philosophy. An important
ideological foundation is the cultural tradition centering on “harmony and
conformity” in today’s world outlook.
China’s success in Africa is an indication that it has
a sober understanding and a clear assessment of the international situation,
especially with regard to Africa. In terms of policy guiding exchange with
African countries, China’s diplomatic philosophy is expressed as friendly,
based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation. Its major success lies in the
principle of equality, non-interference and mutual development.
China’s activities in
Africa and local attitudes have been well documented by Deborah Brautigam’s
book, the dragon’s gift. Brautigam observes that Africans are generally
receptive to China’s developmental approach. That Africans approve one developing
country helping another, “the poor helping the poor”; they
value the longstanding connections built over decades with their Chinese
partners; and they feel that China shows them far more respect than
paternalistic Westerners.
China is putting forward proposals for a harmonious
world, a just world with no wars and power politics. It claims that it seeks
international political democracy as opposed to domination, fairness and
justice, observance of international conventions and friendly and harmonious
existence between countries. Whether or not China is genuine in its calls, the
general diplomatic philosophy is the catalyst for its success in Africa.
