Some on-going Chinese activities in Africa seem to be reflective of aspects of the erstwhile European imperialism in Africa. China needs Africa’s vast raw materials, for instance, petroleum, to sustain its growing population and industries; untapped African markets serve as a magnet for Chinese manufactured goods; and African countries serve as rich terrains for the re/investment of Chinese capital, for example, in infrastructural projects. Complementary to the significant Chinese economic and political interests are vigorous efforts being made to introduce Chinese language and culture in a number of African countries. Put together, these developments may be theorized as a moment of “second imperialism” in Africa.

For their part, some African countries see the Chinese presence as an opportunity to re/build their stagnant economies, indeed, hoping to use it as a lever to weaken the economic grip of the former European colonial powers and the international financial institutions.

Overall, the Chinese presence has generated diverse responses worldwide. The major actors on the global stage are scrambling for new policies, at one level, to counter the ever-growing Chinese economic and political influence in Africa, and at another level, to woo China as a partner that can positively enhance the entrenchment of good governance in Africa.

We seek for publication theoretical and empirical papers on the nature, impact, and trajectory of Chinese economic, political, and social activities in Africa, written from multidisciplinary perspectives, including history, economics, political science, sociology, media and communication, and cultural studies.

Possible topics include but are not limited to the following:

* Comparative theoretical essays that locate Chinese involvement in Africa as a moment of “Second Imperialism”
*Changing trends: China and Africa from the late 19th century to the present
*China and the forces of globalization in Africa
* Critical assessment of Chinese foreign and economic policies toward African states
* African initiatives and responses to the Chinese presence in Africa
*African and/or non-African media and the constructions of the Chinese in Africa
* Specific Chinese projects on the continent and their effects
*Chinese culture and language in Africa
*The implications of Chinese quest for raw materials in Africa
*China and the Darfur conflict etc
*Responses of Western governments etc. to Chinese expansionism in Africa

The deadline for submitting abstracts of approximately 300 words is November 15, 2007; and the deadline for the submission of completed essays is March 31, 2008. Please, note that arrangements are in the pipeline for a conference and you may be invited to present your submitted paper(s) at the conference.
Please, address all submissions and queries to:
kaparr@ship.edu and/or kolapof@uoguelph.ca