Abbreviation CARI Director Deborah Bräutigam | Location Washington, D.C. | |
Motto Evidence. Analysis. Collaboration. Formation 2014; 3 years ago (2014) Headquarters 1717 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 723 |
The China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a research program dedicated to understanding the political and economic aspects of China-Africa relations. Launched in 2014, it is based at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C.
Contents
- Research
- Staff
- 2014 Conference
- 2015 Conference
- 2016 Conference
- SAIS CARI in the media Selected
- Policy Briefs and Working Papers
- Policy Briefs
- Working Papers
- Current funding
- Previous funding
- References
SAIS-CARI is focused on producing and promoting high quality, well-researched, and data-backed analysis of the relationship between China and African countries. It also specializes in conducting evidence-based analysis, fostering collaboration, and training future leaders to understand the economic and political dimensions of China-Africa relations and their implications for human security and global development.
The Initiative is directed by Deborah Bräutigam, Ph.D., SAIS Professor of Comparative Politics and Director of the International Development Program (IDEV). She is the author of Will Africa Feed China? (2015), The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa (2009), and the blog "China in Africa: The Real Story." Both of Bräutigam's books use extensive fieldwork and on-the-ground evidence to challenge conventional wisdom on China’s relationship with African countries.
Research
SAIS-CARI’s research areas include Chinese agricultural investments in Africa, Chinese hydropower finance in Africa, the flying geese model in African industries, Chinese loans to Africa, and Chinese FDI and structural transformation in Africa. The research is grounded in both quantitative data collection and analysis as well as qualitative field research. As a result, SAIS-CARI has created several rigorously cross-checked databases on various aspects of Chinese activity in Africa. Of note, in April 2016, the Initiative launched its exclusive database of Chinese loans to African countries. The findings of this database have been featured in The Economist, The Guardian, and African Arguments, among other media outlets.
Staff
2014 Conference
SAIS-CARI hosted its first annual conference, titled "China’s Agricultural Investment in Africa: 'Land Grabs' or 'Friendship Farms'?", on May 16, 2014.
2015 Conference
SAIS-CARI hosted its second annual conference, "Researching China’s Overseas Finance and Aid: What, Why, How, Where and How Much?", on April 10, 2015.
2016 Conference
SAIS-CARI hosted its fourth annual conference, "Orient Express: Chinese Infrastructure Engagement in Africa", on October 13–14, 2016. Researchers and practitioners from the International Institute for Environment and Development, McKinsey & Company, AVIC International, and more shared their insights. The conference focused on several aspects of Chinese infrastructure in Africa.
SAIS-CARI in the media (Selected)
SAIS-CARI research has been featured in The Economist, Bloomberg, the Washington Post, and more.
Policy Briefs and Working Papers
SAIS-CARI publishes policy briefs and working papers on a range of topics concerning the growing relationship between China and Africa. The publications can be found on the Initiative's website.
Policy Briefs
Working Papers
Current funding
SAIS-CARI currently receives support from Carnegie Corporation of New York to develop a database to track Chinese finance and investments in Africa; construct and maintain the CARI website; publish newsletters, working papers, and policy briefs; host conferences, roundtables, and workshops; and fund the CARI fellowship program for scholars, journalists, researchers and practitioners. SAIS-CARI also receives support through a grant from the UK's Department for International Development and the Economic and Social Research Council (DFID/ESRC) which supports "evidence-based analysis of technology transfer, linkages, learning, and spillovers associated with Chinese investment in African manufacturing, agribusiness, and construction industries."