Johns Hopkins SAIS Expands its China-Africa Research Initiative with Support from Carnegie Corporation, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Department for International Development
The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) has received generous funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a joint grant between the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) to further support the important work of the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
Under the leadership of Professor Deborah Bräutigam, director of the International Development Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS, CARI takes an evidence-based approach to better understanding relations between China and African countries.
“The pace of China’s expansion over the past fifteen years is unprecedented in scale and complexity. The relationship with China is the most important relationship we have. As China’s engagement in Africa continues to grow, it is essential that we have a far more solid understanding of its scope and impact. Sorting fiction from fact requires experience, good contacts, and a sound understanding of how China is ‘going global’. With this support, CARI is poised to be the hub for the most accurate, unbiased source of information on China’s economic engagement in Africa,” said Brautigam.
Through high quality data collection, field research, conferences, and collaboration, CARI will enhance scholarly and practical understanding of China’s role in Africa and will build a core of new generation experts around the world. Johns Hopkins SAIS’s convening power will provide a platform for CARI to showcase its findings and promote dialogue with academics, policymakers, and journalists who study and cover the topic.
Support from Carnegie Corporation
Carnegie Corporation’s grant will enable CARI to develop a database that applies greater rigor in tracking Chinese finance and investments in Africa. Their funding will help to finance the construction and maintenance of a dedicated website that houses data, a quarterly newsletter with key findings, conferences and workshops, and the publication of working papers and policy briefs.
CARI will also sponsor a fellowship program for scholars, journalists, researchers and practitioners from China, Africa and the United States to work on energy, infrastructure, environment, and other aspects of China’s African engagement.
Support from DFID/ESRC
The DFID/ESRC grant will support the program’s research into China’s recent investment in Africa. CARI will use multiple methods to explore the question of linkages between Chinese and African firms and producers. Research will commence with mapping via desk studies and existing databases, proceed to fieldwork (scoping studies, case studies), and include surveys to present an evidence-based analysis of technology transfer, linkages, learning, and spillovers associated with Chinese investment in African manufacturing, agribusiness, and construction industries.
Additional support for CARI has come from the Smith Richardson Foundation and the UK Centre for Economic Policy Research.
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A division of The Johns Hopkins University, the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a premier graduate school of international affairs. With permanent campuses across three continents, and a curriculum strongly rooted in a study of international relations, economics, and regional studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS educates and prepares students to solve multifaceted, global challenges across sectors.
For more information or upcoming events, visit sais-cari.org.