The Daily

America Has a Problem in Africa: China

Apr 6, 2023

In a compelling discussion, Abdi Latif Dahir, East Africa correspondent for The New York Times, delves into Vice President Kamala Harris's recent trip to Africa aimed at countering China's influence. He highlights the geopolitical tug-of-war in Zambia, where U.S. diplomatic efforts clash with China's substantial infrastructure investments. Dahir also explores the rising discontent among Zambian youth amidst economic struggles and how African nations are navigating their relationships with global powers to assert their independence.

28:54

Creator website

Episode guests

Abdi Latif Dahir

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Diplomatic Charm Offensive in Africa

2min

Geopolitical Struggles: U.S. vs. China in Africa

14min

Zambia's Debt Default and the Quest for Change

2min

Zambia's Geopolitical Shift

8min

Political Shift and International Tensions

3min

Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to Africa last week was designed to send a simple message to its governments and people — China is not your friend. The United States is.

Abdi Latif Dahir, The New York Times’s East Africa correspondent, explains what the United States has to lose if countries in Africa choose China.

Guest: Abdi Latif Dahir, the East Africa correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

The vice president faced a balancing act as she tried to foster relationships.
The U.S. tried to counter China’s moves in Africa during a summit last year.

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