The Rise of China and India in Africa.

• Author: Bansal, Sarika
• Position: Book review

THE RISE OF CHINA AND INDIA IN AFRICA

Fantu Cheru and Cyril Obi, eds.

(London: Zed Books, 2010), 266 pages.

China and India, two of the 21st century's fastest growing economies, have actively begun engaging and working with African countries. Their individual histories with the continent differ starkly--China has been more aggressive about working in Africa, while India has had a longer presence in the continent with diaspora populations. Yet both journeys offer fascinating lessons on what many academics view as new South-South relations.

In the recent book The Rise of China and India in Africa, Fantu Cheru and Cyril Obi aim to chronicle these journeys. Through a series of academic essays, the reader gains an understanding of how both countries are working in Africa, how African companies and governments are responding--or how they should respond--and the implications of these changes on the global order.

The contributions to this volume are from a diverse set of academics, including individuals from Chinese, Indian, African and Western institutions. Given this, it is not surprising that the perspectives offered are varied, with some essays putting a decidedly positive spin on these new developments and others being wary of the presence of these Asian giants.

Refreshingly, the volume does not shy away from the big...