The increasing importance of Africa and the Chinese-American rivalry in Africa

The purpose of this study is to analyze the rivalry between China and the United States (the US) in Africa parallel to Africa?s growing importance in recent years. It claims that both global and regional powers which have a long history of interests and relationship in the continent have intensified their activities in the 21st century in order to exploit the natural wealth and the market of the continent. However, in recent years, China and USA are the most significant global power which increased immensely their military, political, economic and socio-cultural activities on the continent. This study will try to explain the rivalry between these two global powers. Without analyzing of this rivalry, it is difficult to understand the recent developments occurred on this continent.This study?s covers the following subjects. China?s economy developed rapidly as a result of the implementation of the economic reform in the last 30 years. China needs natural resources and new markets to foster its economic development. China has been an active foreign policy especially in the last 10 years. Therefore, China tries to enter into African continent. However, the US, the hegemon of the world, tries to reclaim its access and interests in Africa. The US attempts to exploit African countries for economic (oil, natural gas, and other natural resources) and security (military bases) purposes. The claim of Chinese and American national interests led to a competitive environment in Africa.This thesis consists of two hypotheses. First, the China-US rivalry in Africa intensified in the last 10 years due to Africa?s increasing importance. Second, China and the US have been experiencing a political, economic, military and cultural rivalry in this continent. Factors such as the creation of a market, production of oil and other natural sources, which are inherited from the colonial period, and prevention of threats emerged from this continent directed to the national interests of these global powers determine the rivalry between China and the US.This study will try to answer to the following questions. Why is the Africa continent important in the 21st century? Why the importance of the African continent increases? What are the African states? importance and their place in international politics? Do regional such as India, Turkey, Brazil and Iran and global powers such as the EU, Russia and Japan intensify their activities in the continent? Is there really a Chinese-American rivalry in the continent? If there is, what is the extent of this rivalry? What are the Chinese and American policies towards the African continent? Do their activities and interests create a competitive and conflictual environment on Africa?