The Dragon's Gift The Real Story of China in Africa

Is China a 'rogue donor'? Media reports about huge aid packages, support for pariah regimes, regiments of Chinese labor, and the ruthless exploitation of workers and natural resources in some of the poorest countries in the world have sparked fierce debates. Beijing's tradition of secrecy fuels rumors and speculation, making it difficult to gauge the risks and opportunities in China's growing embrace. With vivid stories and new data, this well-timed book, by-one of the world's leading experts, tackles the myths and the sometimes surprising realities. Deborah Brautigam explains what the Chinese are doing, how they do it, and why this engagement has a chance of working better for Africa's development than decades, of efforts from the West. Book jacket.

Deborah Brautigam is professor of International development at the School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC.