Africa’s Expansion: Implications and Interests of China and the United States

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Two key long-term energy trends are shifting the strategic balance between superpower rivals, the United States and China, in the 21st century. First, the frenetic and successful search for hydrocarbons in Africa is making it an increasingly crucial element in China’s energy diversification strategy. Second, a domestic boom in U.S. shale oil and gas is dramatically boosting America’s energy security.

America’s increasing energy security and China’s increased dependence on energy imports from Africa and the Middle East until well past 2040 despite its own shale discoveries will make Beijing’s own increasing energy insecurity be felt even more acutely, pushing the People’s Liberation Army to accelerate adoption of a “two ocean” military strategy that includes an enduring presence in the Indian Ocean as well as the Pacific Ocean. This book discusses Africa’s booming oil and natural gas exploration and production. The book also examines China’s oil diplomacy, equity investments in strategic minerals, and food policy toward Africa. (Imprint: Nova)