Series:

Routledge Global Institutions

2 total works

Cover of The Forum on China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

The increase in China's economic and political involvement in Africa is arguably the most momentous development on the continent since the end of the Cold War. This book seeks to detail the origins, structure, workings and activities of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and its development over the last nine years.

Mindful of the growing realisation that Africa is to play an increasingly important role in global energy politics, Ian Taylor provides a clear and detailed overview of an organisation that has been generally overlooked, despite the exponential rise in the importance of the Chinese presence in Africa.

Topics addressed include:

  • the key structures, functions and operations of the FOCAC
  • the importance and development of the triennial summits, including the focus on cultural exchanges and economic cooperation
  • the key criticisms and challenges currently faced by the FOCAC
  • discussion of 'emerging issues' - is it possible to have a "win-win" situation between Africa and China, as the FOCAC suggests?

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a concise introduction to an organisation that will be instrumental in the future of Africa's relationship with the developed world, and will be of interest to students of African and Chinese politics, International Relations and International Organizations.

Cover of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad)

Ian Taylor and Karen Smith present a much-needed and full examination of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), covering its history and current activities. All the key areas are covered by accessibly written chapters, including:

  • an overview of UNCTAD: what it is, why it was formed and why it is important
  • how the organization operates today: what it does and how it does it
  • key criticisms made against the organization: is it relevant in today's world?
  • emerging issues within the organization and its future direction.

In the current era of globalization and what appears to be the dominance of neo-liberal economic thought, UNCTAD has sought to make itself germane to ongoing international debates. The implications of this for the organization's key remit, namely making the world a fairer place, are something that this book unpacks.