China’s Africa Policy and Conflict Resolution Initiatives within the Framework of One Belt and One Road Project

Year 2020, Volume: 2 Issue: 4 (Çin Özel Sayısı), 173 - 196, 21.08.2020

Belma Engin Güder Cemre Pekcan

Abstract

Conflict Resolution, as a relatively new field of study in International Relations discipline, poses significant importance in terms of the peaceful resolution of conflicts and third parties’ intervention to these conflicts via their own mediation methods. The African continent, which has experienced many conflicts and violence from past to present, is one of the regions crucially in need of conflict resolution efforts and third party roles. In addition, Africa has turned into a struggling field for great powers once again in the 21st century. One Belt One Road project strengthens China’s interest, influence and investments towards the region. As a strong rival, China’s presence in Africa brings the discussion on responsibility and responsible power with it. However, the responsibility on its own is not sufficient to explain whether great powers as third parties contribute or lead the conflict resolution and peace initiatives on the continent. At this point, the rational motivations and interests of third parties come into play. This study deals with China’s policies towards Africa and the conflict resolution approach within the framework of One Belt One Road project and third parties’ responsibilities, rational interests, and motivations.

Keywords

Africa, Belt and Road Project, China, Conflict Resolution, Mediation

Bir Kuşak Bir Yol Projesi Çerçevesinde Çin’in Afrika Politikası ve Çatışma Çözümü Yaklaşımı

Abstract

Uluslararası İlişkiler disiplininde yeni bir çalışma alanı olan Çatışma Çözümü, özellikle üçüncü tarafların arabuluculuk yöntemini kullanarak soruna müdahil olması ve çatışmaların barışçıl yollarla çözülmesi açısından önem taşımaktadır. Geçmişten günümüze pek çok çatışma ve şiddete sahne olan Afrika kıtası, çatışma çözümü çabalarına ve üçüncü taraf rollerine önemli ölçüde ihtiyaç duyulan bölgelerden biridir. Ayrıca Afrika, 21. yüzyılda büyük güçler için yeniden bir mücadele alanına dönüşmektedir. Bir Kuşak Bir Yol projesi, Çin’in bölgeye ilgisini, etkisini ve yatırımlarını güçlendirmektedir. Güçlü bir rakip olarak Çin’in Afrika'daki varlığı, “sorumluluk” ve “sorumlu güç” tartışmasını beraberinde getirmektedir. Ancak sorumluluk, üçüncü taraf olarak büyük güçlerin kıt'adaki çatışma çözümü veya barış girişimlerine katkı vermesi veya öncülük etmesini açıklamaya tek başına yetmemektedir. Bu noktada, üçüncü tarafların rasyonel motivasyon ve çıkarları devreye girmektedir. Bu çalışma, Çin’in Afrika’ya yönelik politikalarını ve çatışma çözümü yaklaşımını, Bir Kuşak Bir Yol projesi çerçevesinde ve üçüncü tarafların sorumluluk, rasyonel çıkar ve motivasyonları kapsamında ele almaktadır.

Keywords

Afrika, Arabuluculuk, Çatışma Çözümü, Çin, Kuşak-Yol Peojesi

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