China and Africa were key topics for the past two speakers of Great Decisions, a lecture series sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Williamsburg Area.
Eric Brown, a William & Mary professor with the Global Research Institute, spoke on China and U.S. relations on Feb. 10.
Brown, who writes and teaches on China, geopolitics and U.S. national security, pointed out how China has strategically and intentionally studied what made the U.S. successful, and then gone into other countries and implemented some of those ideas. He contrasted China’s influence with other countries as being “friendly” and enhancing to them as opposed to Russia’s approach of dominance through “deprivation” — economically, spiritually, etc.
Eric Brown
Brown’s appearance was followed up Tuesday with Virginia E. Palmer, a retired U.S. Ambassador to Ghana. Palmer’s 39-year career with the state department included serving overseas for seven different presidents and working as an assistant secretary of state.
Palmer began her speech by focusing on why Africa matters:
Untapped markets: By 2030 half the youth in the world will be Africans, and the middle class is growing. By 2050 the population is expected to be 1 billion.
Resource endowment: Africa is rich in minerals we need. For example, the Congo alone holds 70% of the world’s cobalt. The continent holds lots of minerals needed for modern technology, such as lithium batteries.
Location: Africa sits between two oceans and is important for trade and military strategy.
Geopolitical significance.
Shared security needs are increasing as both China and Russia show increased interest.
Palmer discussed the different approaches China and Russia are taking. She said China is doing a better job of responding to Africa’s needs, while Russia’s strategy is more sinister, offering security in exchange for influence.
Various presidents have had different policies for African countries, and Palmer discussed how that has shifted under President Donald Trump. She suggested the U.S. policy now is “trade not aid.”
Palmer expressed concern over the ending of USAID, saying that while the aid organization needed reform, she worries about what will replace it. “America is not growing stronger,” she said, “we’re growing lonelier.”
Palmer also said that foreign policy officers need to do a better job in getting the message of the importance of Africa out to the general public.
After Palmer’s talk, Great Decisions chairperson Dennis Litalien said he was pleased to listen to someone who knew her area of expertise so well.
“She recognizes the influence that other countries are having now all formed around policy: what it was and what it is now,” he said.
This coming Tuesday’s speaker will be Nancy Combs, a William & Mary law professor. Her topic is “The Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World.”
The Great Decisions lectures continue Tuesday mornings through March at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists at 3051 Ironbound Road.
Becky Sipos is with the League of Women Voters-Williamsburg Area.
