African-Asian Relations: The New Dynamism in the 21st Century

The “new dynamism” in African-Asian relations is defined as “a significant increase in direct interactions between Africa and Asia in this century, as compared to the level of interactions in 20th century and during the Cold War.” Based on historical comparisons and many empirical analyses of contemporary processes, the conclusion is convincing: Yes, there is strong evidence for a new dynamism in African-Asian relations, at bilateral and multilateral, local and regional levels, both in formal, institutional contexts and as informal practices. From trade to direct investment and resource-based infrastructure deals, we observe very dynamic processes that transform the core-semiperiphery-periphery structure that we knew from the second half of the 20th century. The new African-Asian dynamism marks a signum of our century.