Yuan Wang, The Railpolitik: Leadership and Agency in Sino-African Infrastructure Development
In “The Railpolitik: Leadership and Agency in Sino-African Infrastructure Development”, Yuan Wang tackles an intriguing and under-explored question: why do Chinese-financed and constructed infrastructure projects in Africa, despite their similarities, show such varied effectiveness across different countries? By comparing railway projects in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Angola, Wang seeks to uncover the underlying reasons for these disparities. She introduces the “political championship” theory (p. 8), emphasizing the critical role of African political leadership in determining state effectiveness. Wang’s analysis highlights the interaction between individual leadership and broader structural and institutional factors, offering a nuanced perspective on the outcomes of these projects. Through interviews and participatory observation, the book delves into the complexities of Sino-African relations and the challenges of infrastructure development.
