Dovish Publics vs Hawkish Elites: U.S. Public Opinion on China’s Role in African States

Ken Opalo

China’s rise as a major global power has upended the established order of the international
system. Nowhere is this more apparent that in Africa, where China has emerged as the
preeminent trade partner. These developments call for studies on how historically dominant
powers like the United States will react to China’s rise. To that end, this paper examines
Americans public opinion on China’s rise and influence in African states. The results show that
while Americans are concerned about China’s influence in Africa, an overwhelming majority
also support the view that the United States should respect African countries’ right to pursue
independence foreign policies, even if it leaves them more dependent on China. Furthermore, a majority of Americans also oppose unilateral presidential action to counter China in Africa,
preferring Congressional leadership instead. These findings shed light on the potential
American domestic politics of great power competition with China on the African continent.