Dependent development

Ian Taylor

Alice Nicole Sindzingre

African growth accelerated significantly after the turn of the century. For nearly two decades, African economies have been growing by an average of 5 to 6 percent, leading analysts to describe Africa as the next Asia. Yet, currently, this positive trend is changing. The IMF forecasts that economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach barely 1.5% in 2016. This debate investigates the contemporary sources of African growth and stagnation. How did the continent fare in the global era? What is the impact of China’s shift from export-oriented growth to domestic consumption? And how did the continent use its natural resources to position itself in the world-economy?   

Keynote Ian Taylor is Professor in International Relations and African Political Economy at the University of St. Andrews (Scotland, UK). He is also Chair Professor in the School of International Studies at the Renmin University of China and holds several visiting professorships (at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies, University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, among others). Ian Taylor obtained his DPhil from the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and holds a MPhil from the University of Hong Kong. His research focuses mainly on sub-Saharan Africa, with a general interest in the interrelation between African political economy and international relations, and a particular interest for China-Africa relations. In this context, Prof. Taylor authored more than 11 academic books, edited another 12, and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed scholarly articles. He has been described "one of the most authoritative academics on SSA IR" by the Cambridge Review of International Affairs. More about Ian Taylor.

Discussant Alice Nicole Sindzingre is a Research Fellow at the French National Center for Scientific Research and is affiliated to the University of Paris-West (Research Centre ‘EconomiX’). She is also a Visiting Lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, University of London, Department of Economics) and an Associate Researcher at the LAM Research Centre (‘Les Afriques dans le Monde’, CNRS-Institut d’Etudes Politiques/Sciences Po-Bordeaux). Her research interests include theoretical issues in development economics, institutions, and political economy, with a focus on West Africa. Dr. Sindzingre has published on a large range of topics, including poverty, globalization, aid, the concept of the developmental state, the political economy of development, and the theory of institutions in relation with development. She has served as a consultant for governments and international organizations (such as the World Bank). More about Alice Nicole Sindzingre.

Moderator Tom De Herdt is Professor in Development Studies and Chair of the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) of the University of Antwerp, Belgium. His research interests are poverty alleviation, capabilities, local governance and practical norms, and the relationship between globalization and socio-economic inequality. Prof. De Herdt’s current research focuses on local aspects of public action in the DRC. Before coming to Antwerp, Tom worked at the Universidad Centroamericana (Managua, Nicaragua). More about Tom De Herdt. Twitter: @tomdeherdt    

Tuesday 28 November​ 2017
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
University of Antwerp - City Campus  
Rodestraat 14 - R.014 - 2000 Antwerpen (how to reach the city campus?)

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