Geopolitical Rivalry Between China, the US, and the European Union for Influence in Asia and Africa

Abstract

The contemporary geopolitical landscape of Asia and Africa is characterized by increasingly fierce competition between China, the United States, and the European Union, driven by these actors' desire to strengthen their political, economic, and cultural influence in strategically important regions. The intensification of global multipolarity, the shift in the balance of power on the world stage, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the intensification of competition for resources and markets make it relevant to conduct a comparative analysis of the approaches and strategies of these key geopolitical players. Objective. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current strategies of the PRC, the United States, and the European Union on countries in Asia and Africa, identifying the main instruments and mechanisms for exerting this influence, assessing their effectiveness and consequences for the political stability, economic development, and security of the target countries, and identifying key challenges and risks in the context of geopolitical competition. Methods. The study uses a comprehensive approach that combines comparative analysis, a structural-functional method for studying instruments and mechanisms of influence, content analysis of scientific and analytical sources, and elements of a systematic approach to integrate the results of the analysis. Results. The study showed that each of the global actors is forming its own strategy focused on specific priorities: China focuses on economic and infrastructure projects, the US on promoting democratic institutions and security, and the EU on sustainable development and human rights. The main instruments of influence are investments, loans, grants, military cooperation, cultural and educational diplomacy. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of these approaches has revealed both the advantages and risks of each strategy, including debt dependence on China, conflict and excessive focus on its own interests in the case of the US, and limited influence of the EU due to bureaucratic barriers. Key challenges for recipient countries have been identified: the threat of political instability, economic dependence, militarisation and the influence of external governance models on local systems. Conclusions. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach for Asian and African countries in their interaction with global actors to minimize risks and reap the benefits of external assistance and cooperation. Prospects for further research include an in-depth analysis of the interaction between regional and global players, a study of the impact of local political, economic, and cultural factors on the perception and effectiveness of strategies, and the development of scenarios for sustainable development and political stability in a multipolar world.