Launch of a new anthology: China as a Global Development Actor: Transforming the International Aid Landscape? 

On 19 March, the Expert Group for Aid Analysis (EBA) will host the launch of the new anthology China as a Global Development Actor: Transforming the International Aid Landscape? at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm. The seminar will bring together leading researchers and policy experts to discuss China’s growing role in global development and the implications for Swedish and European aid. The event will be held in English.

In the last decade, China has emerged as a major development partner for many countries, a trend that is reshaping the international aid landscape as traditional Western donors adjust their engagement in various regions and sectors. This shift raises important questions for Swedish and European development policy: How might China fill gaps left by traditional providers? How can development effectiveness be maintained and recipient-country priorities respected in a multipolar aid environment? Where can Swedish aid have the greatest impact? 

Increased knowledge of China’s global ambitions and influence is crucial for understanding how Swedish development assistance is affected. EBA is therefore launching an anthology that focuses on China as a development actor and its significance for Sweden and Swedish development cooperation.  

The anthology consists of 14 chapters and analyses China’s role in areas such as global health, climate finance and the green transition, gender equality, trade, infrastructure, agriculture, and media, with examples and geographical case studies from various regions and countries (Africa, Southeast Asia, Ukraine, and Iran).  

The seminar will feature presentations by several of the authors, followed by a discussion between experts on China and international development cooperation. 

Date: Thursday, March 19 

Time: 13.00-17.00. The day will end with mingle and snacks.

Location: Studion Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, Sergels Torg 3, Stockholm   

Language: English 

Organisers: Expert Group for Aid Analysis (EBA) 

Featured speakers: 

• Jiayi Zhou, Senior Researcher in the Conflict, Peace and Security Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 

• Lisa Eklund, Associate Professor, Lund University 

• Helena Legarda, Head of Program for the Foreign Relations team, Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) 

• Åsa Malmström Rognes, Research Fellow, The European Institute of Japanese Studies, Stockholm School of Economics 

• Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah, Associate Professor, Luleå University of Technology 

• Jillian Popkins, Chief Commissioner, Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) 

• Rolf Schwarz, Head, Global Engagement, Development Co-operation Directorate at Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 

• Love Theodossiadis, Lead Economist, Chief Economist Team, Sida 

• Michael Schiffer, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, partner, Scalare Advisors and former Assistant Administrator, USAID 
  Björn Jerdén, Head, Swedish National China Centre (NKK), The Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI) 

Moderators: 

• Malin Oud, Vice-Chair, Expert Group for Aid Analysis 

• Oscar Almén, Deputy Research Director, Research Division of Defence Analysis, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)