When looking at the African continent, Africa is now a socially and economically vibrant destination for foreign powers to invest in and has generated interest of traditional Western powers and of...Show moreWhen looking at the African continent, Africa is now a socially and economically vibrant destination for foreign powers to invest in and has generated interest of traditional Western powers and of the newly emerged ‘Southern powers’ such as China. China puts great effort in differentiating themselves from other partners of African nations. China portrays itself as an ‘all-weather friend’ of Africa that strives for changing the economic world order justly in which all (developing) countries have a say. This research looks at how the Chinese government constructs its engagement in Africa as different compared to Western involvement on the African continent, and how this difference is constituted through different strategies of differentiation: historical ties, South-South mutual understanding, Soft Power and Non-conditional development cooperation.Show less
This thesis explores the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth and whether or not a struggle in his theory is necessarily a power struggle. I distinguished three different forms of struggles in...Show moreThis thesis explores the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth and whether or not a struggle in his theory is necessarily a power struggle. I distinguished three different forms of struggles in Honneth's work: a conflict of interests, a conflict for recognition, and a collision. Only the last two are within the scope of the theory of recognition. A struggle for recognition is a situation in one is not recognized as an equal - this is a power struggle. In a collision there is mutual recognition, but a difference in how this should be expressed - this is not a power struggle. This means that a struggle in the theory of recognition is not necessarily a power struggle. In the last chapter I point out the importance of trust in order to cultivate relationships based on mutual recognition.Show less
