Dear Colleagues,

 

I hope you have been well this week. We are delighted to invite you to the next JPOSS session: 

 

U.S. ET: May 9 (Thu), 8-9 PM

JST: May 10 (Fri), 9-10 AM

Event page & Zoom registration: https://jposs.org/event/anyiam-osigwe-5-9-2024/

Presenter: Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe (Princeton University)

Discussants: Yusaku Horiuchi (Dartmouth College) and Christopher Kilby (Villanova University)

Chair: Christina Davis (Harvard University)

 

Abstract:  Africa has been a target of influence by major powers throughout history. In this paper, we investigate sway over Africa's foremost international financial institution: the African Development Bank (AfDB). We focus on the two largest non-regional shareholders, the United States and Japan. Analyzing panel data of AfDB loans from 1995-2015, we find that increases in Japanese bilateral aid and trade, as well as voting with Japan at the United Nations, are associated with larger AfDB commitments. We do not uncover similar patterns for the United States. Interview evidence suggests that Japan's imperial past and lack of historical ties with Africa encourage a quiet yet persuasive engagement with the institution, which furthers the country's economic and political aims on the continent. Our results advance the view that historical legacies shape the ways in which countries choose to employ international organizations to pursue their interests.

 

The paper will be available on the event page one week before the session. We look forward to your participation!

 

Best wishes,

 

Amy Catalinac, Christina Davis, Shinju Fujihira, Yusaku Horiuchi, Saori Katada, Phillip Lipscy, and Dan Smith