How to take advantage of geopolitical changes

The world is in the middle of a significant power shift. For about two centuries, Europe and its offshoots dominated the global landscape. That is changing fast. A combination of the rise of China and other parts of the developing world and the singular failure of leadership in the West have led to the current situation. But while it is easy to pinpoint causes of the current shifts in the global economic, military and political centres of gravity, the consequences may prove harder to predict. And it is precisely because of the fact that the outcomes are unpredictable that responsible leaders should seek to ensure their countries stand to reap the positive consequences of these global shifts. This observation applies to both the domestic and regional levels.

Consider the example of trade and related infrastructure. Much has been written about how China and India are the next engines of global development; and how being plugged into these markets is the surefire way to succeed economically over the next decade. Much of it is also true. However, there is something to be said about preserving the autonomy of states dealing with these two rising powers. In other words, even though they may only ever get to exercise their agency while in tight corners, African leaders should try their best to get the most out for their citizens out of any trade agreements signed with either China or India. That means being in a position to play these two rising powers against each other in order to get the best deal for African citizens.