Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe (Princeton University), “Japan and the African Development Bank”

U.S. ET: May 9 (Thursday), 8 – 9 PM

JST: May 10 (Friday), 9 – 10 AM

Zoom Registration: Link

Paper is available here.

Authors: Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe (Princeton University) and James Vreeland (Princeton 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.

Presenter: Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe (Princeton University)

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

Chair: Christina Davis (Harvard University)