Lost in transfer – tracing policy diffusion and norm‐shaping in Tanzania‐China relations
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21793563 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Georg Lammich (0000-0003-0171-5342, University of Duisburg-Essen, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 886-900 |
| Publication date | 2024-11-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Global Policy (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1758-5880 • E-ISSN: 1758-5899 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/1758-5899.13416 |
| OpenAlex | W4401274951 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 29 |
This article examines the complexities of policy transfer between China and Tanzania, focussing on the influence of linguistic and cultural discrepancies. It explores how African governments, particularly Tanzania, interpret and adapt Chinese policy concepts to align with their domestic priorities. The study employs a multi‐method approach, including interviews, document analysis and literature review, to investigate the dynamics of Sino‐Tanzanian relations. Findings reveal that while China's development and security discourses resonate with African policymakers, the semantic nuances and historical contexts of Chinese terms often lead to divergent interpretations. Despite several initiatives from China to infuse policy concepts into Tanzanian discourse, including projects such as a party leadership school and party‐to‐party dialogues, there are to date no successful adaptations or transfers of Chinese macro‐policy concepts to Tanzania. The research highlights the critical role of language and cultural context in policy transfer processes, challenging the traditional view of passive policy reception in the Global South. It contributes to the broader understanding of policy transfer, emphasising the need to recognise the dynamic interplay of language, culture and political agency in the process. The study concludes with recommendations for recognising and addressing the interpretive challenges in international policy transfers to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation
China · Economic system · Economics · Political science · Socioeconomics · Tanzania · Tracing · Computer Science · International Development and Aid · Law · Policy Transfer and Learning · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies
The Political Economy of China’s Infrastructure Development in Africa
New Directions in Africa–China Studies
The Approach to the Chinese Diplomatic Discourse
Development First! China’s Policy Transfer to Africa
Stability through Multilateral Cooperation
Who Learns What from Whom
Explaining military reforms under Xi Jinping
The Concept of ‘Community of Common Destiny’ in China's Diplomacy
What is Lost in Translation? Differences between Chinese Foreign Policy Statements and Their Official English Translations
African Political Elites and the Making(s) of the China Model in Africa
A China in Transition
South–South Knowledge Production and Hegemony
Transnational policy transfer
Policy transfer routes
China’s relational power in Africa
Uncovering African Agency
What have we Learned from Policy Transfer Research? Dolowitz and Marsh Revisited
Learning from Abroad
Fitting China in
Tanzania and China
Policy diffusion and policy transfer
China's example for Meles' Ethiopia
| Citations per year | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |