Pivoting to overseas development: international NGOs’ changing engagement with China

Abstract

<p>This study examines the emerging phenomenon of joint activities between international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and Chinese actors in third-party countries. How common are these activities, what forms do they take and which actors are involved? What are the motivations and incentives for participants? And how do these activities compare to longstanding INGO engagement <em>within</em> China's borders? Based on key stakeholder interviews and an original dataset of over 130 INGO–China joint overseas development activities, we analyse project locations, types, areas of focus, and specific Chinese and international participants and their motivations. We find that INGO engagements have increased worldwide due to both ‘push’ factors (shifts in domestic conditions and constraints in China) and ‘pull’ factors (growing opportunities and incentives to work with Chinese actors overseas). Our dataset reveals that most activities take place in sub-Saharan Africa and south-east Asia, include dialogues, research and training, and involve Chinese government, commercial and civil society actors. However, overseas projects largely mirror patterns of INGO activities within mainland China, suggesting that the effects of China's domestic regulatory environment extend beyond national borders and could potentially reshape international norms and practices. These findings contribute to scholarship on transnational politics, global civil society and emerging powers in international development.<br></p>