China's growing economic involvement in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America has been a source of major controversy. The official Chinese position maintains that the growth of bilateral relations is of mutual benefit and provides a good example of South-South cooperation. Critics on the other hand see the economic relations between China and other developing countries as highly unequal with most of the benefits accruing to China and a few local elites. They also point to negative socio-economic, political, and environmental consequences. How China is Reshaping the Global Economy: Development Impacts in Africa and Latin-America throws more light on these controversies through a comparative study of China's impact on the two regions. It looks not just at bilateral relations between China and the two regions but also analyses the changes in the global economy brought about as a result of the shift in economic activity from North America and Western Europe to Asia. This book looks at the factors which led to rapid economic growth in China and the way in which this has affected global manufacturing, commodity markets, the international presence of Chinese companies, and financial glows. It examines the different forms of Chinese economic involvement in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, the main drivers, and economic, social, political, and environmental consequences. It ends with a comparison of the two regions that highlights the importance of different histories and political and institutional contexts in determining the impacts of China. Since the first edition of How China is Reshaping the Global Economy: Development Impacts in Africa and Latin-America, China's role in the global economy has continued to expand and the Chinese government's foreign policy has become more assertive. The global presence of China has been marked by the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative to almost 150 countries and the trade-war between the US and China, as well as increased Western concerns over the activities of major Chinese companies such as Huawei. This new edition documents these changes and their implications for SSA and LAC.

China's growing economic involvement in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America has been a source of major controversy. This book sheds light on these controversies through a comparative study of China's impact on the two regions.

Materiology is directed at all those who are interested in materials and in working with materials: from architects, production designers, and stylists to artists: a handbook for students and new professionals as well as for experienced professionals, written in a clear, understandable style. In four chapters, Materiology offers an overview of the different kinds, processing, and use of materials: 1. Material families: from wood, metal, and plastics to light. 2. Material catalog: over 120 material cards, from basic materials to the latest innovations. 3. Processes: The basics of material processing (spray molds, extrusion, and so on) are presented in a clear manner using numerous diagrams. 4. Thinking ahead: from new processing and use possibilities to questions concerning environmental protection and virtual reality. A prospectus addresses the issues that will be relevant in the future for material development and material use. The second edition has a further 18 material cards and focuses on the challenges of sustainability in design and architecture.