Translation of How Europe Underdeveloped Africa
From Dr. Patricia Rodney, Chair and CEO, The Walter Rodney Foundation
In December 2012, I was approached by the Social Science Academic Press (SSAP) in Beijing, China, which expressed interest in translating “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”, a seminal text by Dr. Walter Rodney, into Chinese (Mandarin). A contractual agreement was signed with the Press in May, 2013, such that the publication will be completed within two (2) years.
SSAP is the publishing wing of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). SSAP is known for its commitment to excellence and experience in producing classics of broad and long-lasting influence. The best-known and most highly-acclaimed of SSAP' s serial publications is the Yearbooks Series, or annual reports on the state of the nation, which provide a comprehensive overview of China’s latest developments including economy, society, education, environment, culture, law, governance and international relations.
During my recent visit to Beijing in September, I met to discuss the publication with Ms. Gao Mingxiu, Vice Director of Global and Regional Issue Publishing Center, Social Science Academic Press (CASS/SSAP) and Dr. Li Anshan, a renowned professor of International Studies, who has been commissioned to translate the text. Dr. Li’s research focuses on Sino-African relations, African studies and the history of Chinese Overseas in Africa.
Dr. Li is currently Professor of History, School of International Studies and Director of the Center for African Studies at Peking University. He is also Vice President of the Chinese Society of African Historical Studies and Vice President of the Chinese Society of World Ethnic Studies. He earned his PhD at the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Li has completed several studies in African countries, including Ghana, Madagascar, Uganda, Zambia and Mozambique. Dr. Li has been a visiting lecturer at Stanford University, the University of Washington and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Li has published articles and papers in Chinese Journals and in international academic journals, such as the Journal of Contemporary African Studies (Cambridge University) and the International Journal of African History Studies (Boston University) and has authored several books on Africa. Dr. Li will begin his Sabbatical in January 2014 to work on the translation.
The release of the Chinese edition is scheduled for Fall 2014. Updates about the availability of the text will be posted on the WRF website.