Alexandra Dent

CFR Staff

Alexandra Dent

Research Associate, Africa Policy Studies

Alexandra Dent is a research associate for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Before joining CFR, she was a Freedom in the World junior fellow for Africa at Freedom House. She holds a BA in government from Dartmouth College

China

China in Africa: September 2024

The outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing dominated headlines throughout September. Major infrastructure, green energy, and security commitments have silenced critics who doubted China’s financial longevity on the continent, but questions remain over growing trade deficits and debt relief.

Article by Alexandra Dent September 27, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in Africa: August 2024

Throughout August, much of China’s engagement in Africa has set the stage for this week’s upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. While diplomats emphasized strengthening long-standing relationships with countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, announcements of new investments focused on the African energy needs of the future.

Article by Alexandra Dent September 3, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Sub-Saharan Africa

Africa and the Gulf Are Growing Closer. Will It Increase Global Tensions?

The Gulf states are angling for closer ties with African countries, and the feeling is mutual. But critics say differences over governance values, labor rights, and ongoing conflicts could stoke tensions.

In Brief by Alexandra Dent and Mariel Ferragamo August 8, 2024
Gabon

Gabon’s Balancing Act

Gabon’s transitional government struggles to make the case for readmission into regional and global institutions.

Post by Alexandra Dent January 25, 2024 Africa in Transition
Technology and Innovation

The TikTok Trap

TikTok is an easy scapegoat, but the lack of tech regulation and data protection is the underlying cause of our collective anxiety in the digital age.

Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent September 13, 2023 Net Politics
Technology and Innovation

Artificial Intelligence Enters the Political Arena

Politics is one of the latest industries shaken up by AI, the use of artificially generated content in campaigns could spell trouble for candidates and voters alike in the fight against mis- and disinformation.

Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent May 24, 2023 Net Politics
Women and Women's Rights

Glass Ceiling Index: Not Yet Shattered

Over its decade of tracking women’s progress in the workforce, the Economist’s Glass Ceiling Index has registered very little improvement, as gendered structural barriers endure.

Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent April 17, 2023 Women Around the World
Sub-Saharan Africa

Staying Neutral on Ukraine Easier Said Than Done for African States

As the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group expands its Africa footprint, questions remain about what “neutrality” really looks like for African governments.

Post by Alexandra Dent January 27, 2023 Africa in Transition
Women and Women's Rights

Data is the New Gold, But May Threaten Democracy and Dignity

Few safeguards protect our private data in today’s information economy. What can be done about the fact that our personal images and data can be exploited, potentially threatening personal as well as national security?

Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent January 5, 2023 Women Around the World

China

China’s Growing Influence in Latin America

For more than two decades, China has developed close economic and security ties with many Latin American countries, including Brazil and Venezuela. But Beijing’s growing sway in the region has raised concerns in Washington and beyond.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy January 10, 2025

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico: A U.S. Territory in Crisis

The Caribbean island, which shares a close yet fraught relationship with the U.S. mainland, faces a multilayered economic and social crisis rooted in long-standing policy and compounded by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, migration, and government mismanagement.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy and Amelia Cheatham January 8, 2025

Latin America

Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc

Three decades after its founding, Latin America’s largest trade bloc continues to seek new global agreements. The recent conclusion of a deal with the European Union could help, but it faces roadblocks.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors December 12, 2024

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