Africa and the communist world

The diversity of action within interna tional Communism is nowhere better demonstrated than in tropical Africa, where each of the major components of the Communist world-the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Yugoslavia, and China -is striving in its own way to extend Communist influence among the new African states.

In this age of national independence and political subtlety, efforts to extend domination and control are no longer blatantly displayed. Alliances, close co operation, and peaceful coexistence are the new labels for what are often very one-sided political and economic rela tionships. The conflict for power and status in Africa has been forced into com plex patterns, and competition in ideas, in effective political penetration, and even in granting aid, has become the outward expression of the underlying struggle.

This first comprehensive review of re cent Communist policies toward Africa presents a wealth of information on prop aganda activity, diplomatic tactics, cul tural exchanges, economic assistance, at tempts to influence African politicians, trade unionists, and students, and efforts to create Communist parties.