Ian Taylor, Pioneering China-Africa Scholar, Dies at 52

Scholars around the world are mourning the untimely passing of acclaimed China-Africa researcher Ian Taylor. The University of St. Andrews professor was widely regarded as among the most thoughtful, provocative scholars in the field. In addition to his position at St. Andrews, Professor Taylor also held appointments at Renmin University in Beijing, Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, and was an Honorary Professor in the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, China.

Last fall, in what would be one of his last papers, Professor published a scathing analysis of the Chinese-financed Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya, which he described as the “New Lunatic Express.”

China-Africa Scholars Celebrate the Life of Professor Ian Taylor

• “Huge loss for the China-Africa research community. I will forever be indebted to prof. Taylor’s intellectual contributions, his kindness and generosity – he made a big impact on my research and teaching over the years. He will be sorely missed” — Professor Lina Benabdallah, Wake Forest University (@LBENABDALLAH)

• “In Britain, he was the absolute pioneer of our understanding of the modern relationship between China & Africa. We all learned from his books. A great gentleman” — Professor Stephan Chan, University of London (@DRSTEPHANCHAN)

• “A remarkable Africanist scholar, gentleman and a beloved friend has passed away. I am deeply saddened by Prof. Ian Taylor’s passing. We have lost one of the greatest intellectuals on African politics and IR. I had the privilege to work with Ian and learnt so much from him. R.I.P” — Hangwei Li, University of London (@HANGWEI_LI)

Read the statement on Professor Taylor’s passing by University of St. Andrews Principal and Vice-Chancellor Sally Mapstone

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The post Ian Taylor, Pioneering China-Africa Scholar, Dies at 52 appeared first on The China Africa Project.

source https://chinaafricaproject.com/2021/02/24/ian-taylor-pioneering-china-africa-scholar-dies-at-52/