How Geopolitics Influences Winning Hearts and Minds

In this study we argue that geopolitical competition shapes how foreign aid and investment are perceived in recipient countries. We argue that individuals' perceptions of countries vying for influence in their countries through the means of aid and investment will decrease their favorability towards relevant projects and towards the country overall. We test this argument through a series of survey experiments centered on hypothetical digital infrastructure projects implemented by China and the US in African countries such as Kenya.