Russia in Africa: Foreign Policy, Actors and Engagements

Abstract

The article examines Russia’s foreign policy tools in Africa and analyses the Russian sphere of influence on the continental countries. In this context, it is discussed that Russia has exploited the foreign policy legacy left by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in coordination with its intervention tools and has gradually increased its engagements in the continent. The abandonment of the Cold War strategy of leading the Communist parties and movements outside its borders paved the way for a period in which Russia prioritized state interests and redesigned its African policy accordingly. The article aims to analyse the hybrid intervention approach that brings together the soft and hard power elements of Russia increasing its interaction with the African countries to which it has given a different economic, political, and cultural importance due to the Ukraine war. In this direction, it is claimed that the hybrid model, which encompasses election interference, media and communication studies, trade relations, disinformation activities, and covert paramilitary formations, basically centres on Pan-Africanism, anti-Western approach, and economic expansionism. The study uses the literature review method. In terms of examining the effects of the economic, political, and security-based consequences of the Ukraine War on Russia’s tendencies and policies towards Africa, the study differs from the existing literature and provides a comprehensive framework for the perception of Russia in Africa.

Keywords

• russia
• africa
• foreign policy
• actors
• hybrid intervention