Russia’s war against Ukraine sparked renewed focus and attention on Moscow’s efforts globally, but especially on the continent of Africa. The Kremlin’s use of traditional tools of business, diplomacy, and finance are paired with hybrid threats of disinformation and private military companies like Wagner to advance its interests and compete with the United States. In “Russia in Africa” (Hurst) Dr. Samuel Ramani explores how these efforts have developed since the end of the Cold War and particularly under President Vladimir Putin. A brief description of the book is below.
On 31 May at 1000, CSPC welcomes Dr. Ramani virtually to discuss the timely new book and what the West should be paying attention to on the continent. He will be in conversation with Joshua C. Huminski, the Director of the Mike Rogers Center for Intelligence and Global Affairs.
Three decades after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia has transformed from a fringe player to a resurgent great power in Africa. The October 2019 Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi highlighted the appeal of Russia’s normative agenda, the ubiquity of Russian military technology, and the breadth of Moscow’s presence on the continent. Beneath the pageantry, a darker side of Russia’s African resurgence looms large. From Libya to Madagascar, Russia has used sinister tactics to expand its influence, such as private military contractors, shadowy mining and energy deals with authoritarian regimes, and election interference campaigns.
This book presents a chronological examination of Russia’s post-Cold War foreign policy towards Africa, and outlines the factors that have enabled and impeded the growth of its influence. It pays special attention to the non-material factors behind this rising power; the domestic drivers of Russian decision-making; Moscow’s relationships with fellow external powers; and African perspectives on Russia’s geopolitical role. Samuel Ramani’s analysis cites extensively both Russian-language media and academic sources, and his own interviews with Russian and African elites. His fascinating study challenges popular depictions of Russia as an opportunistic anti-Western actor, instead emphasizing Moscow’s strategic commitment to Africa and the endurance of historical memory.