Russia in Africa (eBook)

Three decades after the Soviet Unions 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 Russias normative agenda, the ubiquity of Russian military technology, and the breadth of Moscows presence on the continent. Beneath the pageantry, a darker side of Russias 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 Russias 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; Moscows relationships with fellow external powers; and African perspectives on Russias geopolitical role. Samuel Ramanis 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 emphasising Moscows strategic commitment to Africa and the endurance of historical memory.