Moscow’s African relations: Unveiling Russia’s strategy in Africa and its impact on global politics

Seun Bamidele; Nicholas Idris Erameh

doi:10.35467/sdq/206969

War Studies Academy

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Title

Moscow’s African relations: Unveiling Russia’s strategy in Africa and its impact on global politics

Authors

Seun Bamidele ^{[ 1 ][ 2 ]}
Nicholas Idris Erameh ^{[ 3 ][ 4 ]}

^{[ 1 ]} Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria | ^{[ 2 ]} Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | ^{[ 3 ]} Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, 23402 Lagos, Nigeria | ^{[ 4 ]} Afrocentric Governance of Public Affairs (AGOPA) Entity, North-West University, South Africa

Year of publication

2025

Published in

Security and Defence Quarterly

Journal year: 2025 | Journal volume: vol. 51 | Journal number: no. 3

Article type

scientific article

Publication language

english

Keywords

EN

Africa
Geopolitics
Russia
International policy
International security

PL

Afryka
Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe
Geopolityka
Polityka międzynarodowa
Rosja

Abstract

EN This paper aims to investigate Russia’s growing involvement in African affairs and understand how its actions are shaped by broader geopolitical calculations. The research also seeks to assess the implications of this engagement for global peace and security. To achieve these objectives, the study employs case studies and geopolitical analysis as its primary methodological tools. It focuses on key African regions -North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Sahel region to examine Russia’s strategic goals and how they are pursued through specific initiatives and partnerships. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the regional variations and broader patterns in Russia’s African strategy. The findings reveal that over the past decade, Russia has significantly expanded its presence in Africa through a multifaceted strategy, which includes economic investments, military cooperation, and diplomatic outreach. By analysing Russia’s activities in the areas such as natural resource investments, military alliances, and political partnerships, the study identifies a clear alignment between Russia’s regional actions and global geopolitical ambitions. These engagements underscore a deliberate effort by Russia to reassert itself as a global power while reshaping the balance of influence in Africa. The study concludes that Russia’s strategic calculus in Africa is complex and deeply intertwined with its broader foreign policy goals. Its growing influence on the continent has significant implications for Africa’s political and economic development, as well as for international relations, in broad terms. By offering a comprehensive analysis of Russia’s strategies, the study enhances our understanding of the evolving dynamics of global power competition and the shifting geopolitical landscape.

Date of online publication

08.08.2025

Pages (from - to)

112 - 129

DOI

10.35467/sdq/206969

URL

https://securityanddefence.pl/Moscow-s-African-relations-Unveiling-Russia-s-strategy-in-Africa-and-its-impact-on,206969,0,2.html

Comments

Corresponding author Seun Bamidele Department of Sociology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

License type

CC BY (attribution alone)