Title
Moscow’s African relations: Unveiling Russia’s strategy in Africa and its impact on global politics
Authors
[ 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
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
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)
Open Access Mode
open journal
Open Access Text Version
final published version
Release date
08.08.2025
Full text of article
Access level to full text
public
Ministry points / journal
70
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