The Past and Present of Russian Ambitions in Africa

Abstract

In the changing geopolitical landscape of our time, it is crucial to understand the functioning of certain international processes, including the roots and driving forces behind ongoing conflicts. The relationship between Russia and Africa is long-standing yet insufficiently discussed, but it has become relevant again today. The effects of both formal and informal Russian Africa policies are more pronounced in 2024 than they were a few decades ago, and the Western world is paying attention to developments due to the Russian–Ukrainian war. Whether it concerns the internal political situations of African states, the impact of migration reaching us, or the continent’s food supply, Africa repeatedly appears in the media, showcasing the extent and degree of global interdependence.
In my article, I strive to uncover the initial forays and development of Russian expansionist policies in Africa and to present the period from the fall of the Soviet Union to the present day within the context of these relationships. I aim to review the established and novel efforts of the collapsing Soviet Union as effectively as possible and draw conclusions based on observed patterns.