Russia in Africa

Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender?

By: Samuel Ramani

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Paperback | 1 October 2024

At a Glance

Paperback
472 Pages

Edition Type
New edition

Dimensions(cm)
21.6 x 13.8 x 3.2

Paperback

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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 emphasising Moscow's strategic commitment to Africa and the endurance of historical memory.

Industry Reviews

'Perhaps the first modern book-length analysis of Russia's interests in Africa ... a triumph.'

-- International Affairs

'Exceptionally thorough and highly detailed... Ramani's book offers the most in-depth and extensively researched analysis on Russia's efforts on the continent of Africa.'

-- Diplomatic Courier

'Fascinating.'

-- African Business

'Ramani's methodical chronicling of Russian foreign policy in Africa under President Vladimir Putin... [is] impressively researched and dispassionately narrated.'

-- Africa Center for Strategic Studies

'An impressive book. The only recent full-length academic study of Russia's engagement with Africa, it is a worthwhile contribution to the literature.'

-- Paul Stronski, Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

'A comprehensive account of Russian policy towards Africa from the 1990s to the present. Original, detailed and engaging, it is a truly masterful work.'

-- Mark N. Katz, Professor of Government and Politics, George Mason University

'This is the encyclopedic and nuanced go-to guide for everyone interested in Russia's relations with Africa: from students seeking an introduction to the topic to experts needing a comprehensive reference. Ramani's language skills and on-the-ground interviews truly set this book apart.'

-- Kimberly Marten, Professor in the Department of Political Science, Columbia University, and author of Weapons, Culture, and Self-interest: Soviet Defense Managers in the New Russia

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