Transformation of Russia’s Political Instruments in Sub-Saharan Africa after the Full-scale Invasion in Ukraine

Анотація

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Africa has attracted increasing attention from international actors, particularly Russia, which intensified its efforts to expand influence on the continent after 2014. Moscow’s key objectives include projecting itself as a new pole of power, securing political support on international platforms, gaining access to resources and markets, and weakening Western influence. To achieve its strategic interests and foreign policy goals, Russia employs a range of political, economic, and military tools.This article focuses on the political instruments Russia uses to promote its interests in cooperation with African countries, with particular attention to changes in the application of these tools before and after the onset of its full-scale war against Ukraine. It analyzes the dynamics of bilateral visits, transformations in institutional cooperation frameworks, and the participation of African delegations in multilateral formats with Russia. Russia’s aggressive policy has prompted some pro-Western African countries to distance themselves politically, as reflected in a decline in official visits to Moscow.Considerable attention is given to Russia’s use of soft power: information campaigns, educational initiatives, and cultural and religious diplomacy. Through media and proxy actors, Russia actively promotes its own narratives, contributing to the formation of a positive image among populations in certain African countries.In conclusion, despite economic constraints and international isolation, Russia is expanding its presence in Africa by focusing on accessible yet influential mechanisms of political and informational engagement. The author emphasizes that a comprehensive response from European countries and Ukraine is necessary to counter the growing Russian political influence in Africa.

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