Russia in Africa: Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender? [Hardcover]

Challenging Western depictions, this consideration of Moscow's post-Cold War Africa policy takes into account both African and Russian decisionmakersThree 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 emphasizing Moscow's strategic commitment to Africa and the endurance of historical memory.Introduction: Setting the Stage1. The Tumultuous 1990s: A Lost Decade for Russian Geopolitical Influence in Africa2. The Dawn of Russia's Resurgence in Africa: 2000-083. The Medvedev Interregnum: The Consolidation of Russia's Ambitions in Africa4. Russia's Anti-Western Tilt in Africa5. Russia Rebuilds Its Influence in North Africa6. Russia Becomes a Continent-Wide Great Power7. Russia's New Power Projection Tactics in Africa8. Russia's AfricalS