Soft Power Diplomacy of Russia’s Encroachment in Africa: Stakes and Implications

Abstract

Within recent years, Russia has arguably expanded her influence in Africa more than any other external international actor. These engagements extend from deepening ties in North Africa, expanding its reach in the Central African Republic, the Sahel, and rekindling Cold War ties in parts of Africa. This article gears at examining the strategies taken by Russia in the implantation of her roots in Africa and the geostrategic implications. From analyses made from research carried out, it was discovered that the soft power hands used by Russia in her diplomatic moves in Africa have been through irregular (and frequently extralegal) means in expanding her grounds. This has been through deployment of mercenaries, disinformation, election interference, support for coups, and arms for resources deals, among others within different parts of Africa. This low-cost, high influence strategy seeks to advance a very different world order than the rules-based, democratic political systems to which most Africans aspire from influence from the West. It was also discovered that the outcomes of Russia’s interventions in Africa, therefore, had far reaching implications for governance norms and security on the African continent.