Russia's Arms Trade in Africa (2010-2020): A Return to the Heart of Africa
Location
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS)
Session Format
Oral Presentation
Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors
Dr. José "Ze" de Arimatéia da Cruz, Faculty Advisor
Abstract
Between 2010 and 2019, Russia supplied 49% of Africa’s arms imports making it the largest arms supplier for the continent by over two-fold. The combined imports from the next three largest suppliers (the United States, France, and China) still fell well short of Russia’s overall figure, representing the Russian Federation’s domination of the African arms market. These same years further saw a proliferation in military, academic, business, and media agreements and the creation of a new Russia-Africa Summit, suggesting a renewal of Russian interest in Africa at levels unseen since the Soviet Union. In recognition of these developments, this paper assesses Russia’s arms trade with Africa. First, a literature review is conducted on the global arms trade, arms control measures, and trends surrounding Russia’s arms trade with Africa. Next, an analysis weighs the implications of Russia’s arms trade deals for African states by identifying Russia’s geopolitical interests and arms trading patterns. Finally, the paper concludes with policy recommendations as Russia’s foreign policy continues to take an antagonistic approach to counter the United States and its allies in the heart of Africa.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Flanders, Jacob, "Russia's Arms Trade in Africa (2010-2020): A Return to the Heart of Africa" (2021). GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium. 89.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2021/2021/89
Russia's Arms Trade in Africa (2010-2020): A Return to the Heart of Africa
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS)
Between 2010 and 2019, Russia supplied 49% of Africa’s arms imports making it the largest arms supplier for the continent by over two-fold. The combined imports from the next three largest suppliers (the United States, France, and China) still fell well short of Russia’s overall figure, representing the Russian Federation’s domination of the African arms market. These same years further saw a proliferation in military, academic, business, and media agreements and the creation of a new Russia-Africa Summit, suggesting a renewal of Russian interest in Africa at levels unseen since the Soviet Union. In recognition of these developments, this paper assesses Russia’s arms trade with Africa. First, a literature review is conducted on the global arms trade, arms control measures, and trends surrounding Russia’s arms trade with Africa. Next, an analysis weighs the implications of Russia’s arms trade deals for African states by identifying Russia’s geopolitical interests and arms trading patterns. Finally, the paper concludes with policy recommendations as Russia’s foreign policy continues to take an antagonistic approach to counter the United States and its allies in the heart of Africa.
