The article 'Perceptions of Russia's Return to Africa: Perspectives from West Africa' is published

The South African Journal of International Relations (SAJIA) has published an article by laboratory scholars Leonid Issaev, Alisa Shishkina and Yakov Liokumovich entitled 'Perceptions of Russia's 'return' to Africa: Views from West Africa'. The article is included into the special issue covering the Russia's 'return' to Africa.

The article is based on the results of field research conducted by laboratory staff in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in the fall of 2021. The study is devoted to the perception of the Russia's activities in West Africa by local residents, as well as African experts and public officials.

According to the authors' conclusions, the positive experience in relations with the USSR is extremely important in the perception of Russia in West African countries. In addition, the main impetus for strengthening ties with Russia is the crisis in relations between West African countries and France. The laater one was the main guarantor of stability in the region until the mid-2010s.
Finally, a significant factor in this case is the need for diversification of foreign policy relations, observed among African political elites. In this regard, the Russian 'return' to Africa allows local elites to pursue a more balanced foreign policy.

More information about the article and the special issue can be found on the SAJIA website.