Soft Power: Expert Compares Russia's & West's Approach to Partnership With Africa
12:22 27.04.2024 (Updated: 12:52 27.04.2024)
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Russia has recently intensified its partnership with Africa, both through high-level political events, such as the Russia-Africa Summit, and through technical and economic cooperation, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Russia's approach to economic cooperation is valued by African nations because it emphasizes "mutual benefit and non-interference in domestic affairs," in contrast to Western policies, which are "usually prescriptive," a senior lecturer at the Institute of African and Asian Studies of Moscow State University Lomonosov, Mary Avdalyan, told Sputnik Africa.
"Russia's involvement is often viewed positively by African governments seeking to diversify their economic ties," said Mary Avdalyan.
She also pointed out that African governments looking to strengthen their defensive capabilities and protect their sovereignty value Russia's provision of military training and equipment.
Russia supports the "independence and sovereignty of African countries" and "respects African traditions as they are," Avdalyan added, noting that the motto of Russia's approach in Africa is "African solutions for African problems."
Avdalyan emphasized that Russia's soft power initiatives focus on areas such as education through cultural exchange and the provision of humanitarian aid. She mentioned scholarship initiatives and humanitarian supplies of grain and fertilizers as examples.
"Moreover, Russia's historical ties with African nations dating back to the Cold War era provide a unique foundation for cooperation. First of all, Russia never had colonies in Africa, which is quite important when we speak about neocolonialism today. In addition, many African countries still remember the support they received from the Soviet Union during their struggle for independence," highlighted the expert.
Similar idea was expressed by Professor Kamya Deogratias, a member of the Soyuzonline organization that connects former Soviet graduates worldwide. In an interview with Sputnik Africa, he underlined the multifaceted nature of Russia's engagements with African countries built on the basis of the historical ties that characterized the Soviet Union's support for African nations.
