Russia’s Growing Military in Africa: Economic Partnership or Colonial Pillage?

Abstract

Russia is currently intervening in Africa through the activities of private military contractors tied to the Kremlin. Although there seems to be growing public support in Africa for Russian intervention, it is important to determine whether the people’s enthusiasm for Russia’s military’s presence in Africa is justified. To analyze the phenomenon of Russia’s military presence in Africa, this article combines Edward W. Said’s postcolonialism theory of Orientalism with James Blaut’s world system theory of cultural racism. After analyzing the empirical literature and theoretical formulations on the phenomenon, the study concludes that despite the alluring façade that is typical of every empire, Russia’s current intervention in Africa is driven by a covert desire for exploitation and colonial plunder. In order to avert this colonial pillage and foster genuine beneficial changes, the article suggests that public intellectuals in Africa engage in active participation in the social and political arenas within their communities.