mediadev library

"The growth of Russia’s presence across Africa over the last decade has generated significant international concern, further exacerbated after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s engagement can affect the interests and policies of the European Union (EU) and its member states (MS) in Africa ... . How should European policymakers understand these developments and respond to them? To answer this question, this report looks at Russia’s engagement in Africa, reaching three main conclusions. First, Moscow’s engagement with Africa has so far remained limited as compared to that of other global players, particularly in the economic domain. The current level of (media) attention devoted to Russia’s role in Africa is thus not supported by sufficient evidence of its actual engagement in the continent. At the same time, however, the growth of Russia’s presence is a real trend. Second, Russian actors are guided by a rather loose strategy when it comes to Africa. The Russian state has some interests that act as a broad framework. However, the actual engagement is carried out not only by state actors, but also by state-backed conglomerates and politically connected private businesses. These latter actors have their own specific interests, which are not always fully aligned with those of the Russian state. While state actors are often driven by geopolitical considerations, Russian companies are more interested in economic opportunities. Third, Russia’s engagement in African countries is significantly shaped by the different national contexts and by the interests of African governments. For instance, in a strong state like Ethiopia, Russia’s engagement takes place exclusively at the governmental level. By contrast, in Sudan and Mali (contexts with weaker state structures), other Russian actors like private military companies (PMCs) and private businesses are involved. Yet, in all three cases, Moscow’s presence tends to grow when relations between African governments and their international partners (especially in the West) deteriorate, often in the wake of authoritarian turns. This shows the opportunistic nature of Russia’s engagement, as well as the complex trade-offs faced by EU/MS governments when engaging with African governments." (Executive summary) more

"The end of the security transition process in Afghanistan in 2014 marks the need to rethink foreign public diplomacy efforts in the country. As Afghanistan is entering its ‘transformational decade’, there is a unique opportunity to disconnect public diplomacy from the military–security paradi ... more

"The paper presents an overview of three areas of democracy assistance in Mozambique between 1994 and 2005. Support to elections appears as the most prominent sector of democracy assistance in both financial and political terms. External actors have effectively influenced some technical areas and co ... more

The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming? Russia’s Growing Presence in Africa and its Implication for European Policy

Public Diplomacy in Afghanistan beyond the 2014 Transition: Lessons from the United States and the Netherlands

Democracy Assisstance to Post-Conflict Mozambique: Intentions and Outcomes

Go Beyond First Aid: Democracy Assistance and the Challenge of Institution Building in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

International Assistance for Institution Building in Post-Conflict Cambodia

Democracy Assistance to Post-Conflict Ethiopia

Democratic Transition in Post-Conflict El Salvador

Democracy Assistance to Post-Conflict Guatemala: Finding a Balance Between Details and Determinants

Supporting the Post-Genocide Transition in Rwanda

The Limits of 'No-Party' Politics: The Role of International Assistance in Uganda's Democratisation Process

International Media Assistance: A Review of Donor Activities and Lessons Learned
Top Insights

International Media Assistance: A Review of Donor Activities and Lessons Learned Top Insights

International Media Assistance: A Review of Donor Activities and Lessons Learned
Top Insights