The United States and Russia in Africa

The objective of this study is to survey how US and Russian political, economic and military-security relations with Africa, and their geographical priorities on the continent, have evolved over the last two decades. Both the United States and Russia have interests, in terms of securing access to strategic locations, natural resources, and influence, in Africa. For the United States, military-security relations have become increasingly emphasised in the last two decades, with counterterrorism at the centre of its engagement. The tilt towards military-security instruments in foreign policy towards Africa is even clearer for Russia, which uses a two-track policy of overt and covert means to achieve its objectives. In recent years, great power competition has become the top priority in Africa for both Russia and the United States, at least rhetorically. In terms of geographic priorities, North Africa, particularly Egypt, is the most prioritised region for both countries, followed by the Horn of Africa. Another important area for the United States is East Africa, whereas Russia is more engaged in Central Africa.