MOTIVATIONS OF RUSSIAN MILITARY TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN AFRICA

Abstract

The United States has paid a great deal of attention and analysis to China and its involvement in Africa in its effort to address great power competition. Great power competition, however, involves three countries: the United States, China, and Russia. While it is clear that Russia is deliberately targeting its investment in Africa to gain a competitive advantage in the region, information is limited on the motivations for its involvement in Africa and whether its involvement threatens American interests. We do know that the majority of current Russian engagement in Africa consists of military technical cooperation (MTC). This thesis aims to explain the motivations of Russian MTC in Africa from 2000 to 2018. Two case studies, Sudan and Algeria, illuminate the variety of motivations but ultimately show Russian MTC is most likely motivated by an interplay of economic enrichment for domestic elites, which maintains President Putin’s hold on power.