Africa at the Center of a New Great Power Competition

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A recent analysis suggests that Africa has become a focal point in global geopolitical tensions, reminiscent of a "New Cold War" among major powers. According to Pádraig Carmody, a leading expert on global geopolitics, the struggle primarily features the United States, Russia, and China vying for influence within the continent.

The article discusses how Africa's rich natural resources and strategic position are attractive to these powers. For instance, 70% of the world's cobalt, critical for electric car batteries, is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Furthermore, while China has significantly invested in infrastructure, its economic engagement has faced challenges amidst global slowdown and increasing debt burdens in host countries.

Carmody also notes that African states are not merely passive players; they are using the competition to their advantage, strategically aligning with external powers to bolster their interests. Political elites may find short-term gains in this rivalry, though such positioning could undermine broader democratic institutions on the continent. As this competition unfolds, analysts caution that future conflicts may arise from both internal and external pressures in what's being termed a new phase of great power competition.

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