Africa: Epicenter of a New Cold War Among Global Powers

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Rising geopolitical tensions have positioned Africa as a central battleground in what some analysts describe as a "New Cold War," primarily involving the United States, China, and Russia. According to Pádraig Carmody, a geography professor at Trinity College Dublin, the continent's vast natural resources, including key materials for the green transition, have intensified great power rivalries.

The ongoing competition has evolved from geo-economic interests to geo-strategic ambitions, with external states seeking to gain influence over Africa's substantial markets and resources. For instance, China has significantly invested in infrastructure projects across the continent, despite recent reductions in foreign direct investment. In contrast, Russia's role has been marked by military cooperation and controversial security arrangements via entities like the Wagner Group.

Experts warn that while African nations may attempt to navigate these competing interests to bolster their own sovereignty, the reinforcement of political elites might coincide with democratic backsliding and increased repression of ordinary citizens. This complex interplay of global and local forces underscores a significant shift in international relations impacting Africa's future.

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