New Cold War: Africa Emerges as a Geopolitical Battleground

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The resurgence of global competition is leading some observers to describe a 'New Cold War' taking shape in Africa, as major powers like the United States, Russia, and China vie for influence on the continent. Pádraig Carmody, a professor at Trinity College Dublin, argues that Africa is increasingly becoming a central battleground in this geopolitical rivalry, echoing the conflicts seen during the original Cold War.

According to Carmody, Africa's rich resources, strategic minerals, and burgeoning markets are attracting diverse external interests, fueling a shift from geo-economic to geo-strategic competition. With a population of 1.4 billion, the continent serves as both a market and a supplier of crucial materials essential for the green transition. In this context, China maintains a dominant economic presence, while Russia's involvement is characterized by military cooperation and the actions of the paramilitary Wagner Group.

The dynamics of this New Cold War are complex, with African nations leveraging external competition to enhance their own interests. As Trump's isolationist stance potentially leaves a gap for Russia and China to fill, the implications for democracy and governance in Africa remain uncertain, raising questions about the future political landscape on the continent.

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