Russia Africa Relations - Steven Gruzd | 2025 Episode 7
The IR thinker · Martin Zubko
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Show Notes
Critical Update: In Memory of Steven Gruzd
Steven Gruzd was abducted and murdered in Johannesburg, South Africa, in what authorities described as an 'express kidnapping'. He disappeared on 27 March 2026 and was found dead two days later by the police. Steven was a great supporter of this channel and often promoted new potential experts to be interviewed. More importantly, he was one of the brightest foreign policy experts, frequently connecting people and project ideas. Steven will always be with us through an episode we recorded together. Rest in peace.
The Original Episode Description
This episode of The IR thinker examines why Russia is deepening its engagement with Africa and what it can realistically offer, in conversation with Steven Gruzd. The discussion traces how Soviet-era ties shape contemporary relations, unpacks Russia’s security footprint through actors such as the Wagner Group, and assesses the significance of arms sales, stalled energy projects and limited trade compared with China and other partners. We also explore the diplomatic symbolism and substance of the Russia–Africa summits, the interaction with BRICS diplomacy, Moscow’s use of soft power, media and foreign aid, and the under-researched dimensions of Russia’s evolving role across the continent.
Steven Gruzd
Steven Gruzd is Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme and the Africa–Russia Project at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). He has written widely on Russia–Africa summits, BRICS cooperation and the resurgence of Russian influence in African foreign policy, and brings long-standing expertise on governance and diplomacy in the region. In addition to his policy work, he contributes to the South African Jewish Report, where he writes on international affairs, governance and Jewish community issues, combining analytical depth with a clear, journalistic eye on complex geopolitical developments.
Publications:
The Russian invasion of Ukraine still sends ripples into Africa
Why African leaders have a blind spot for Russia
Russian and African Media: Exercising Soft Power
Russia in Africa: Who is courting whom?
Content
00:00 – Introduction
01:47 – The Soviet Legacy: Shaping Russia’s Modern Foreign Policy Towards Africa
05:40 – Post-Soviet Space and Africa: How Africa Views Former Soviet Republics
08:44 – Russia’s Security Presence in Africa: The Role of the Wagner Group
14:13 – Arms Deals and Military Influence: Russia’s Weapon Sales to Africa
16:23 – Russia vs. China: Economic Influence in Africa
19:40 – Why is Russia’s Trade in Africa Still Lagging Behind?
23:23 – Russian Energy Companies in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
26:18 – Do African Countries Seek Energy Partnerships with Russia?
28:56 – The Russia-Africa Summit: A Diplomatic Platform for Russia’s Interests
35:26 – Russia-Africa Summit vs. BRICS: Diverging Approaches to Russian Interests in Africa
40:59 – Russia’s Soft Power in Africa: Academic and Cultural Initiatives
44:48 – Peacekeeping and Counterterrorism: Russia’s Role in African Stability
49:30 – Russian Foreign Aid to Africa: Aid or Influence?
55:19 – Russian Media’s Influence in Africa: Shaping Public Opinion
59:23 – Under-Explored Research Areas in Russia-Africa Relations
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