Neocolonialism in African Countries: Modern Context. An Expert Discussion
On February 19, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion titled “Neocolonialism in African Countries: Modern Context”. After losing their colonial possessions in Africa, the developed countries sought to sign cooperation and mutual assistance agreements with the newly independent states. In fact, these agreements turned out to be an effective tool for maintaining their shaken influence. Skilfully speculating on the financial and technological dependence of their African partners, the former metropolises forced them to carry out the economic and political reforms that served their interests. Some African countries are now revising their trade and investment agreements in favour of protecting their own rights and national interests, and are making significant reforms to their legislation regarding the use of mineral resources. The focus of Africans is shifting to how to protect their natural and human resources. However, in order to ensure economic development, African states are still forced to make use of Western technology, investment, and financial and economic assistance. Against the backdrop of Russia's rapprochement with African countries, the Russian Foreign Policy Concept of 2023 places emphasis on combating the neocolonial practices of developed countries on the continent. How is this fight being waged in modern conditions? What are the most dangerous manifestations of neocolonialism? What distinguishes China's policy in Africa? What role can BRICS play here? What are the prospects for the complete decolonisation of African countries? Speakers: Nikolay Dobronravin, Leading Researcher, Head of the African Ethnography Department, Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, Russian Academy of Sciences Konstantin Pantserev, Professor, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University Adu Yao Nicaise, PhD in Law, Associate Professor, RUDN University Aliou Tounkara, President of the Russian House in Mali Macharia Munene, Professor of History and International Relations at the United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya Moderator: Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director, Valdai International Discussion Club
On February 19, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion titled “Neocolonialism in African Countries: Modern Context”. After losing their colonial possessions in Africa, the developed countries sought to sign cooperation and mutual assistance agreements with the newly independent states. In fact, these agreements turned out to be an effective tool for maintaining their shaken influence. Skilfully speculating on the financial and technological dependence of their African partners, the former metropolises forced them to carry out the economic and political reforms that served their interests. Some African countries are now revising their trade and investment agreements in favour of protecting their own rights and national interests, and are making significant reforms to their legislation regarding the use of mineral resources. The focus of Africans is shifting to how to protect their natural and human resources. However, in order to ensure economic development, African states are still forced to make use of Western technology, investment, and financial and economic assistance. Against the backdrop of Russia's rapprochement with African countries, the Russian Foreign Policy Concept of 2023 places emphasis on combating the neocolonial practices of developed countries on the continent. How is this fight being waged in modern conditions? What are the most dangerous manifestations of neocolonialism? What distinguishes China's policy in Africa? What role can BRICS play here? What are the prospects for the complete decolonisation of African countries? Speakers: Nikolay Dobronravin, Leading Researcher, Head of the African Ethnography Department, Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, Russian Academy of Sciences Konstantin Pantserev, Professor, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University Adu Yao Nicaise, PhD in Law, Associate Professor, RUDN University Aliou Tounkara, President of the Russian House in Mali Macharia Munene, Professor of History and International Relations at the United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya Moderator: Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director, Valdai International Discussion Club