Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
BILIG, sa.52, ss.47-68, 2010 (SSCI)
Russia-Africa relations have entered a rapid phase of decline in political and economic terms after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Under the imperatives of the post-Cold War era, Russia-Africa relations were in need of a comprehensive stage of reconstruction. In the first decade of the 21(st) century, Russian foreign policy started to be reconstructed on the principles of economic benefit and pragmatism. At this stage, the perception of Africa in Russia changed within the framework of the new national priorities, and Russia-Africa relations gained a new positive momentum. This article argues that the rising trend of the African continent in the international arena presents a new series of opportunities to Russia in economic and political domains. With the effect of the new foreign policy understanding that depended on the control of economic and energy resources during the Putin period, geo-political relations are gradually supplemented by geo-economic relations. Significant countries of the world that hold political and economic powers currently aim to develop economic interests and political influence on the African continent. Russia uses every opportunity to demonstrate its willingness to acquire its former prestige among world states. Therefore, Russia is willing to come back to the African continent slowly, pursuing a 'brand new' road map this time.