Asia & Africa today
Media registration certificate: № 0110157 от 04.02.1993
The monthly academic journal and Russia's only periodical focusing on topics and issues in Asia and Africa. (The issues of CIS countries are not considered in the journal.)
Published since July 1957
Until March 1961 has been issued under the title "Sovremennyi Vostok" / "Contemporary East".
Founders
- Russian Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Oriental Studies RAS
- Institute for African Studies
Publisher
- Russian Academy of Sciences
The journal is published under the supervision of the RAS Department of Historical and Philological Sciences (OIFN RAS).
About the journal
Mission of the Journal is to provide a platform for authoritative researchers from Russia, CIS and other countries to discuss processes and events taking place in Asia and Africa.
"Asia and Africa today" publishes scholarly articles on the political, economic and social processes of Asian and African states, their culture and art, reviews of Asian and African literature. The Journal also publishes reviews of the most important scientific events - international conferences of orientalists, symposia and scientific expeditions.
"Asia and Africa today" journal’s authors and audience includes scholars, researchers, PhD students and humanities students, as well as politicians, public figures, experts of Russian and foreign organizations that work with Asian and African countries.
The author's point of view does not necessarily coincide with that of the editorial board.
Objectives
Analysis of socio-political, economic, demographic, environmental, cultural and other processes in Asian and African countries and their history.
The major areas and subjects for presentation in the journal:
- political development of Asian and African countries;
- economic problems of Asian and African countries;
- international relations;
- development economics;
- Asian and African states’ activities in UN and regional international organizations;
- pandemic in Asia and Africa;
- globalization and regionalization;
- civilizational development issues;
- problems of society and the state, democracy and autocracy;
- the emergence and features of civil society;
- food problem in developing states;
- demographic processes and migrations of the population
- aggravation of environmental problems in Asian and African continents;
- ethnic and interfaith conflicts;
- Islam and Christianity and their influence on political processes in Asian and African countries;
- culture, science, education, literature, art;
- religions, beliefs, cults;
- traditions, customs, morals;
- chapters of history;
- Russia – Asia and Africa (political, economic, cultural and other relations of Russia with Asian and African countries).
Tasks
- Assistance to scientific research in the field of Oriental and African studies. Publication of materials on the basis of topical research and theses, and also based on the results of overseas trips and fieldwork. Reviews of key Russian and international conferences and symposiums.
- Involving prominent Russian and foreign researchers as authors.
- Reviewing the most significant works and monographs on the journal’s topics.
- The practical help to young orientalists and africanists. Publication of their materials under the heading "Post-graduate Column".
- Cooperation with Oriental research Centres and Faculties of the Russian higher education institutions, as well as with foreign higher education institutions and research centres. Attraction of researchers and academic lecturers as journal authors. Strengthening and development of cooperation with co-founders of the journal - Institute of Oriental Studies and Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Policy
- Prompt reaction to the events taking place in Asian and African countries.
- Extending of topics and improvement of quality of materials to be published.
Indexing
The journal is included in the Higher Attestation Commission List of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Russian Scientific Citation Index – a database, accumulating information on papers by Russian scientists, published in native and foreign titles. The Russian Scientific Citation Index project is under development since 2005 by “Electronic Scientific Library” foundation ( elibrary.ru).
- Russian Science Citation Index on Web of Science in partnership with Russia’s Scientific Electronic Library ( eLibrary.ru).
- EBSCO Publishing
Current Issue
Open Access
Access granted
Subscription Access
No 9 (2024)
Politics, economics
The Central African Republic and the Russian Federation: Problems of Military-Economic Cooperation
Abstract
The article analyzes the development of bilateral relations between the Central African Republic and the Russian Federation in the political, economic and military spheres. In modern conditions, the leadership of the Central African Republic considers the development of military and economic cooperation with the Russian Federation to be one of the main sources of resolving the internal conflict on the territory of the republic, as well as a necessary condition for ensuring the military security of the state, which, in a difficult time for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, extended a helping hand to the Central African people. At the same time, the colonial past of the Central African Republic in the form of France, which does not want to lose control over its resources, as well as the unprecedented political, economic and informational pressure of the collective West on the Russian Federation, create significant problems in achieving the success of bilateral cooperation, which will require a lot of effort to solve.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):5-11
5-11
Rwanda as Africa’s Rising Center of Power? Three Decades of Post-Genocide Development
Abstract
In April 2024, Rwanda commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Tutsi genocide, which claimed the lives of almost 800 thousand people. The consequences of this tragedy still affect all aspects of the political and economic life of the country, including the relationship between representatives of its two largest peoples – the Tutsi and the Hutu, who strive, although not always successfully, to live in peace and harmony. The government of Paul Kagame is actively promoting the ideology of “Rwandanness”, i.e. blurring the lines between different ethnic groups, and pursues the policy of “national unity”, but selective repression carried out with impunity by security forces and the provision of special preferences to Tutsis in the areas of employment, education, etc. hinder the integration process. Largely due to Western assistance, the regime managed to achieve considerable success in the economic field, although inequality between different groups of the population persists, becoming an important conflict factor. While successfully ensuring its survival through total control, the Kagame regime simultaneously creates the preconditions for problems that future generations of Rwandans may have to face.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):12-20
12-20
The Problem of the Shortage of Fresh Water in Egypt and the Possibilities of Its Solution
Abstract
The population growth rates that increased after the 1952 revolution accelerated the decline in the supply of fresh water to Egyptians due to the exhaustion of its traditional sources. As a result, at the turn of the 1980s – 1990s, Egypt has overcome the water deficit limit of 1000 m3 per person per year. In order to reduce water stress, the Government of the country in the second half of the twentieth century pursued a policy of birth control and reduction of cultivation of moisture-loving crops. Since the beginning of the 21st century, with the slow introduction of modern irrigation methods, it has focused on increasing the reuse of treated drainage waters in agriculture and the construction of seawater desalination plants to meet the needs of industry and public utilities. The Egyptian Government sees prospects for solving the problem of water scarcity, the growth rate of demand for which in the 21st century will decrease as population growth and economic development slow down, in the achievements of scientific and technological progress and the widespread use of cheap water treatment technologies.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):21-29
21-29
BRICS today
BRICS Expansion: Views of China and India
Abstract
The BRIC association created in 2009, turned into BRICS in 2011, including South Africa. South African accession to the group significantly increased its hit towards the Great South, in particular increased its interest in Africa. In August 2023, the XV BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The main topics were the expansion of the bloc, the growth of China’s influence and the decision to hold a new summit in Kazan (Russia) in 2024. The BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023 approved entering the block 5 countries, including two ones from Africa: Egypt and Ethiopia. The BRICS have struck a low by welcoming new members, especially Africans, which shows the importance of the continent in building a multipolar model. Since the expansion process has not been completed, it is important to understand how the leading States of the group, which stood at the origins of its formation: China and India, relate to it. Both countries are among the leading participants in peacekeeping operations (OPM) of the UN on the continent. At the same time, the increasing competition of the Asian giants affects their attitude towards the expansion of the BRICS and the creation of their own currency by the association.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):30-38
30-38
Operation Blue Star in the History of India: 40 Years Later
Abstract
Development of the Punjab crisis by the early 1980s along with separatist activities aimed at the secession of Punjab and establishment of an independent Khalistan state in the North-West of India prompted the central government headed by Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) to go to the length of sanctioning an army operation codenamed Blue Star in early June 1984. Its aim was to remove the militants headed by charismatic Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (1947–1984) who had taken cover in the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) complex in Amritsar. Hundreds of civilians, mostly Sikhs, fell victims to the operation Blue Star, parts of the temple complex were severely damaged, and unique manuscripts and books were destroyed in fire. In the collective memory of the Sikhs, this tragedy is sometimes interpreted as teeja ghallughara (‘third massacre/carnage’) or genocide of the followers of Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the founder of Sikhism. With June approaching, every year the tragic events of 1984 become part of India’s news feed representing an important argument in the rhetoric of political parties and communities.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):39-46
39-46
Evolution of the UK Tilt to the Indo-Pacific Region
Abstract
The article explores the conceptual foundations of the UK “tilt to the Indo-Pacific”, its evolution and the transformation of the strategic narrative ensued therefrom as it is impacted by a number of factors from both outside and within. The author notes that the flagship proposal of the Conservative cabinet for indivisible Euro-Atlantic and IndoPacific security is twofold: to extrapolate the principles of transatlantic security to the new region, and to present Britain in the emerging multipolarity in a new ambitious role as a link between two mega-spaces. It is highlighted the continuity of the foreign policy approach of the new Labor government, which, based on the conceptual framework of the Conservative cabinet, seeks to strengthen London’s position in the Indo-Pacific. It is shown that the strategy of the Conservative government in the Indo-Pacific is limited not only by resource scarcity but also by heated internal debates as to an ultimate goal of its presence in the region (the degree of involvement in the economic and defense ecosystem), as well as the nature of future relations with China. Moreover, London’s position is also weakened by the contradictory attitude of regional actors towards the UK’s role in the region, as well as broad inter-party discussions on adjusting the foreign policy strategy in the region.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):47-54
47-54
Germany’s Initiatives in the Sahel in the Framework of the Niger Events
Abstract
The article is devoted to the study of targeted initiatives of Germany in one of the most priority regions for European countries – the Sahara-Sahel region. The relevance of the research topic is determined by events related to anti-French and generally anti-European sentiments in such countries as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The events in Niger provoked the withdrawal of French forces from the country. Against this background, Germany is trying to pursue a chance to strengthen its military presence in the country by maintaining a military base, as well as through social, investment and humanitarian projects. The author analyzes the events of 2023 that occurred in Niger and compares them with the behavioral model of Germany, explaining the causal relationships between the actions and interests of the country in the region. An analysis of the statements of German officials regarding the situation in the region makes it possible to determine what tasks Germany faces as a separate state and as one of the driving forces of the European Union. Conclusions are drawn regarding Germany’s current priorities, its competitive opportunities in the field of security, investments and humanitarian projects, as well as possible scenarios for the development of the situation in the region, taking into account German activity.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):55-62
55-62
Swiss Capital in Africa as a Tool to Prevent Migration
Abstract
The migration crisis that started in 2015 has become one of the most important socio-economic challenges for Europe. At the same time, solving the problems associated with it requires intervention not only within the countries receiving migrants/refugees, but also “at the farther reaches”, i.e. in Africa and the Middle East, where the main migration flows are formed. Switzerland is one of the largest investors in Africa, but not enough attention has been paid to its activities in the region in the academic literature. This paper analyses Switzerland’s strategies for Africa, examines the distribution of Swiss direct investment, official development assistance in Africa and the nature of the projects implemented. It concludes that Swiss capital is used as a tool to prevent migration in the regions closest to Europe (North Africa, the Greater Horn of Africa, the Sahel), but that has not led to significant positive changes. In addition, despite the declared fight against migration, one of the aspirations of both direct investment and official development assistance is to provide Swiss companies with access to the natural resources of African countries.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):63-70
63-70
Sanctions as a Coercive Leverage Within ECOWAS
Abstract
Over the past few years, West Africa has become one of the most turbulent regions in the world and has shocked the world community with a series of military coups. However, escalating tensions between the “rebel states” and ECOWAS have received the most attention. ECOWAS has a wide range of means to exercise pressure on its member states. One of the most powerful is sanctions, but after the recent military coup in Niger, as a result of which the Community imposed unprecedentedly harsh sanctions against the state, the situation has changed radically. The authors list factors that determined the order and reasons for the particular political and economic sanctions before the coup in Niger, analyze the events after it. The paper dwells upon mechanisms of their economic and political impact on the economy of “rebel states” and the long-run efficiency in changing their foreign policy direction. The authors conclude that the economic sanctions have had a negative impact on the sustainability of the long-term development of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which forced them to adopt compromise transition plans. However, sanctions turn out to be inefficient in trying to change the political regime to the one desired by ECOWAS. The disintegration of the association as a result of the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States can be considered a result of the ECOWAS sanction policy.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(9):71-80
71-80