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 5 (2025)
Top problem
Economic and Social Determinants of Sub-Saharan Africa’s Development. Part 1
Abstract
It was revealed that four decades after winning political independence the countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite considerable difficulties associated with the implementation of neocolonial policies by Western countries, have on the whole succeeded in achieving noticeable progress in increasing the human development index and total factor productivity. However, due to a number of factors, including low dynamics of industrial and innovative development and high rates of demographic growth in SSA countries, the gap in per capita GDP and productivity levels have risen significantly not only between SSA and the advanced economies, but also with other developing regions, and the share of the critically poor population in SSA remains still very high. Calculations made on a number of models demonstrate that the slow growth of per capita GDP in many sub-Saharan countries is associated with their lag in capital accumulation, exports of finished goods and the low level of government effectiveness. To overcome the gap, SSA countries need to (a) actively participate in the struggle to establish a more equitable world order; (b) increase efforts aimed at implementing export-oriented industrialization based on the rich resources of the continent, improving the quality of human capital, governance and infrastructure, and reducing social inequality.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):5-18
5-18
Africa day – May 25
Africans in the Second World War
Abstract
During the Second World War, military operations in Africa primarily took place in its northern and northeastern regions. The tropical and southern parts of the continent avoided direct armed clashes between the armies of the Allies and the Axis powers. However, hundreds of thousands of Africans were mobilized by their metropoles. An even greater number of colonial subjects served in support roles for the troops or contributed to wartime production. Africans fought and sacrificed their lives on both sides of the conflict. The colonial powers’ policies regarding African participation in the war were dualistic: Europeans and Americans sought to exploit the human and material resources of the colonies, but they also attempted to restrict “natives” from acquiring modern weapons, fearing anti-colonial sentiments. By downplaying the role of Africans in the victory over fascism, colonial authorities suppressed the recognition of heroes and denied veterans the benefits they were owed. Nevertheless, African involvement in the war became a starting point for the development of national liberation movements, ultimately paving the way for the colonies’ independence.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):19-27
19-27
The Formation of China’s Investment Strategy in Africa
Abstract
This article analyzes China’s influence in Africa and its global strategic objectives. The relevance of the topic is due to the rapid increase in China’s economic influence on the continent, as well as the growing interest of the world community in the long-term consequences of this influence. For the first time, the article introduces and analyzes a significant amount of information coming from the Ministry of Commerce (MC) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Sino-African relations. The author solves the following tasks: to show the mission of the MC of the PRC in Sino-African relations, to characterize the information presented on its website; to give a general description of China’s policy in Africa and summarize some of the results of this policy for about a quarter of a century; to identify the main trends of Chinese financial, investment, trade and economic activity in Africa. The scientific novelty of the work consists in a comprehensive analysis of the relevant data of the MC of the PRC on Chinese investments and their impact on the economic growth of African countries. As a result of the study, the main vectors of Chinese investment policy in Africa are identified and forward-looking forecasts for the development of Sino-African relations in the fields of economics and politics are given. The author concludes that the African direction continues to occupy an important place in Chinese foreign policy and foreign economic activity, but it cannot be called a priority in terms of financial and investment indicators. A group of African states has been identified, which are China’s key economic partners and countries whose political positions allow them to be classified as China’s followers in the global political arena.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):28-37
28-37
SADC-led Peace Operations: Successes, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Abstract
Peacekeeping operations led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have played a pivotal role in promoting stability and resolving regional conflicts in Southern Africa. This article aims to explore both the successes and challenges encountered by SADC in its peacekeeping efforts. It examines key peacekeeping operations, such as those in Lesotho, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, highlighting the significant achievements made in conflict resolution and political stabilization. The article identifies crucial factors contributing to SADC’s successes, including strong regional cooperation, diplomatic mediation, and the fostering of consensus among member states. However, it also addresses the ongoing challenges faced by SADC, particularly resource limitations, political complexities, and the evolving nature of security threats such as terrorism and insurgencies. By applying a situation-structural approach and analyzing these factors, authors provide valuable insights into the operational dynamics of SADC-led peacekeeping missions and suggest strategies for strengthening the organization’s capacity to address emerging regional security challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for institutional reforms, improved logistics, and enhanced international partnerships to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Ultimately, the article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the regional organization’s peacekeeping role and its contribution to the long-term peace and stability of Southern Africa.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):38-44
38-44
Two Years after the Tigray Conflict: Political Consequences for Ethiopia
Abstract
The article focuses on the Tigray conflict – a major armed conflict that took place in 2018–2020 in the northern regions of Ethiopia. This war led to considerable changes within the Ethiopian society and, primarily, within the balance of power among political elites. Thus, the authors provide for an analysis which includes three main aspects: 1) the general context which had forestalled the events; 2) the dynamics of the conflict; 3) the political consequences of the conflict. As a result, the article provides for a range of conclusions which creates an integral understanding of the nature and dynamics of the conflict. Generally, the federal government also considered the after-war political realities: it didn’t use the opportunity to completely destroy its enemies and used the Pretoria agreements as the tool to create a new coalition. Thus, the Tigray conflict failed to become a crucial milestone in the political life of Ethiopia. Actually, this conflict only led to the defeat of a political elite fraction and invoked another conflict of the Centre with its former allies – Amhara nationalists. Such a development logically illustrates Abiy Ahmed’s policy towards state centralization and his struggle against alternative centers of power.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):45-53
45-53
Côte d’Ivoire. Presidential Elections 2025 in the Context of the Current Geopolitical Situation
Abstract
The article analyzes the current political situation in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the 2025 presidential elections. It examines the influence of political competition between two Western powers, the United States and France, on Ivorian foreign policy. It is based on the preservation of Côte d’Ivoire as the main outpost, a rear base in the Sahel zone in order to block the growth of Russia’s influence in this region. The analysis allows us to assess the expectations of the population of this country and the problems of political renewal. The role of the political opposition, its strengths and weaknesses are examined. The elections promise a fierce competitive struggle and can change the balance of power in the country, since a new generation of young politicians is being formed in the main parties, from the government to the opposition. Particular attention is paid to foreign influence on the 2025 electoral process. The question of its real independence is raised in conditions when the country’s main leaders are involved in a geostrategic struggle between the great world powers, taking into account the coming to power of the new President D.Trump in the United States. The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in solving the problems of public awareness about the upcoming elections and the democratic culture of their conduct is shown. The methodology of the article is based on the dialectical approach, situation analysis and the principle of objectivity.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):54-61
54-61
Who Sets the African Agenda in the US and France?
Abstract
. As the once established world order enters a state of turbulence, a trend that is also evident in Africa, the foreign policies of the major global players on the continent are of particular interest. This study aims to examine the approaches taken by the administrations of Joe Biden in the United States and Emmanuel Macron in France in shaping the African agenda. It seeks to identify the specific functional and personal characteristics of the oversight structures and influence groups that contribute to the construction and effectiveness of policies toward African states. To achieve this goal, the authors resort to prosopographical analysis, which involves examining the personal and professional backgrounds of high-level officials who shape the African agenda in the United States and France, and the potential influence this may have on the official foreign policy agenda of the respective countries. Another method used is an institutional analysis of the structures involved in decision making and implementation on the Africa policy track.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):62-71
62-71
Politics, economics
The Chinese Model of Digitalization of Public Administration as a Tool to Strengthen National Security
Abstract
The article highlights key areas in the field of Chinese digitalization of public administration, the specifics of the formation of the digital economy, digital government and the Big Data project, as well as the impact of the SinoAmerican technological confrontation on the formation of China’s digital sovereignty in the national security system of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The article analyzes the latest Chinese, Russian and Western approaches and assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of Chinese digitalization, including China’s breakthroughs in the field of digital innovation as a world leader. Special attention is paid to the study of the place and role of the Digital Silk Road within the One Belt and One Road Initiative, the possibilities of this project to strengthen the influence of the PRC on the countries of the Global South, to reduce the “digital gap” between developing and developed countries with access to the processes of global digitalization, as part of the Chinese concept of the Community of common destiny for mankind.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(5):72-79
72-79
Book review
80-82