Russian Disinformation in Africa: Threat to Democracy and Reinforcement of Authoritarianism and Corruption

Details

Supervisors

de Wilde d'Estmael, Tanguy

Faculty

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales, politiques et de communication

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences politiques, orientation relations internationales, à finalité spécialisée: diplomatie et résolution des conflits

Abstract

This research thesis explores Russia’s disinformation strategies on the African continent. To assess the variations in Russian disinformation strategies, two case studies were examined: Mali and South Africa. Russia takes a bottom-up approach to its spread of disinformation in Mali while it takes a top-down approach to its spread of disinformation in South Africa. However, more generally, Russia’s strategy in Africa is the diffusion of disinformation through sharp power to spread dark social capital and capture African elites. This in turn promotes the spread of corruption and authoritarianism in Africa, making it easier for Russia to secure its own interests on the continent. Russian disinformation narratives in Africa highlight discourses of neo-colonialism as these resonate most effectively with African audiences and effectively dismantle Western influence on the continent. In order to counter the threat to democracy that Russian disinformation poses in Africa (and globally), a holistic approach to policy and development programming is crucial. The European Union and European External Action Service (EEAS) are making strides in this regard, but it remains to be seen whether their strategies and programmes will be effective.