Russian Arms Sales and Military Advisors in the Central African Republic: Copying and Pasting from the Soviet Playbook
Abstract
The soft power tactics Russia is using in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Sub-Saharan Africa are similar to the tactics used by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during the Cold War. Russian arms sales and advisors in the CAR and Sub-Saharan Africa cause instability by undermining the CAR government's control over its territory. Russia today is trying to achieve its strategic goals of opening new markets for resources, fostering a dependency on Russian military weapons and training, and gaining political support in international and regional politics. These methods and goals, taken from the Soviet playbook, are being adapted to the modern era. As we do not yet know the impact that Russian arm sales, military advisors, and subversion in the CAR will have, examining Soviet policy and actions during the Cold War, and US and European responses, can provide a framework with which to understand Russian objectives and actions in the CAR today. This comparison can help draw direct correlations to how Russian arms sales support their foreign policy at the expense of the CAR's security and stability in order anticipate the future effects, and to develop strategies to counter them so as to bring about peace and security in the CAR.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1159391
Entities
People
- Stephen J. Laz
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies