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Russia’s Involvement on the African Continent and its Consequences for Development: The Aid Channel

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Abstract

In the wake of international sanctions, Russia has intensified its engagement in Africa, with potential ramifications for democracy, international relations, and conflict dynamics. This paper examines whether the expanding presence of Russian actors has influenced the allocation and composition of development aid from Western partners, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine. Given established evidence on the local socioeconomic and political effects of foreign aid, such shifts could shape public perceptions of Western development efforts and carry wider geopolitical and developmental implications.

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  • Perrotta Berlin, Maria & Lvovkskyi, Lev, 2025. "Russia’s Involvement on the African Continent and its Consequences for Development: The Aid Channel," SITE Working Paper Series 64, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:hasite:0064
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • P45 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - International Linkages

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