A New Imperialism? Russia-Africa Relations in the Twenty-First Century
Rekindled Russian interest in Africa is driven not by ideology as it was in the decolonization era but by pragmatism and Russia’s geo-economic interests.
August/September 2020
‘Bad Writing is Better Than No Writing.’ Kiki Mordi’s First Draft
The most meaningful writing advice journalist, filmmaker and writer, Kiki Mordi, ever received was to write even if such writing is bad. Read our interview.
The Dynamic Evolution of Russo-African Relations Africa’s Struggle for Agency in a New Power Tussle
Russia is on a charm offensive in Africa and seeks to position itself as a strategic alternative to America’s global hegemony, China’s opaque economic diplomacy, and the dark legacies of Africa’s former colonizers. Read more.
(Purse) Strings Attached From Dependency to Decolonization in Global Health
COVID-19 is reminding us that global health has long operated a model in which Africans are treated as subjects of a quasi-philanthropic complex that, in turn, feeds one of the largest industries in the world.
‘Anger is Great for Writing’ Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu’s First Draft
Nigerian poet, essayist and author, Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, believes anger is great for writing. She finds that anger ‘makes the futile exercise of trying to be careful while writing, fall away.’ Read our interview.
Nigeria’s World of Male Terror The Logic of Sexual Violence
Violence against women carries with it the warning that it can happen again; that it is inevitable; that the power to harm still resides where it originated, with the oppressor class—men. Read more.
A New Doctrine? Understanding Russia and the New Scramble for Africa
Russia’s interest in Africa has been re-ignited by the clear opportunity to establish influence in a region that is increasingly becoming vulnerable to a renewed global scramble for its resources. Read more.
‘Let it Marinate.’ Molara Wood’s First Draft
Nigerian author and Chief Editor at Ouida Books, Molara Wood, believes good writing, ‘is not just about stringing words together.’ For Wood, ‘it’s about the imagination, a sensibility, a way of seeing the world.’