Assesing Sino-Russian strategic synergies in North Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the synergistic effects of increased collaboration between
Russia and the PRC in North Africa. It argues that their coordinated efforts across
diplomatic, information, military, and economic domains could significantly undermine
Western regional interests. While scholars have analyzed the individual challenges
posed by Russia and China, little attention has been given to how their combined
actions might amplify their impact. Employing the strategic analysis model from the
Army War College's Carlisle Scholar Program, the research identifies key areas of
alignment in their regional approaches, including coordinating positions in multilateral
forums, amplifying narratives through state media, launching joint naval exercises, and
connecting overland and maritime economic corridors. Despite their distinct priorities
and capabilities, the analysis finds that North Africa presents unique opportunities for
Russia and China to advance their shared goals of expanding global influence and
eroding the Western-led international order. To effectively counter this challenge, the
paper argues that the United States and Europe must craft proactive, principled
engagement strategies underpinned by robust partnerships with North African nations.
These strategies should provide viable alternatives to exploitative Chinese and Russian
economic arrangements, address the root causes of instability through governance and
security assistance, and leverage coordinated diplomacy and sanctions policies for a
unified Western approach. The paper underscores the importance of continued
research on the evolution of Sino-Russian collaboration to inform adaptive policy
responses in an era of intensifying strategic competition