Russia’s hybrid war in Africa

Russia’s hybrid war in Africa

In recent years, military juntas have replaced democratically elected governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. These have expelled European forces and welcomed Russian mercenaries—yet stability in these countries remains elusive.


This week, Mark is joined by Will Brown, senior policy fellow in ECFR’s Africa programme and author of the recent policy brief “The Bear and the Bot Farm: Countering Russian Hybrid Warfare in Africa”, and Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst at global risk consultancy Control Risks. Together, they unpack Russia’s ambitions in Africa and the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Sahel.


How does Moscow’s vast propaganda machine continue to shape public opinion in the region? How is the Kremlin using disinformation to expand its influence? And what options remain for Europe in a region where its power is fast fading?


Bookshelf:

The Bear and the Bot Farm: Countering Russian Hybrid Warfare in Africa by Will Brown

The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination by Stuart A. Reid

Attack on Titan (TV Series 2013–2023)

Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop

The Strong Brown God: The Story of the Niger River by Sanche de Gramont


This episode was recorded on November 5th 2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaksot(630)

Trump's 28-point plan for Ukraine

Trump's 28-point plan for Ukraine

In this emergency podcast episode, Mark Leonard welcomes Jana Kobzova, co-director of ECFR’s European Security Programme, and Jim O’Brien, former US assistant secretary of state for Europe and ECFR di...

21 Marras 202530min

The future of European air defence

The future of European air defence

Europe’s most ambitious defence project is in deep trouble. Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), presented as the crown jewel of Franco-German cooperation, was meant to deliver a next-generation ...

21 Marras 202526min

The politics of migration and integration

The politics of migration and integration

Across Europe, immigration and integration have become pressing political issues. The far right is surging in national polls, and debates over borders and national identity are reshaping party systems...

14 Marras 202528min

Venezuela and Trump’s hemispheric defence agenda

Venezuela and Trump’s hemispheric defence agenda

This week, Mark Leonard returns to the World in 30 Minutes to unpack the latest development in US foreign policy: America’s military buildup off the coast of Venezuela. The US has deployed troops in t...

31 Loka 202522min

Ukraine, Russia and Trump’s sanctions gamble

Ukraine, Russia and Trump’s sanctions gamble

Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine have largely taken a backseat to events in Gaza. But a recent call with Vladimir Putin, followed by a tense meeting with Volodymyr Zel...

24 Loka 202530min

Gaza ceasefire

Gaza ceasefire

This week, Mark Leonard welcomes Eran Etzion, former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council, and Jamal Nusseibeh, Palestinian legal scholar and political analyst, to discuss what comes next...

20 Loka 202540min

The Neighbourhood: Europe’s enlargement moment

The Neighbourhood: Europe’s enlargement moment

EU enlargement is back at the top of the EU’s political agenda as Russia’s war against Ukraine has transformed it from a bureaucratic process into a matter of European security.This episode marks the ...

10 Loka 202524min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

uutiscast
aikalisa
politiikan-puskaradio
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
tervo-halme
rss-podme-livebox
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
rss-asiastudio
otetaan-yhdet
rss-raha-talous-ja-politiikka
the-ulkopolitist
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rss-sinivalkoinen-islam
rss-hyvaa-huomenta-bryssel
aihe
rss-polikulaari-pitka-kiekko-ja-muut-ts-podcastit
rss-girls-finish-f1rst
rss-kovin-paikka
rss-tasta-on-kyse-ivan-puopolo-verkkouutiset