China and Russia in Africa: The Case of Togo

Author

Eli J. Messanh, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Political Science

Advisor

Peter Romaniuk

Subject Categories

Political Science

Abstract

This thesis examines the impacts of China and Russia’s influence in Africa and focuses on the case of Togo, looking into how the increase in China and Russia’s presence on the continent affects the latter, the similarities and differences of their engagements, and what Africans as well as Togolese think of the proliferation of China and Russia’s influence in their countries. Using a mixed-methods approach with discussions and in-depth literature reviews, the research concludes that China and Russia’s relations vis à vis African countries produce both positive and negative effects, however, the negative effects outweigh the positive. It is therefore imperative that African leaders start making strategic decisions to turn this asymmetric relation to a symmetric one in which every party benefits.

Recommended Citation

Messanh, Eli J., "China and Russia in Africa: The Case of Togo" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6195