Commentaries

Tiny Georgia is a crucible of East-West and regional tensions. In the months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine the US and European governments pressed Georgia to open a second front against Russia. When the government refused, western sources denigrated it as “pro Russia”, and several leaders became subject to sanctions. What lay behind the western pressure and the Georgian government’s response?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine produced a mixed diplomatic response from Africa. This article explores the reasons why Africa did not vote as a bloc to condemn the Russian invasion and asks if Africa will be drawn into a new version of the old Cold War. How can that be avoided and what measures should the West take to revamp and refresh its relationships with Africa at a time when the international order is rapidly changing?