“Kaluga diplomacy”: how Kremlin imitates foreign policy through forums with Africa
A visit by ambassadors from 14 African countries took place in the russian city of kaluga, which included the business forum “Eurasia – Africa 2025” and the cultural festival AFROFEST. Officially, the event was dedicated to trade development and establishing connections.
▫️ The choice of location — a provincial russian city instead of the capital — speaks volumes: the event has no real political or economic significance; it was organized for a flashy propaganda display. Despite loud discussions about exporting “banana wine and high-quality textiles,” no concrete results are expected from the event.
Such forums are a part of kremlin’s “soft power” strategy to maintain and spread russian influence in Africa. Another goal of these events is to create the illusion of an active foreign policy amid russia’s international isolation. It’s propaganda for domestic consumption, designed to convince russians that they still have “friends” in Africa.
