On March 13-14, 2012, the international scientific conference "The Future of Africa: The Struggle of New and Old Actors"was held at the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences (hereinafter - IA) with the participation of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (FRL). This is the third conference that is being held with the participation and financial support of the FRL. The conference was attended by more than 70 employees of the Institute, scientists and politicians from Africa (South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal), Europe (Germany), Asia (India, China) and South America (Brazil), as well as scientists from Moscow, Pushchino, St. Petersburg, Yaroslavl, representatives of the African diplomatic community. buildings in Moscow, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, postgraduates and students of Russian universities.

The following topics were suggested for presentations and discussion:: "Africa-a collision zone of geostrategic interests of a polycentric world", "BRICS - a new actor in Africa", "African problems in the perspective of the world community: problems of democratization, external aid and resource extraction, corruption, nepotism and demonstrative effect", "Current and future situation of countries previously classified as "capitalist orientation", and countries of "socialist orientation"", " The "Military aspect" of influencing the situation in Africa (problems of piracy, peacekeeping missions, military intervention by external forces)", "The image of Africa in the world media".

The conference was moderated by V. G. Shubin (IA), J. K. Netshitenze (Institute of Strategic Research, South Africa), Arndt Hofmann (Germany) and Aparajita Biswas (University of Mumbai, India).

At the opening of the conference, DM Bondarenko, Deputy Director of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and P. Linke, Head of the Moscow branch of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Germany), delivered welcoming speeches.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Africa to Russia Mandisi Mpahlua welcomed the conference on behalf of representatives of the African diplomatic corps.

J. K. Netshitenze, in his report "The new trajectory of Africa's development and opportunities for global cooperation", drew attention to the fact that the current development of Africa is carried out in accordance with a number of continental and global objective conditions and subjective factors, the combination of which over the past two decades has created a favorable historical moment for its development. However, both old and new actors operating in Africa must understand that their African strategies must be based on a humane and sustainable paradigm - Africans have a legitimate right to "defend their place in the sun". To succeed in their endeavors, these actors must strive to build fair and mutually beneficial relationships with African countries.

L. L. Fituni (IA) analyzed the possible competition between traditional and new actors in Africa. V. V. Senkovich (IA) assessed the raw material attractiveness of the North African region for foreign investors by the following indicators: raw material base, state of infrastructure, production and processing costs, taxation system, legislative restrictions and benefits, features of the bureaucratic system. The speaker concluded that while North Africa has a rich natural resource base, it is still economically underdeveloped and politically unstable. However, the huge reserves of energy sources increase its attractiveness for the world's leading energy companies. The authorities of North African countries, in turn, are interested in attracting foreign investors. At the same time, in the context of technological lag from the developed world in the North-West of the world, the-

I. O. Abramova (IA) made a presentation on "Africa's resource potential in the new economic model".

T. L. Deitch (IA) noted the growing role of new international players (China, India, Brazil) in the African markets. If earlier the main trade flows were between the " North "(developed) and "South" (developing world), the current stage is characterized by a shift in trade flows from West to East. Rapid economic growth in developing countries has turned them "into export destinations for each other", which in turn significantly reduces the role of the West for the global economy. The combined economy of the new world players (BRICS) is estimated at $ 12 trillion, and the BRICS countries produce 18% of the world's GDP.

Recently, Africa has become the main target of new international players, which can primarily be explained by the huge resource potential of the continent. Although the risks of investing in Africa are still high, according to experts, the continent's prospects look encouraging for investors.

T. L. Deitch identified the main investment directions of new players in the African markets. So, China pays special attention to oil production and minerals. Chinese telecommunications companies are gradually replacing American and European companies on the continent. At the same time, Chinese firms carry out their projects 25% cheaper than Western competitors.

India's investment areas are telecommunications, automotive, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Indian investments in Africa exceed $ 25 billion. And trade between India and Africa increased from $ 1 billion in 2001 to $ 46 billion in 2010. The mining and oil industries remain the main investment targets, while Brazil is beginning to invest in biofuels, infrastructure, banking and cotton production.

Expanding the spheres of influence of new players is a growing concern for traditional actors on the African continent. There are also tensions among major emerging markets seeking to preserve investment, exports and jobs.

Wenping He (Institute of West Asian and African Studies, China) devoted her presentation to the rapid development of China-Africa relations. China has taken a series of concrete measures to reduce its debt to Africa and increase aid to African countries, seeking to expand its investment in Africa. Bilateral cooperation in the field of medical care, healthcare and education is also developing. At present, China's efforts are aimed at strengthening China-Africa mutual understanding and conducting a broader and more in-depth study of African countries.

A. A. Arkhangelskaya (IA) made a report " BRICS-a new actor in Africa: competitors or allies?". The BRICS countries are primarily interested in African oil, gas and mineral resources. The most active foreign policy aimed at ensuring stable oil supplies is carried out by China. At the same time, it does not pay attention to the political regime and the internal situation in the country and is ready to be present in countries with increased political and social risks, which to some extent is its advantage over Western oil corporations. It is the policy of non-interference in internal affairs, together with the provision of various kinds of financial and other assistance and investment in the infrastructure of their partners without any conditions, that is the main characteristic and reason for the success of Chinese energy in Africa. The report identifies several components of China's oil policy: huge financial resources, developing political ties at the highest level, and gaining access to oilfields through the acquisition of foreign companies.

India's oil policy on the continent is less successful. India, following China, will have to increase its energy imports over the next decades due to the lack of these resources at home. Nevertheless, Africa does not yet play a key role in Indian oil policy - India's import of African oil grew by only about 20% in 2010. India does not have the same financial resources as China. Brazil still has a relatively weak position in the African energy market. Like the rest of the BRICS countries, it focuses its operations in West Africa, which is rich in oil.

Aparajita Biswas (University of Mumbai, India) focused on the growth of trade relations between the BRICS countries and Africa. So, India and China are ready to do a lot for economic development.-

economic growth and structural adjustment in African countries. African countries have benefited from investment by India and China in infrastructure projects. Both countries have adopted a realistic external position-not to interfere in the internal political affairs of African countries. They provide economic support to conflict-affected States. Traditional donors often neglect these countries because of the conflict situation and lack of infrastructure opportunities. For example, China supports Angola, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, while India supports Angola, Sudan, Djibouti, Ivory Coast, and Niger. At the same time, relations between India, China and Africa are based on mutually beneficial conditions. Paulo Estevez (Brazil) gave a comparative description of South-South cooperation: Brazil, India and China in Africa.

Leonard N. Gentle (Intern. information group for Labor Research, South Africa) noted the place and role of South Africa in BRICS. E. N. Korendyasov (IA) considered some problems of Russian-African relations. In recent years, there has been an increase in investment activity and foreign trade relations between Russia and Africa, but nevertheless the potential of Russian-African relations remains unclaimed to the full. The most active is the political and diplomatic sphere of partnership.

The volume of trade and economic partnership between Russia and Africa remains quite modest, with foreign trade turnover not exceeding $ 9 billion, with North Africa accounting for 80%. In recent years, Russian companies have made significant efforts to expand their positions in the development of natural resources in Africa. Currently, about 40 major projects are being implemented. An important condition for successfully promoting the interests of Russian companies in Africa is to achieve an optimal combination of the interests of Russian business and African partners. The expansion of cooperation is hindered by the limited material and financial resources of Russia, the lack of sufficient information and experience among Russian businesses, and the focus of African partners on maintaining cooperative ties, primarily with Western economies.

V. V. Usacheva (IA) told how the image of Africa is traditionally covered in the world media. First, it is the juxtaposition of culture and nature. Africans are usually identified with nature. Second, Africa is usually seen as a victim in the global media. News from the African continent transmits information about droughts, famines, and natural disasters, which creates thoughts about the failure of African states in the minds of the audience. And third, poverty is a characteristic feature of Africa. In general, in the world media, Africa and Africans are presented as "other". Russian media usually broadcast the same image of Africa. Currently, there is a new trend in presenting the image of Africa in the Russian media. Ideology was replaced by economic interest, and the Russian media began to correct Russia's position on African issues.

O. S. Kulkova's report was devoted to the geostrategic interests of Western countries in Africa. For example, the strategy of Great Britain as one of the most active geopolitical players on the African continent was considered. Note the following interests of the UK in relation to Africa: control over mineral resources, the desire to penetrate African markets, expand its sphere of influence on the continent and protect the interests of British citizens there. The UK is mainly interested in African countries as suppliers of oil and gas. These are primarily the countries of North Africa - Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. The UK is also particularly interested in developing relations with Nigeria, which has large oil reserves, and Somalia (large deposits of oil, gas, and uranium). England is also trying to expand its sphere of influence in Africa by competing with other important actors. Since 1997. it began to actively interact with francophone countries and former French colonies, promoting its interests in them (Rwanda, Senegal).

Sergey Mezentsev (IA) reviewed international aspects of the use of military force to counter conflicts and crises in the Horn of Africa. The possibility of a sharp aggravation of the military-political situation occurring in the immediate vicinity of strategic oil production areas in the Middle East is the main reason for the continued and recently even increased attention to the Horn of Africa region by the United States and NATO. It is also impossible to exclude the fact that traditional actors use maritime piracy and international terrorism as a pretext for increasing the volume of use of the Internet.-

the use of military force in the Horn of Africa. Thus, the solution to the problems of the Horn of Africa lies primarily in the political and economic plane. The stability of the region is not related to the growing foreign presence in the region, but to the need to resolve internal political differences.

A. E. Zhukov (IA) analyzed the experience of the UN's participation in overcoming the consequences of the civil war with Russia in the period from 2005 to 2011. The main factor of the UN's influence on relations between the North and South of Sudan was the presence of international peacekeeping missions operating under the auspices of the UN. The United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) played a crucial role in maintaining the ceasefire and restoring the truce between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SNOA) and the Sudan Armed Forces, as stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Although the parties to the conflict repeatedly violated the truce, the system was restored after failures and continued to function. In itself, the presence of the Blue Helmets in the border zone was a stabilizing element that prevented local violations of the truce from "blowing up" the situation along the entire perimeter of the administrative border. UNMIS also facilitated the voluntary demobilization, disarmament and social reintegration of former combatants. The UN Mission has also made a significant contribution to the training of police and other government officials in South Sudan.

K. A. Panzerev (St. Petersburg)In his report on "Humanitarian interventions and the challenge of sustainable socio-economic development in Africa", he noted that" humanitarian interventions" should be considered as a pretext to justify the permissibility of interference by Western States in the internal affairs of another sovereign State. The main goal of the "humanitarian intervention "is to overthrow"rogue regimes". The object of intervention can be any African state that is of strategic interest to the leading world powers. There is a danger that the countries of Africa, having chosen a Western foreign policy course, will lose their national identity. Although attracting foreign investment will open up new economic opportunities for the continent's countries, there is a high probability of increasing their economic dependence on Western partners. The speaker believes that African countries should contrast their distinctive culture and mentality with Western standards. Western democratic values and ideals often lead to an increase in political tension in Africa, which can develop into an open armed confrontation between different clans supporting different political figures. The main reason that will not allow the countries of Africa to build a Western-style democratic society is the lack of democratic traditions and the desire of political leaders of African countries for absolute power and political longevity.

Sengulo Msellemu (University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) presented his vision of African problems, noting the main reasons that hinder the continent's development: the problem of leadership, dependence on donor countries and corruption. Many African leaders seek to become leaders of a particular clan and compete for political and economic power. They continue to receive funding and loans from international organizations and donor countries, which stifles development prospects and leads to further impoverishment of the African people. The corruption of some leaders also remains a major obstacle to progress on the African continent.

A. A. Tkachenko (IA) in his report "Current situation and prospects of the former countries of "capitalist and socialist orientation" assessed the consequences of the "Arab Spring" for the countries of North Africa. These consequences will primarily affect their "political vector" of development. It cannot be said that socio-political changes in the countries of the region are characterized by common features and patterns. The countries of the region were at different levels of both economic development and political structure. However, despite historical differences, the Arab Spring and its consequences will determine the main trends of socio-political and economic progress in North African States.

A. A. Tkachenko outlined two trends in political development that will probably determine future models of political power: the tendency to preserve real power functions in the hands of the leader's inner circle, the head of state, and the tendency to form the foundations, structures and institutions of civil society. Two more models of political power are likely to emerge: the "Libyan model", which is characterized by the emergence of

several centers of power, and the "Egyptian model" - a combination of elements of parliamentary democracy and strong authoritarian presidential power. The prospects of each model depend on the results of economic development and social policy. Analyzing the economic consequences of the "Arab Spring", the speaker noted that although the economic losses are significant, they are not as great as many experts assumed, and did not have fatal consequences for society. Countries affected by unprecedented political turmoil have a very real chance of regaining economic growth. The question is whether the new government, which has inherited a high degree of social tension and a huge burden of problems, will be able to take advantage of this historic opportunity.

N. A. Zherlshchyna (IA) made a report on "The experience of democratization in Tunisia". Starting with the" November 7 Declaration", which became the program of political actions of the new President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, attempts are being made in Tunisia to bring the country's political system in line with modern international standards. An amendment to the constitution was adopted, abolishing the life presidency and the system of automatic inheritance of this title. The administrative bodies and apparatus of the ruling party were updated. An important step in democratization was the amnesty of political prisoners, and a multi-party system was legalized. In order to neutralize the increased influence of the fundamentalist movement, the authorities took a course to strengthen official Islam, and in 1991 mass arrests of members of the Islamic Ennahda party began.

However, the Tunisian "perestroika" ended with the establishment of the same system of the dominant party, democratic only from the front. Tunisia's political stability was based primarily on the strong growth of the Tunisian economy. After the economic crisis of 2008, Tunisia's political stability and economy (aimed at integration with the EU) were under threat. As a result, in the October elections to the Constituent Assembly, the Islamic Ennahda party won with 40% of the vote, although it was not the leader of the revolutionary events in Tunisia in 2011, but it was able to benefit from the image of a long-term victim of the regime hated by Tunisians.

E. V. Morozenskaya (IA) considered some aspects of the modernization of the African economy, primarily the creation and development of "special economic zones" (SEZs). SEZs began to appear in Africa in the 1970s in areas with developed infrastructure and large reserves of mineral raw materials (Egypt). In the 1990s, governments in a number of Tropical African countries began to establish SEZs. Many of these projects turned out to be unviable. The most successful experience is that of Mauritius, which adopted the Chinese model of SEZs. In this model, the SEZ is used not only as a way to quickly generate additional revenues to the country's budget, but also as an engine for large-scale economic reform. Currently, many African countries are beginning to develop a new concept of socio-economic development and implement measures to modernize their economic systems - to increase the flow of foreign investment and encourage the participation of local capital in the ongoing reforms. However, if African states do not adhere to consistent economic policies, the importance of SEZs for Africa may be limited by the ability to replenish the state budget at the expense of short-term benefits from attracting foreign entrepreneurs.

V. V. Matychenko and E. A. Bocharnikova (both from the Institute of Fundamental Problems of Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino) devoted their presentation to the possibilities of implementing vertically integrated farms (VIF) in Togo and Ghana, considering the basic principles of VIF operation (food production, constant striving for independence from external sources, collective ownership, a large area of VIF). The main goals of the VIF are to provide the population with high-quality nutrition and realize the food independence of the region and the country as a whole.

Amakodou Diouf (Civil Society Organization, Senegal) identified the main challenges facing the Organization, assessed the prospects for its development and noted the main results of its work: changes in the national health policy (improving access to health services and the quality of services, increasing budget allocations for health care).

Arndt Hofmann (FRL, Germany) in the report "Changing perceptions. A new euphoria about the African middle class " told how the perception of the image of Africa and Europe has changed in the last decade. T. M. Gavristova (Yar.Gu, Yaroslavl) devoted her report to the views of

and ideas of Nigerian intellectuals (writers V. Shoyinka, K. Omotoso) about the future of Africa. What unites them is their sense of optimism in assessing the prospects for the development of the African continent. Both writers see liberalization, democratization, and the development of a market economy as the only possible path to prosperity and prosperity in Nigeria. The future for them is inextricably linked with the country's past, with issues of identity. Although both authors believe that attempts to identify writers based on ethnic and racial principles should be abandoned long ago, consolidation is needed at the state and continental levels. Back in the 1980s, V. Shoigu encouraged European readers to look at Africans not as "savages", but as contemporaries. He called for abandoning the consideration of the history and culture of Africa as "exotic". K. Omotoso expresses the hope that in assessing creativity, the factor of ethno-cultural identity will cease to be key and humanity will move away from such a humiliating concept as "African writer".

In conclusion, Vladimir Fedotov (Russian Foreign Ministry) noted the growing role of Russia in the political and economic life of Africa.

The conference was followed by a screening of the South African documentary " Phakathi. Soweto middle class", made by Mosa Padi, a researcher from South Africa (University of Johannesburg), organized as part of the Film Club of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences "Africa shows!". The film was made with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. The author explores how the term "middle class" is understood in Soweto (a settlement on the southwestern outskirts of Johannesburg).

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