Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Russia has continued to try extending its influence in Lebanon, despite Beirut’s political and economic woes.
The Zimbabweans understand that the Russians will not be able to convert the results of their assistance into direct political or economic power, and even the simple monetization of influence is not yet being discussed. Therefore, they willingly accept any form of support from Moscow. Russia, for its part, still lacks the experience, information, and human resources to compete in Africa with the former colonial powers or China. It can, however, comfortably play a role that requires significantly fewer resources: that of a restraining and independent power.
Russia has gained influence in Libya by exploiting the mistakes of the Europeans and the United States.
A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.
Widely regarded as the EU’s most pro-Russian member-state, Hungary is, in fact, cooling to Russia. The two countries’ leaders are focused on old projects instead of looking to the future, while Viktor Orban is growing more critical of Russia both at home and abroad. For Orban, Vladimir Putin is increasingly useless, having been replaced with an even better ally: Donald Trump.
Russia continues to play a larger role in Lebanon as the conflict in Syria enters a new phase.