Russian Orthodox Church Activities in Africa

About the Event

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine broke from the Russian Orthodox Church. The Greek Orthodox Church sided with Ukraine, irking Moscow. In part retaliation against the Greek Orthodox Church, and part of Putin’s soft power initiative to increase support in the Global South to compensate for the Western alliance against Moscow, the Russian Orthodox Church has established a presence in Africa in competition with the Greek Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt, which has religious authority over the entire continent.

Dr. Samuel Ramani, a scholar who specializes in Russian affairs, in particular as they relate to Africa, joins Africa Program Chair Ambassador Charles Ray to discuss the implications of this move. Is it a religious matter, or something less benign, how does this align with Russia’s broader use of religious diplomacy as a soft power tool, and what does it mean for US and Free World Africa policy and relations?

Speakers