Asia & Africa today
Media registration certificate: № 0110157 от 04.02.1993
The monthly academic journal and Russia's only periodical focusing on topics and issues in Asia and Africa. (The issues of CIS countries are not considered in the journal.)
Published since July 1957
Until March 1961 has been issued under the title "Sovremennyi Vostok" / "Contemporary East".
Founders
- Russian Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Oriental Studies RAS
- Institute for African Studies
Publisher
- Russian Academy of Sciences
The journal is published under the supervision of the RAS Department of Historical and Philological Sciences (OIFN RAS).
About the journal
Mission of the Journal is to provide a platform for authoritative researchers from Russia, CIS and other countries to discuss processes and events taking place in Asia and Africa.
"Asia and Africa today" publishes scholarly articles on the political, economic and social processes of Asian and African states, their culture and art, reviews of Asian and African literature. The Journal also publishes reviews of the most important scientific events - international conferences of orientalists, symposia and scientific expeditions.
"Asia and Africa today" journal’s authors and audience includes scholars, researchers, PhD students and humanities students, as well as politicians, public figures, experts of Russian and foreign organizations that work with Asian and African countries.
The author's point of view does not necessarily coincide with that of the editorial board.
Objectives
Analysis of socio-political, economic, demographic, environmental, cultural and other processes in Asian and African countries and their history.
The major areas and subjects for presentation in the journal:
- political development of Asian and African countries;
- economic problems of Asian and African countries;
- international relations;
- development economics;
- Asian and African states’ activities in UN and regional international organizations;
- pandemic in Asia and Africa;
- globalization and regionalization;
- civilizational development issues;
- problems of society and the state, democracy and autocracy;
- the emergence and features of civil society;
- food problem in developing states;
- demographic processes and migrations of the population
- aggravation of environmental problems in Asian and African continents;
- ethnic and interfaith conflicts;
- Islam and Christianity and their influence on political processes in Asian and African countries;
- culture, science, education, literature, art;
- religions, beliefs, cults;
- traditions, customs, morals;
- chapters of history;
- Russia – Asia and Africa (political, economic, cultural and other relations of Russia with Asian and African countries).
Tasks
- Assistance to scientific research in the field of Oriental and African studies. Publication of materials on the basis of topical research and theses, and also based on the results of overseas trips and fieldwork. Reviews of key Russian and international conferences and symposiums.
- Involving prominent Russian and foreign researchers as authors.
- Reviewing the most significant works and monographs on the journal’s topics.
- The practical help to young orientalists and africanists. Publication of their materials under the heading "Post-graduate Column".
- Cooperation with Oriental research Centres and Faculties of the Russian higher education institutions, as well as with foreign higher education institutions and research centres. Attraction of researchers and academic lecturers as journal authors. Strengthening and development of cooperation with co-founders of the journal - Institute of Oriental Studies and Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Policy
- Prompt reaction to the events taking place in Asian and African countries.
- Extending of topics and improvement of quality of materials to be published.
Indexing
The journal is included in the Higher Attestation Commission List of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Russian Scientific Citation Index – a database, accumulating information on papers by Russian scientists, published in native and foreign titles. The Russian Scientific Citation Index project is under development since 2005 by “Electronic Scientific Library” foundation ( elibrary.ru).
- Russian Science Citation Index on Web of Science in partnership with Russia’s Scientific Electronic Library ( eLibrary.ru).
- EBSCO Publishing
Current Issue
Open Access
Access granted
Subscription Access
No 9 (2025)
Articles
A New Book by Academician Alexey M. Vasiliev
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):5-5
5-5
Top problem
Green Alternative for Africa
Abstract
Until now Africa remains the world’s least electrified region, with approximately half of its population lacking access to electricity. Achieving universal electricity access by 2030 is unattainable. The situation on the continent has seen no fundamental improvement in recent decades. It also seems impossible to obtain changes under current problem-solving approaches. At the same time, international actors, particularly the EU, are imposing green energy alternatives on Africa in exchange for financing and energy technology transfer. The article examines the distinctions between green, renewable and clean energy concepts while analyzing the energy strategies proposed for Africa by its key partners – EU, U.S., and China. The EU’s energy plan focuses on developing green energy – the strictest standard requiring both resource renewability and environmental sustainability. The U.S. strategy employs the term renewable energy while promoting expanded natural gas use in electricity generation. China prioritizes renewable energy development, with particular emphasis on hydropower and thermal power generation using emission-reduction technologies. The study concludes that Africa must prioritize universal electricity access by leveraging domestic energy resources capable of meeting base-load demand. Natural gas, hydropower, and nuclear energy – clean though not necessarily green or renewable – should become primary energy sources for this purpose.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):6-14
6-14
Politics, economics
Interests, Goals, and Objectives of the Participating Countries in the North–South International Transport Corridor: Striking a Balance Between Cooperation and Competition
Abstract
The article is devoted to the study of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which is considered a significant component of the global economic system, promoting international trade exchange and deepening economic integration processes. The INSTC connects the Baltic, Caspian Seas, and the Indian Ocean, offering an alternative logistics route compared to traditional maritime routes. In the context of geopolitical instability, sanctions against the Russian Federation, and structural transformations in the foreign economic framework, this project takes on new significance. Participating states view this corridor as a means to diversify economic flows and strengthen their regional presence. However, the implementation process of the INSTC faces several obstacles, including infrastructure deficits and strategic divergences among participants. Special attention is paid to the contradictions between potential economic benefits and political risks such as sanctions, competition from similar infrastructure initiatives, and differences in national priorities. The analysis is based on comparing the strategic interests of parties, available infrastructure resources, and coordination mechanisms. Ultimately, it concludes that finding an optimal balance between cooperation and rivalry is necessary for the successful implementation of this project.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):15-27
15-27
Study of the ECOWAS Countries’ Economic Development Convergence Effects
Abstract
West African countries pursue economic and political independence while seeking external resources and assistance from other states and international organizations. One of the mechanisms for addressing this challenge is the creation of regional communities. The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of convergence and the achievement of sustainable economic development attained by the integration of 15 West African countries into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the last 50 years. Analysis revealed the absence of an absolute convergence effect among ECOWAS countries. The intensity of the convergence effect varied throughout the community’s existence; the strongest degree of convergence is observed in those ECOWAS countries using a single currency. Currently, inequality is increasing, and the union has lost its positive impact on convergence. The drive to strengthen Africa’s global influence through regional integration in the modern geopolitical landscape compels African countries to seek new approaches to foreign economic engagement, and this dynamics is shaping potential ECOWAS cooperation with BRICS and the EAEU.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):28-35
28-35
The Renaissance of Traditional Chinese Philosophy in Modern China
Abstract
The problem of traditional Chinese culture, as well as one of its fundamental foundations – philosophy, has always been the focus of attention of Chinese Marxists throughout the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). A significant place in the theoretical activity of Chinese communists was occupied by the assessment of the value content of the provisions of the prevailing philosophical doctrine – Confucianism. Until the beginning of the policy of reform and openness (December 1978), Chinese Marxists mostly negatively assessed the role of Confucius in the ideological and political history of China. However, with the change in the socioeconomic course of the CPC, the attitude towards Confucianism in China evolved dramatically, initiating a renaissance of traditional Chinese philosophy and a re-evaluation of the Confucius’ teachings. In recent years, the Sinification of Marxism has assumed a character of combining Marxist positions with the ideas of traditional Chinese philosophy and classical Chinese culture in general.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):36-45
36-45
Himachali, Kullui, or Hindi: Features of Linguistic Identity in India through the Case of Himachal Pradesh
Abstract
The article examines linguistic identity in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh within the broader context of nationwide transformations of language policy. The authors explore the historical foundations of Hindi’s dominance in the official sphere and the resulting marginalization of Himachali languages, which remain the mother tongues of the majority of the state’s population. These languages remain understudied and are officially classified as dialects of Hindi, despite having long been recognized in linguistic scholarship as constituting an independent group of the Indo-Aryan languages. A standardized orthography is lacking, and the region’s indigenous written tradition, Tankri, fell out of use in the mid-20th century. Given the substantial internal diversity among the Himachali languages and the absence of a common Himachali keine, the emergence of a unified literary standard for Himachali appears unlikely. A comparison is drawn with other Indian languages facing similar challenges, such as the absence of a standardized literary form, the loss of traditional scripts, and the negative self-perception among speakers. The study also analyzes socio-economic factors, including migration and demographic shifts that contribute to the strengthening of language activism. The conclusion discusses contemporary initiatives aimed at supporting and preserving local languages.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):46-54
46-54
Pages of history
The Rise and Fall of Patrice Lumumba (commemorating the Centenary of the First Prime Minister of the DRC)
Abstract
July 2, 2025 marked the centenary of the birth of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a steadfast anti-colonialist who became an enduring symbol of African liberation. Lumumba's brief tenure as head of government, spanning less than three months, has elicited divergent assessments in historical scholarship. Operating within the highly volatile context following the former Belgian Congo's attainment of independence on June 30, 1960, his premiership was predominantly characterized by ultimately unsuccessful attempts to consolidate his authority. These efforts manifested in numerous public appeals for national unity amidst profound societal cleavages along racial, ethno-regional, and socio-cultural lines, coupled with endeavors to neutralize political opposition. Lacking extensive statecraft experience and exhibiting a pronounced inflexibility in advancing his policies and decisions, Lumumba failed to garner broad-based support for his regime. Nevertheless, the degree of legitimacy he did achieve proved sufficient to motivate his adversaries to resort to extreme measures, culminating in the physical elimination of the defiant leader.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):55-64
55-64
Post-graduate tribune
China's Information and Ideological Influence in African Countries as a Tool to Counter Western Neocolonialism
Abstract
This article examines the mechanisms and goals of China’s information and ideological influence on African countries. This topic is relevant in the context of increasing global competition for influence in Africa, where China seeks to establish an alternative development model, opposing it to Western neocolonialism. The article provides an analysis of key aspects of China’s information and ideological strategy: development of media presence (China Global Television Network, Xinhua, CR), educational initiatives (Confucius Institutes, scholarship programs), and economic instruments of soft power (infrastructure investments and loans). Particular attention is paid to how China forms a positive image of its own model of socio-economic development, promoting the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and mutually beneficial cooperation. In addition, the article examines how China’s information policy serves as a means of combating Western rhetoric about the Chinese “debt trap” and the threat of dependence of African countries, and analyzes the reaction of African elites and public opinion to Chinese media and educational initiatives. Thus, this article presents an analysis of how China uses information and ideological tools to strengthen its position in Africa, offering an alternative to the Western model of interaction with developing countries.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):65-72
65-72
Book review
Without Knowledge of the Past, There Is No Understanding the Future (A review of The Road to Madrid by G.P.Tarasov and V.Yu.Smirnov)
Abstract
Review of the monograph by G.P.Tarasov and V.Yu.Smirnov "The Road to Madrid. The USSR and the Preparations for the Madrid Peace Conference on the Middle East (1985–1991)". Analyzes the efforts of Soviet diplomacy to create a legal mechanism for the peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Examines the historical context of the Middle East conflict, the role of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the process of preparing the 1991 Madrid Conference and its outcomes. Emphasizes the relevance of the Madrid paradigm for the current conflict settlement.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(9):73-79
73-79