The Current State and Problems of Russian-Zimbabwean Relations

In modern conditions there is a growing demand for Russia to reorient the directions of foreign policy and foreign economic cooperation in order to protect its interests in accordance with the “National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation”. The experts in the field of foreign policy note the trends of Russia and Africa turning towards the Global South. The article is devoted to the analysis of the current state of Russia-Zimbabwe relations and problematic aspects in the context of the transformation of the global world order. Using an integrated approach, the author identifies the key barriers preventing the full realization of the potential of bilateral cooperation. The attention is also paid to the problems of the neocolonial influence of Western powers on Zimbabwe, the role of sanctions pressure in limiting the sovereign development of this country and institutional challenges. The work reflects the legacy factor of the Soviet era when the USSR actively supported Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence which created the foundation for current ties. The author also analyzes the conceptual foundations of Russian policy in Southern Africa. The role of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum multilateral platform in promoting the common interests of Russia and Zimbabwe is considered separately. It is noted that the deepening and expansion of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Zimbabwe is linked to the expansion and diversification of trade and economic cooperation and reaching a new level of trade and investment partnership. The author sees the problem in the lack of capitalized financial institutions capable of providing systemic, long-term government support to Russian businesses in Zimbabwe and throughout the African continent. At the same time the fact of institutional weakness of the Zimbabwean economy is being stated. It is concluded that the strengthening of RussiaZimbabwe relations not only meets the interests of both states but also contributes to the formation of a just multipolar world order. Zimbabwe sees Russia as a strong partner capable of promoting an agenda in international structures that meets the expectations of African countries and the entire Global South, as well as supporting the aspirations of these states to expand their representation in interstate organizations including the UN Security Council.

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