Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

DOI

10.25776/qhvb-ds29

Pages

21 pp.

Abstract

The rising importance of Africa as a key battleground in great power rivalry is an important shift in global politics that will have significant impacts on security governance in Africa. This article will explore the ways in which increased competition between the U.S., China and Russia will affect African states and regional organizations, and how economic dependency, regional security architecture and diplomatic strategy will influence the overall security environment in Africa. Using recent case studies and academic research, along with current policy analysis, it will analyze whether or not African countries and regional organizations will be able to mitigate potential negative impacts of foreign intervention (i.e. loss of sovereignty, proxy conflict, etc.) through strategic balancing and institutional reform to create an environment of stability and support their own development objectives. Overall, the author believes that effective cooperation with other international actors competing for influence in Africa will depend on open, collaborative partnership, strong African-based security institutions, and coordinated diplomacy at both country and continental levels. In doing so, the article seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding how African countries and regional organizations may transform what could be seen as a destabilizing factor in great power rivalry.

Rights

© 2026 Chick Edmond. 

Included with kind permission of the author.

ORCID

0009-0006-9633-0945 (Edmond)

Original Publication Citation

Edmond, C. (2026).  Africa as a strategic arena: How great power rivalry is reshaping security governance. 1-21. https://doi.org/10.25776/qhvb-ds29

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