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.

Current Issue

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Access granted  Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

No 6 (2025)

Cover Page

Full Issue

Open Access Open Access
Restricted Access Access granted
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Top problem

Features of the Current Situation in the Greater East Asia
Mosyakov D.V.
Abstract
This article examines new trends in international relations in the world and in the Greater East Asia (GEA) and examines the causes of the aggravation of the US-China conflict in this region. It is noted that one of the significant consequences of the confrontation between the two strongest powers is the evident erosion of relations among ASEAN countries, threatening their unity. It is also said that in the context of increasing tensions in the region, the role of Japan, which is dramatically increasing defense spending and rearming, is noticeably increasing. It is also noted that the process of militarization is accelerating in the GEA, and a full-fledged arms race is beginning in response to the growing doubts of the ruling elites of the region’s countries about the ability and determination of the United States to ensure their security. All of this poses a danger to peace and stability in the GEA. The article also examines the problems and prospects of the formation of two opposing military-political blocs in the GEA: the USA, Japan, and South Korea, on the one hand, and Russia, China, and North Korea, on the other.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):5-13
pages 5-13 views
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Politics, economics

Economic and Social Determinants of Sub-Saharan Africa’s Development. Part 2
Meliantsev V.A.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):14-25
pages 14-25 views
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Dynamics of Development of Islamic Education in Mauritania
Zherlitsyna N.A.
Abstract
The article analyzes the transformation of the religious education system in Mauritania. Traditional Arab-Islamic education is in the center of public attention in the Muslim world, because it is closely related to both the problem of security and the strengthening of identity. The modern Mauritanian unique model of religious education, which has gained high authority and popularity in the Islamic world, is based on the foundation of a historical educational institution called mahdara. The article examines the history of the emergence of mahdara, the goals, forms and methods of teaching, the adaptation of the ancient model of education to modern times. An analysis of the state policy of recent decades in relation to the institutions of Islamic education is conducted. The author comes to the conclusion that mahdara was able to effectively adapt its functions, way of life, education system, social activities and intellectual component to modern times. Mahdara plays an important academic and social role in Mauritania and the Muslim world at large, continuing to exert a powerful influence in the political and religious spheres. In modern Mauritanian society, it promotes the spread of education, the preservation of spirituality and culture, and the unification of the country.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):26-34
pages 26-34 views
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Ethiopia: The Amhara Conflict, or the Fano Rebellion
Denisova T.S., Kostelyanets S.V.
Abstract
Ethiopia is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, customs, and traditions. While this ethnic diversity has shaped the country’s rich cultural heritage, it has also fueled domestic political tensions under the legacy of “divide and rule” policies perpetuated by successive regimes, including post-imperial rulers (i.e., those after 1974). These tensions often escalate into conflicts, particularly when issues of political representation and resource distribution intersect with narratives of historical grievances. Despite recent rapid economic growth, which enabled Ethiopia to join BRICS in 2024, persistent challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and income inequality exacerbate interethnic divisions and contribute to instability. This is evidenced by successive conflicts in the Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara regions. While the Tigray conflict (2020–2022) between the Tigrayan people and the central government has been examined in several works by Russian Africanists, the subsequent unrest in Amhara State and the ongoing conflict between the federal government and the Amhara Fano militia have yet to receive sufficient scholarly attention in Russian academia. This article aims to address this gap.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):35-44
pages 35-44 views
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Pondicherry as Part of the Republic of India: The Administrative and Territorial Issue
Astashina E.O.
Abstract
In 1954, French possessions in South Asia became part of the Republic of India. This article examines aspects of the integration of 4 French enclaves (Pondicherry, Mahe, Yanaon and Karikal) under the umbrella toponym Pondicherry into India in the 1950–1960s, and analyzes the administrative and legal status of this territory within India. The agreement on the legal transfer of French territories to India was signed in 1954, followed by a respective treaty in 1956; the latter was ratified by both countries only in 1962. During the transition period (1954–1962), Pondicherry boasted of specific administrative rights in many ways similar to those of India’s states, but in 1962 it joined the federation as a union territory. This did not cater to the needs of the local political elite, so since the 1960s, Pondicherry’s politicians have been demanding statehood for the territory and have actively been exploiting the statehood issue in electoral campaigns.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):45-51
pages 45-51 views
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Indian Diaspora in East Africa and Its Role in the Development of Indian-African Economic Relations
Kolgushkina I.A.
Abstract
The article examines the economic role of the Indian diaspora living in East Africa. The main stages of Indian resettlement to the African continent are analyzed. The author pays attention to the reasons for the resettlement. Some distinctive features of the representatives of the Indian diaspora are highlighted and explored. The socio-economic status of people of Indian origin in the host countries and the impact of the connection with the historical homeland on it are studied. The article provides statistical data on the size of the Indian diaspora living in East Africa. Particular attention is paid to those countries in East Africa where the Indian diaspora population is large: Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The degree of integration of the Indian diaspora into the economic life of these countries is assessed. The author provides a brief description of India’s main economic interests on the African continent. Promising areas of cooperation are identified. The analysis presented in the article demonstrates that the Indian diaspora in East Africa already plays a significant role in strengthening economic ties between India and African countries, and identifies prospects for further enhancing this cooperation.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):52-61
pages 52-61 views
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International North–South Transport Corridor: Socio-Political Reasons of Development
Chediya A.R., Imamkulieva E.E., Razdrih M.
Abstract

The paper discusses the main socio-political reasons for the development of the International Nоrth–Sоuth Transport Corridor – one of the most promising infrastructure development projects in Eurasia. These reasons are discussed in the context of the historical development of trade routes in the Caucasian region, as well as current political events, such as the change of government in Iran in 2024 and the re-election of Donald Trump as the president of the US. The factors of the Corridor’s development should be understood as a nexus of political and social developments in the region and globally. The project faces serious challenges due to its decentralized development (there are many powerful stakeholders with conflicting interests) and rapidly changing international structure and system. The authors suggest going beyond studying economic or logistical reasons for the development of new trade routes. The socio-political reasons for the Corridor should be divided into categories, such as geopolitics, economic interests, security interests, and regional connectivity, and studied as a whole to understand the ramifications of these processes. The negative factors, especially the most acute problems, such as chokepoints, must also be taken into account.

Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):62-69
pages 62-69 views
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Post-graduate tribune

China’s Digital Silk Road: Opportunities and Risks for Developing Countries
Voytikov K.N.
Abstract
The Digital Silk Road (DSR) is an integral part of the One Belt and One Road Initiative first proposed by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2013. Currently the goals of the DSR include inclusive economic growth, contribution to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals and construction of the community with common interests and a common future in cyberspace. DSR includes several areas of cooperation between countries such as digital interconnectedness, development of cross-border e-commerce, digitalization of the economy, creation and proliferation of technical standards and addressing issues of cybersecurity and cyber sovereignty. For participating countries, DSR presents unique opportunities, which enable them to bridge digital divide and ensure domestic economy modernization, but also imposes risks related to cybersecurity, data privacy and protection and emergence of technological dependency on China. This study is devoted to analyses of respective risks and opportunities and development of state policy recommendations regarding developing countries DSR participation. Policy recommendations are aimed to deliver, on the one hand, the most favorable economic effect and, on the other hand, to mitigate risks identified in the research.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):70-77
pages 70-77 views
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Book review

“The War of Unexpectedness”: More Than 120 Years of the Study of the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) in Russia
Avilov R.S.
Abstract
Review of the book: Researching the Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902: The Practice and the Future (Moscow, 2023. 372 p.) (In Russ.). ISBN 978-5-91298-294-1
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(6):78-81
pages 78-81 views
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