Connock, Kendra2024-08-202024-08-202023-06Connock, Kendra. (2023). To the captor goes the spoils: An investigation of Russian State Capture in Sudan and the Central African Republic, 2014 - 2021. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40220https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40220This research report is submitted towards the award of the degree Master of Arts in International Relations by Coursework and Research to the Faculty of Humanities, at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.Following a period of disengagement after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian engagement in Africa has resumed in earnest. In the almost-decade since Russia annexed Ukrainian Crimea, Russia has endured criticism and hostility from the international community. Some African nations have, however, continued to express support for Russia in diplomatic fora and continue to engage with Russia through both formal and informal means. Russian engagement in Africa has come into acute focus for its unconventional nature. Particular concern is shown for the use of disinformation and the deployment of Private Military Companies. A distinct pattern of Russian engagement is presenting itself in Africa whereby these services are traded in exchange for access to natural resources, specifically precious minerals. This transaction between Russia and African nations is allowing embattled leaders to hold onto power. This research report seeks to explain and understand this phenomenon.en©2023 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.RussiaAfricaRussia in AfricaRussia-Africa relationsState captureCorruptionExtraversionNeopatrimonialismExtra-state captureSudanCentral African RepublicUCTDDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg