Russia's War on Ukraine: North African Nations' Positions

Russia's War on Ukraine: North African Nations' Positions

Author: Arezki Daoud October 23, 2022 Duration: 28:23

The Maghreb’s biggest nations and regional rivals, Algeria, and Morocco,  so far have refrained from choosing a side in the Russian-Ukrainian  conflict. For its part, Tunisia has had ambivalent positions due to a  number of factors, which we will cover in a moment. In general, though,  these nations have had no intention on openly support one or the other  party in the conflict and have assumed some neutrality based on multiple  geopolitical factors. Broadly speaking and setting aside Ukraine as a  sovereign nation, North African states see this conflict as one that  opposes Russia, an extension of what used to be the Soviet Union,  against the West, a group of nations that encompasses Western Europe and  the United States. In some way, they see the conflict as the  continuation of the cold war that pitted the USSR to the USA. Other  major factors, such as North Africa’s proximity to and neighborhood with  western Europe, the developing gas market, Russia’s military weight and  its growing economic influence on the region are among the many factors  that have been weighing on decision makers in North Africa on how to  deal with this thorny conflict.


Trying to make sense of the world's complex power struggles and regional conflicts can feel overwhelming. Geopolitics Simplified by Arezki Daoud cuts through that noise with clear, accessible commentary. Host Arezki Daoud, drawing from his professional background with MEA Risk LLC, focuses his lens primarily on the intricate dynamics of Africa and the Middle East, regions often at the heart of global shifts but frequently misunderstood. Each episode breaks down a current event or a longer-term strategic development, explaining not just what is happening, but the historical roots and potential consequences behind the headlines. You'll hear a straightforward analysis that avoids academic jargon, designed for anyone curious about how international relations affect economics, security, and daily life in different corners of the planet. This isn't about dry recitations of facts; it's about connecting dots in a way that provides genuine understanding. The podcast delivers these insights with a consistent and informed perspective, making even the most tangled geopolitical situations comprehensible. For regular listeners, this becomes an essential tool for forming a more nuanced view of global news, moving beyond simplistic narratives to grasp the underlying forces shaping our interconnected world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Flashpoint: Geopolitics Simplified by Arezki Daoud
Podcast Episodes
Egypt's Damietta Port Drone Strike: A Regional Warning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:26
A drone strike hit Egypt's Damietta Port on July 29, setting fire to the U.S.-owned Energos Winter floating storage and regasification unit and the nearby GasLog Salem. Security sources examining the wreckage say at leas…
It's hot in here: North Africa is baking this summer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:37
In my trip to Europe last month, I complained a lot about theheatwave I experienced in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. No AC in many places, even in some of the famed establishments. But where I was born an…
Russia Evolving Position in Mali: Wagner Out, Africa Corps. In [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:35
In this episode of Flashpoint, we go beyond the headlines to explore Russia’s quiet shift from Wagner to the Africa Corps in Mali. Under pressure from Algeria, Moscow is phasing out mercenaries in favor of a state-run mi…
Is Morocco Quietly Preparing for Royal Succession? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:34
With Morocco's King Mohammed VI facing health issues, the topic of royal succession has come to the forefront. This video delves into Morocco's succession process, the King's health challenges as reported by foreign medi…
The US Africa Policy: Don't Expect Anything New [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:42
U.S. administrations, whether Republican or Democrat, have historically shown limited focus on Africa, prioritizing counterterrorism over development. With recent geopolitical shifts, some are calling for a more balanced…