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.
- Russian Scientific Citation Index – a database, accumulating information on papers by Russian scientists, published in native and foreign titles. The Russian Scientific Citation Index project is under development since 2005 by “Electronic Scientific Library” foundation ( elibrary.ru).
- Russian Science Citation Index on Web of Science in partnership with Russia’s Scientific Electronic Library ( eLibrary.ru).
- EBSCO Publishing
Current Issue
Open Access
Access granted
Subscription Access
No 12 (2024)
Politics, economics
Institutu Afriki RAN – 65 let
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):5-6
5-6
On the Problem of Access to Clean Water in Africa
Abstract
Currently, the environmental situation in the world is deteriorating due to population growth, urbanization, agricultural and industrial pollution of wastewater. This is especially noticeable in regions experiencing water shortages, one of which is the African continent. The work identified the necessary and sufficient levels of access of African countries to clean water and gave a forecast for their change, taking into account the changing demographic, socio-economic and military-political situation. The growing African population increases the demand for water to satisfy thirst and household needs, requires more food, which leads to an increase in water intake for agriculture and food production. In addition, military and political tensions on the continent cause cross-border movement of a large number of Africans, which increases the burden on host countries, increases the deficit of water resources, weakens sanitation, and leads to an increase in water-related diseases. To solve the problem of water shortages on the African continent, it is necessary to adopt comprehensive programs for the development of water management and increase its investment, raise the level of public awareness and train specialists in the field of water use.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):65-72
65-72
Water Crisis in South Africa
Abstract
The article examines the unfavorable situation in the water industry of South Africa. Special attention is paid to the recent water crisis in Cape Town and the surrounding areas of the Western Cape Province. In this city, there was a threat of the onset of “Day Zero”, when the municipal water supply would stop completely. Although this was avoided, the article explains why water crises, although on a smaller scale, are regularly observed in other regions of South Africa, including the economic capital of this country, Johannesburg. The final part of the article talks about the assessment of the situation by the newly appointed Minister of Water Affairs and Sanitation and plans to remedy it.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):58-64
58-64
The “Water Problem” in the Congo River Basin
Abstract
Throughout the period of independent development of African nations, the peoples inhabiting them have been experiencing recurring political and socio-economic cataclysms, among which the problem of water scarcity has been gaining in prominence in recent decades. Despite the fact that Africa, especially the Congo River basin, possesses abundant water resources including full-flowing rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater, due to the lack of proper management and the shortage of qualified personnel and funds to develop adequate water intake and distribution infrastructure, the issue of providing the population with drinking water has become a major issue in almost all countries of the continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 98% of whose territory is located in this basin, which ranks second in the world in terms of the volume of discharge after the Amazon. The present article provides a description of the hydrological features of the Congo River basin and discusses the causes of the water shortages observed in the DRC, which have a negative impact on the development of not only the country’s economy and the provision of public services, but also on the health of the population. It is also noted that, unlike other regions of the continent, in the Congo basin there are no conflicts over access to water resources between the riparian states and, moreover, there is a permanent consensus among them on the issues of water use and recognition of the leading role of the DRC in their resolution.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):49-57
49-57
Tanzania’s Economic Growth Prospects through EAC and SADC Membership
Abstract
The article examines the economic effects of Tanzania’s multiple membership in the East African Community (EAC) common market and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) free trade area. Over the past two or three decades, regional integration processes have intensified on the African continent, which have become an important component of the economic development of countries. Geographical and commodity structure of Tanzanian foreign trade in the first two decades of the 21st century has changed significantly: the position of the countries of East Africa has strengthened due to integration within the EAC and rapidly developing Asian economies, trade flows with the former metropolitan countries have weakened, trade with the south of the continent has diversified within the SADC.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):42-48
42-48
China’s Foreign Trade: The Role of Foreign and Domestic Sectors
Abstract
The article shows the decrease in the share of the foreign sector in China’s trade turnover on average for 2018–2023. The share of Chinese foreign sector by type of enterprises (foreign-invested enterprises) was 37%, and according to the customs regimes (processing trade) – 23%. It was established that the share of processing trade was less than half of the foreign-invested enterprises trade. At the same time, the foreign sector continues to be one of the main sources of high-tech exports from China. It is shown that ordinary trade has become dominant in almost all product groups of Chinese exports, and the growth of foreign trade was ensured by private enterprises in the domestic sector of China. It is shown that the Chinese domestic sector increases the number of countries exporting its goods, while the export basket becomes more complex.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):24-32
24-32
The Political Crisis in Japan in 2023–2024: Has an Escape Taken Place?
Abstract
In summer of 2024, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan faced three acute challenges requiring an immediate response. Firstly, it is a crisis of the traditional party management system based on inter-factional balance, which has sharpened amid the scandal around the abuse of political funds. Secondly, it is the weakening of the electoral positions of Komeito, LDP’s partner in the ruling coalition, which proceeds along with aging of its supporters from the Buddhist sect Soka Gakkai. Thirdly, it is the increasing competition from the opposition camp, developing with disillusionment with the LDP from the critically minded voters. Despite significant electoral successes in the general elections of October 2024, the opposition remains fragmented and unable to form a coalition government. The main problem for the Constitutional Democratic Party, which puts foreign policy and security issues in the center of its political program, according to the author, is its excessive fixation on criticizing the government and finding ways to coordinate with other parties “against the LDP”, its inability to nominate a new generation of leaders, as well as to put forward a positive agenda in the social and economic spheres alternative to the LDP.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):14-23
14-23
Africa: New Cracks in the System of Neocolonialism
Abstract
The crisis of neocolonial system in Africa has lately been shown by disintegration of “Françafrique” or the French neocolonial empire in the continent existing for about 60 years. The author is analyzing its political-military component, direct military intervention and use of the “soft power” such as the International Organization of La Francophonie. Rejection of this system, absence of security, corruption of the pro-French elites have produced a series of coups d’état in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger supported by the majority of population with its anti-French feelings. The new leaders are seeking and finding an alternative cooperation with Russia to strengthen the security, national sovereignty and economic development of their countries. There are examples of the military and political cooperation of Russia with the Central African Republic and other states. This course meets countermeasures of the West which is interested to keep on its neocolonial exploitation of the continent.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):7-13
7-13
Beijing Stock Exchange: Results of Two Years Operation, Challenges and Prospects
Abstract
The establishment of the Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) in November 2021 was due to a number of factors. First, a specialized channel for financing small and medium-sized businesses (SME) was needed. Second, it was the result of increased regulatory requirements for Chinese companies on the US stock market and their massive transition to domestic exchanges. Trends of the BSE indices often sharply contrast with those of the 2 major Chinese stock exchanges, which attract millions of retail investors to the BSE. Institutional investors show more interest in the new exchange as well. The access of foreign investors is regulated through licenses and quotas. The BSE initial market is vivid: IPOs were held all temporary suspension periods long. The exchange infrastructure and trading system are successfully developing and expanding. The market makers facility was introduced, margin trading was allowed, the bond market was formed. The BSE development plan provides for in 5–10 years it transforms into a full-fledged financial center by key indicators.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):33-41
33-41
Scientific life
“An Intellectual Pilgrimage to Buddhism”
Abstract
On 12–14 August, the II International Buddhist Forum “Traditional Buddhism and Challenges of Modernity” was held in Ulan-Ude – a significant and important event for all countries of the Buddhist world. The following goals of the Forum were outlined: to update the understanding of Buddhist culture, philosophy and practice in the conditions of modern society; to strengthen international ties of Buddhists; to give new impetus to scientificeducational and cultural cooperation of Buddhist organizations of different countries. The scientific program of the Forum became a kind of “intellectual pilgrimage to Buddhism”. As part of the forum, the Institute of Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences organized an international scientific conference “Buddhism in a Changing World”. The purpose was to discuss current issues of studying, preserving and using Buddhist heritage in modern conditions, the interaction of science and Buddhism, the significance and role of Buddhism in the socio-political, economic, moral life of humanity, and in resolving problems, conflicts and contradictions of the modern world.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):73-76
73-76
Pages of history
Russia – Africa: Remembering the Lessons of the Past, Pave the Way for a Future (Notes by the Soviet/Russian Ambassador)
Abstract
the article analyzes the political situation in the People’s Republic of Congo in the second half of the 1980s, shows the impact on its development of cardinal changes in the internal and foreign policy of the USSR. The influence of the acceleration on the domestic political situation of the country is noted. The consequences of the reduction of Russia’s economic and diplomatic presence on the African continent after the collapse of the USSR are traced. The article ends with a conclusion about the particular importance for building and successfully implementing Russia’s course towards comprehensive and equal cooperation with African countries of an objective assessment of the lessons of the past, preservation and use of positive experience gained over decades of our relationships.
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):77-81
77-81
New Book by Prof. Alexey Vasiliev (In Russian)
Asia & Africa today. 2024;(12):82-82
82-82