Scientific Discussion
A PhD thesis titled “International Competition in Africa since 2011: Selected Models” by researcher Russel Ihsan Khalil was discussed in the College of Political Sciences at Al-Nahrain University. The discussion took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the Hall of the Civilizations of the Two Rivers.
The thesis aimed to analyze the growing strategic importance of the African continent, which has become a hot area of international competition since 2011 among several major powers. These powers possess multiple tools and elements of influence and seek to achieve their political, economic, and security goals in the continent using various means.
The study examined four selected models of international competition:
- Libya: As a model of competition in North Africa, where the country witnessed the collapse of state institutions after the fall of the regime and turned into an arena for influence struggles between competing international powers.
- Sudan: As a model of intertwined political and economic competition amid regional and international geopolitical ambitions.
- Somalia: As a model of competition in East Africa, where security interventions are diverse and competition for interests among various international parties is escalating.
- Niger: As a model of competition in West Africa, where Western influence is declining in the face of expanding Russian, Chinese, and Turkish influence.
The thesis concluded with a comprehensive analysis of the impact of this competition on African countries in terms of political stability, national sovereignty, and economic development.
The discussion committee consisted of the following professors:
- Prof. Dr. Khader Abbas Atwan (Chairman)
- Prof. Dr. Amer Hashim Awad (Member)
- Prof. Dr. Sabah Saheb Abdul Hussein (Member)
- Prof. Dr. Salman Ali Hussein (Member)
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohsen Hasani (Member)
- Prof. Dr. Abbas Saadoun Rafat (Member and Supervisor)