Geographic and Historical Factors in the Development of Political Relations Between St. Petersburg and Africa

Abstract

In the article, the authors investigate bilateral relations between St. Petersburg and African countries, and also try to explain the reasons for the strengthening of these contacts, primarily at the level of the legislative branch. The authors of the article substantiate the hypothesis of the greatest influence of the historical factor on the process of modern political relations between St. Petersburg and Africa. According to the authors, the geographical factor is important, but not decisive in the establishment and development of bilateral relations. It is argued that personalities play an important role in strengthening international contacts. In particular, former African students of St. Petersburg higher educational institutions, who have achieved success in politics, business and science, use their previous contacts to consolidate their success in interaction with St. Petersburg. Even during the existence of the Soviet Union, a tradition of an individual approach to teaching and educating African students was formed with the hope of promising cooperation with Africa. The authors conclude that the political system of African states is not of fundamental importance for the development of bilateral ties with St. Petersburg. The city on the Neva builds its international relations from the position of its economic interests. The authors believe that the weak point of modern relations between St. Petersburg and Africa is the narrowness of economic and cultural ties, aimed mainly at trade, tourism and education. The development of interaction in the areas of heavy industry and new technologies remains outside the political and economic interests of St. Petersburg.