1、POLICY BRIEF|FEBRUARY 2023STRATEGIC COMPETITION FOR OVERSEAS BASING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICADAWN C.MURPHY1FOREIGN POLICY AT BROOKINGSExecutive summaryCompared to other regions,sub-Saharan Africa is not a high strategic priority for China,Russia,or the United States.Most of the vital interests of these
2、powers are in Asia,Europe,the Western Hemisphere,and the Middle East.That said,in recent years,U.S.concerns about Chinese and Russian basing in sub-Saharan Africa(SSA)have grown,largely owing to the two countries increased desire to project power and influence globally.But each country has different
3、 interests and capac-ities in sub-Saharan Africa,and U.S.strategy in the region should account for what drives these powers basing behavior.China seeks to secure and maintain access to resources and markets and safeguard its citizens and businesses abroad.Russia,with more limited economic and politi
4、cal stakes in the region,is more opportunistic.It tends to pursue its interests in an ad hoc fashion,often through undertaking profit-seeking and destabilizing activities.The United States primarily seeks to maintain strategic access to the continent,counter threats to U.S.persons,facilities,and int
