© Yuri Kadobnov/Pool Photo via APRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, right, and his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop pose during a joint press conference following their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 20, 2022.
In trying to find ways to effectively counter Russia and China's partnerships in Africa, Washington - and its Western followers - is not content to just go for the honey or the vinegar - so officials are resorting to both at the same time.
Typically, the Western modus operandi has been to establish a footprint in the target foreign country through military intervention under a security pretext with the hope of eventually pivoting to an economic one. Recent history suggests that elites haven't quite been able to make the transition before their plans go pear-shaped. Unable to get their hands on the prize - typically, the country's natural resources - they eventually either get kicked out (as was the case with France in Mali), or end up cutting their losses (like the US did in Afghanistan).
Comment: Both Russia and China are playing the long game in Africa, counting on the West's belligerent form of "diplomacy" to quickly wear out its welcome. There is enough history now to give African nations a good idea of what to expect from allying with the West.