Grey Zone Conflicts in Africa

This edited volume examines how states, NGOs, international and local actors in Africa compete for influence on the continent by engaging in what is known as grey zone conflicts using methods and tactics that fall short of open war.

Drawing on examples of grey zone conflicts from across the continent, the book shows how tactics such as disinformation, cognitive warfare, cyber operations, the strategic use of private military companies, sanctions, food and infrastructure deals, and election interference are used to generate political, strategic and economic outcomes without resorting to the open use of military force. It explains these examples in clear language, linking them to Africa’s history of colonialism, liberation struggles, often fragile governance and its nature as a place of contestation for foreign powers, and to today’s wider struggle over global order and power competition. Organised in six thematic parts, the volume moves from core concepts and historical roots to detailed case studies of Russian and Chinese engagement, Western policies, regional alliances, and the battle for hearts and minds. Covering cases from the Sahel to Central Africa and beyond, this collection not only advances the global conversation on grey zone conflict but also reinforces Africa's role in shaping the future of strategic competition and contestation.

This volume will be of much interest to students of hybrid warfare, military and strategic studies, African politics, and Security Studies.

Dries Putter is Division Head for Security and Africa Studies, Senior Lecturer in Defence Intelligence Studies at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science, South Africa, and Extraordinary Researcher at North-West University’s Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy. He is active duty with the rank of Captain (Navy).

Sascha-Dominik Dov Bachmann is Professor in International Law and Security at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Business, Government and Law, Australia. He is an extraordinary Reader in War Studies (Docent) at the Swedish Defence University. He is affiliated with the Department of Strategic Studies, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, and the Risk and Crisis Centre, Mid Sweden University. Sascha is a Lieutenant Colonel (German Army Reserves) with operational experience in peace support missions.