Mr John Danboyi

Old Dominion University

Bio

Mr. John Chung Danboyi, is a final-year PhD candidate in International Studies. His dissertation uses ontological security theory to examine how Africa's middle powers project sovereign identity and strategic autonomy under great-power competition. His conference paper argues Russian disinformation in Africa thrives on American inconsistency, not Russian strength. He holds an MA in International Relations from Teesside University and a BA from the European University of Lefke.

Not Russian Strength, but American Inconsistency: Disinformation and the Crisis of U.S. Influence in Africa

Abstract

Russian disinformation in sub-Saharan Africa gains ground less through the appeal of Moscow’s model than through American inconsistency. Washington has applied deep engagement unevenly, leaning on security assistance and aid rather than institution-building and investment, and the resulting credibility gaps are what information operations exploit. Drawing on grand strategy, Security Sector Reform, and African political economy scholarship, the paper proposes an African-centred recalibration built on information-resilient SSR, sustainable investment, and selective military partnership.