Middle power dreaming: The geopolitics of Angola’s emergence

Angola is pursuing a strategy of purposeful non-alignment and seeks to become a “middle power” in the world.

As the country’s devastating civil war and authoritarian politics recede into history, Angola’s activism within Africa and its openness to working with other countries offer Europeans new opportunities to pursue their strategic interests.
Investment in infrastructure, energy and minerals can provide mutual benefit for both Angola and Europe. To realise this, European decision-makers must work in partnership with their Angolan counterparts and secure tangible improvements in the country.

Angola is also avidly courting specific European states, America, Gulf states and other powers. It maintains a complex relationship with China and is keen to find new friends in the world. At the same time, Angola’s economic, social and political transition will remain rocky. European support can find openings to facilitate this transition—and ultimately encourage Angola’s ambitions towards middle power status.