The Recalibration of Middle Powers under Conditions of Stress and Opportunity
Countries’ modes of diplomatic engagement are changing in a world that is increasingly multipolar. Today’s global environment puts pressure on the so-called middle-power countries to project their identity and national interests.
Pitfalls and prospects: Nigeria and South Africa in Africa
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and officially its largest economy as of April 2014, is holding presidential and legislative elections on 28 March 2015, which bear in equal measure the hallmarks of continuity and potential ruptures.
Low-Cost, Scalable Green Water Solutions a Boon to Sustainable Development in Africa
The 22nd of March every year marks international Water Day. As the world celebrates its most important life-giving natural resource, it is important to take stock of Africa’s water challenges and opportunities. Water is the pre-condition for life and the sustainable management of water is fundamental to achieving Africa’s development goals.
The Changing Nature of Turkey’s International Policy
Turkey’s defensive, status quo foreign policy used to have a strong Western orientation that neglected the developing world.
Bonds: A Viable Alternative for Financing Africa’s Development
Since the financial crisis of 2008 loans from banks have become more difficult to obtain. African countries increasingly have explored alternatives to raise capital for their economic development projects.
Australia’s Policy Priorities in a Global Era
Australian policymakers face competing economic and strategic priorities. Increasingly, Australia’s economic future is closely tied to relations with its East Asian neighbours.
South Africa’s Foreign Economic Strategies in a Changing Global System
South Africa’s foreign policy has developed since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994. The South African government used to emphasise multilateralism as an important component in its international relations, keen to make itself heard on critical global issues.
Getting media freedom right in Africa?
The Sharpeville Massacre is deeply engrained in the pages of South African history. The events of 21 March 1960 are now commemorated on Human Rights Day.
2015 Budget: Too Little Too Late for South Africa’s Public Debt?
After a ‘gloom and doom’ Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement in October last year, it was hoped that Finance Minister Nene’s recent Budget Speech would allay concerns that South Africa’s public finances are in dire straits.
Hubs without spokes: Building a more inclusive AGOA
Policymakers in Pretoria, Nairobi and Maseru are holding their breath as the latest renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) makes its way through the partisan gridlock of the US congress. AGOA offers duty free access to the richest market on the planet on 1800 tariff lines, generates over 62,000 jobs in South Africa alone, and sustains apparel industries in countries such as Lesotho and Mauritius.