China and Liberia: Engagement in a Post-Conflict Country 2003–2013
Once labelled by the international community as a failed state, Liberia has enjoyed something of a renaissance since it held its first truly democratic elections in 2005.
South Africa’s 20 Years of Soft Power Crescendos
2014 marks two decades since the end of apartheid and the establishment of a constitutional democracy in South Africa. The manner of the country’s transformation to democracy imbued it with soft power of legitimacy and credibility that provided it with unique leverage in global affairs. Coupled with its willingness to become an active global citizen, South Africa has used this soft power in its foreign policy.
Trade policy and the 2014 elections
With a persistently high unemployment rate, building an economy that provides opportunities for all is extremely important to all the political parties contesting the 2014 South African general election.
Rwandan Genocide-20 Years On: Remembering the importance of collective efforts towards political accountability
The 20th commemoration of the Rwandan genocide this year offers an apt opportunity to reflect on how far Africa has come in preventing a reoccurrence of such a tragedy.
‘Oil for Housing’: Chinese-built New Towns in Angola
China has gained a foothold in the African construction sector through the provision of ‘resources for infrastructure’ loans. The dominance of Chinese companies is particularly evident in mega projects such as railways, major transportation arteries, public buildings, etc.
Seabed Mining: Lessons from the Namibian Experience
Until recently, exploiting valuable minerals in deep waters beyond the continental shelf has not been commercially or technologically viable.
South Africa in BRICS: A Bilateral Trade Analysis
This study examines the value, intensity, complementarity, balance, and structure of South Africa’s trade with its partners in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) alliance.
Development, Sustainability and Social Justice: The Elusive Balancing Act of African Fisheries Governance
The discourse on African fisheries governance is dominated by themes of unrealised potential and crisis.
Nigeria and South Africa should work together
On Sunday 6 April 2014 on the way to the SAIIA offices in Braamfontein I passed many Nigerian churches, which are now permanent features of inner-city Johannesburg. Sermons were already underway and sounded celebratory. I wondered if they were celebrating the announcement of Nigeria being named the continent’s largest economy, usurping South Africa.
Ukraine’s new path blocked by a meddling neighbour
An internal Ukrainian crisis dating back to November 2013 took on an external dimension last month. Just as Ukrainians were starting to rebuild their country after months of protests and a change of leadership, Russia’s intervention in Crimea has shifted the focus, and set off alarm bells throughout Europe.