Africom

On 1 October 2008 the US military’s African Command was launched in Washington DC. Two weeks later a similar ceremony took place at Africom’s headquarters in Stuttgart.

New Governance Index Should Poll Public Opinion

While the new Ibrahim index assessing governance in Africa is remarkably comprehensive, it fails to poll citizens on their perceptions of how well they are ruled, writes George Katito of the South African Institute of International Affairs.

Lesotho’s Lessons for the ANC on Forming New Parties

Following Thabo Mbeki’s abrupt resignation as South African president last month, there has been much speculation about the possibility and desirability of a new political party emerging from disgruntled ruling party members.

China could usher in a new era of banking in Africa

The dramatic events of the past few weeks, starting with one of the world’s most powerful investment banks — Lehman Brothers — going to the wall and insurer AIG teetering on the brink, has left a wounded western financial world licking its wounds and looking anew at its model of global finance.

Trade Policy Reports (2003-2008)

SAIIA’s Trade Policy Report series, published between July 2003 and September 2008, covers a range of trade-related issues.

Making the News: Why the APRM Didn’t

Follow the unfolding news story of the South African APRM process from a journalist’s perspective, and learn why the perception of government dominance meant that the APRM slid off media radar screens.