Bridging the gaps in world trade systems
The recent meetings of the Group of Seven (G-7) finance ministers in Essen, Germany, and of legislators from the Group of Eight (G-8) in Washington, were pivotal not only because of their shared focus on climate change but because of which states were invited to participate.
Doha: Too early to sound the death knell?
It’s official: the Doha Round is on again. But with what prospects?
Development through Trade: The US and the WTO
Once again the US political scene will be most influential on international trade policy this year, particularly the Doha Round of world trade negotiations.
What the Blocs are missing
Transparency, accountability, access to information and realistic management are essential.
Will al-Bashir Chair the AU?
In a few days, African leaders will choose a new chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2007. There is significant pressure from some quarters to elect Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, a leader who stands accused of genocide.
The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa
A prevailing dilemma for leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) and Africa centres on the future prospects of the much-hailed New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).
Congolese Braced for More Trouble
There are widespread fears that the eventual loser in the presidential race will revert to violence. At the end of the last millennium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, truly seemed to be, in Joseph Conrad’s words, Africa’s “Heart of Darkness”.
Time for Hard Thinking about Nepad and Peer Review
Africa’s leaders gather in Abuja, Nigeria, from today to review the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) along with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).
Darfur Stereotyping Fraught with Danger
Widespread dissemination of misperceptions may impede peace negotiations. The summary expulsion of Jan Pronk, the United Nations’ envoy to Sudan, from that country this month, following remarks he made on the Darfur conflict, reflects the Khartoum government’s unilateral and uncompromising stance towards any of its detractors.
The Role of Politics in Economic Relations
SAIIA and partners hosted a two day conference to explore research from four different developing regions on the links between trade and security.