insert_link Africa Russia-Ukraine war spills into west Africa: Mali attacks signal dangerous times ahead By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University Russia suffered significant blows to its reputation in mid-2024. An attack on its territory by Ukraine came as a surprise. In west Africa, the Wagner mercenary group, supported by Russia, suffered one of its heaviest fatalities in Mali. An alliance of Tuareg rebel groups known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad joined forces in late […] todayAugust 19, 2024 22
insert_link Africa Rwanda’s military support to other countries is part of a strategy to boost its reputation By Federico Donelli, University of Trieste Rwanda is one of Africa’s geographically smallest countries. However, its foreign policy, whose hallmark is military diplomacy, has attracted international attention. Military diplomacy refers to activities carried out by representatives of a country’s security apparatus to pursue its foreign policy interests. These activities include the use of armed forces in combat and non-combat operations. Powerful countries such as […] todayJune 25, 2024 23
insert_link Business / Economics Japan sanctions India tech company for helping Russia Japan has sanctioned an Indian technology firm, along with 9 other companies globally for allegedly helping Russia evade sanctions. The sanctions are part of the country's economic measures against Moscow for invading Ukraine. todayJune 24, 2024 34
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s foreign policy: a unity government must be practical in a turbulent world By Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, University of South Africa As South Africa navigates fundamental political change, it faces stark choices on foreign policy posture and priorities. The change has been brought about by the African National Congress’s loss of electoral majority, forcing it into a unity government. Based on my work over many years on South Africa’s foreign policy as well as reflections on the […] todayJune 21, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa Uncertain times for South Africa’s foreign policy as country heads for coalition government By Bhaso Ndzendze, University of Johannesburg After South Africa’s 29 May election, the African National Congress has lost the electoral majority it held for 30 years, but remains the party with the highest number of seats in parliament. This makes it a key partner in the formation of a coalition government. For 30 years the ANC had a comfortable majority which allowed it to […] todayJune 3, 2024 20
insert_link Africa Iran’s intervention in Sudan’s civil war advances its geopolitical goals − but not without risks Members of the Sudanese Armed Forces on Aug. 14, 2023. AFP via Getty Images By Eric Lob, Florida International University Iran’s role in funding and arming proxy groups in the Middle East has been well documented and has gotten extra attention since the Hamas-led attack in Israel in October 2023. Similarly, Tehran’s arms shipments to Russia are well known and have prompted complaints and sanctions from the West. But […] todayMay 29, 2024 29
insert_link Africa US troops to leave Niger The United States and Niger have agreed that American troops will leave the country "no later" than 15 September, they announced in a joint statement on Sunday. According to the BBC, the two countries "reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun". The US has relied on Niger as its primary base for monitoring regional jihadist activity. todayMay 20, 2024 36
insert_link World Iran crash: President Raisi reported dead – what that might mean for the country and region Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, is reported by state media to have died following a helicopter crash. Iranian Presidency Office via AP By Eric Lob, Florida International University Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who has been reported dead after the helicopter he was in crashed on May 19, 2024, is a consummate loyalist whose passing will be a severe blow to the country’s conservative leadership. While search and rescue teams […] todayMay 20, 2024 47
insert_link Business / Economics Namibia-China economic partnership, and performative relationship strengthens Namibia and China have maintained a positive relationship over the years, the two sides have developed a strong economic and political partnership, with China emerging as Namibia's largest source of foreign investment and second-largest trading partner. We asked International relations expert from South Africa, Brooks Spector for opinion on the matter. todayMay 16, 2024 36