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This policy brief examines the African Union's (AU) counter-terrorism architecture, arguing that while a comprehensive legal and normative framework exists, its effectiveness is severely undermined by poor implementation at both the state and institutional levels.

This policy brief provides a comparative analysis of strategies and initiatives for the Sahel developed by various multilateral organisations. It examines geographical scopes, objectives, implementation sectors, and financing to identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for coordination to improve the effectiveness of regional interventions.

The March 2015 Peace & Security Council (PSC) Report details the African Union's efforts to address security crises in Mali, the Lake Chad Basin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, emphasizing the need for coordinated action between African and international partners.

The report introduces the 'electricity system value chain' framework, designed to help technology providers and system designers identify and capture value within the complex, non-linear network of the modern electricity grid. It moves beyond linear value chains to a system-based approach that integrates electrical, communications, and organizational layers to align compensation with the actual value provided by emerging technologies, such as distributed energy resources.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the tension between South Africa's regional dominance and its aspirations for integration in Southern Africa. Drawing on a 2013 perceptions survey of foreign policy practitioners, the author analyzes how South Africa's economic, political, and security influence is perceived by its neighbors and suggests ways to improve regional legitimacy through increased consultation and multilateralism.

This policy briefing argues that the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) must remain a voluntary association to maintain its credibility and effectiveness. The author contends that mandatory accession would undermine the process by introducing countries lacking the political will or open societies necessary for robust, honest governance reviews.

This policy briefing examines the economic and strategic challenges facing Australia as a middle power, highlighting the tension between its strategic alliance with the US and its economic reliance on China. It discusses the limitations of regional institutions in the Asia-Pacific and suggests that the G-20 may offer a more effective platform for Australia to exert global influence.

This policy briefing examines the South African government's position on the 'responsibility to protect' (R2P) framework, noting that while South Africa supports the principle of protecting civilians, it lacks a clearly articulated policy and prefers a moderate approach focused on dialogue and conflict prevention over military intervention.

The Nyéléni Declaration, issued during the International Forum for Agroecology in February 2015, defines agroecology as a political and social framework for food sovereignty rather than a mere set of technologies. It positions agroecology as a necessary alternative to the industrial food system, which the document claims drives climate and environmental crises. The declaration outlines core pillars—including territorial rights, collective access to the commons, and horizontal knowledge sharing—and proposes strategies to protect agroecology from corporate co-optation and 'false solutions' like climate-smart agriculture.

The Nyéléni Declaration, issued during the International Forum on Agroecology in Mali in February 2015, defines agroecology as a political and social tool for Food Sovereignty and a direct alternative to the industrial food system. The document outlines the core principles of agroecology, rejects corporate 'co-optation' of the term through concepts like 'climate-smart agriculture,' and proposes a comprehensive strategy for promoting small-scale production, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring the rights of women, youth, and indigenous peoples.

This case study examines the World Bank's $400 million investment in the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for power plant expansions in Singrauli, India, highlighting failures in resettlement, environmental protection, and human rights.

A statement by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and partners criticizing the CITES permit system for failing to prevent the illegal export of Afrormosia timber from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), noting that 2015 export quotas remain high despite insufficient inventory data and widespread reports of falsified permits.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) sent an urgent letter to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on 23 February 2015, requesting confirmation and documentation regarding a mining right allegedly granted to Atha-Africa Ventures (Pty) Ltd (AAV) within the Mabola Protected Environment.

This case study, part of the Baltic COMPASS project, analyzes flood risk and river basin management in Kristianstad, Sweden, identifying significant barriers to adaptive river management, including a lack of cross-sectoral integration and the absence of a river basin-wide governance structure for water flows.

A joint media statement by a civil society coalition criticizing Minister of Mineral Resources Ngoako Ramatlhodi for ignoring mining-affected communities and prioritizing corporate interests over public participation and justice in the development of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).

This research paper uses the Norrström drainage basin in Sweden as a case study to propose an interdisciplinary research approach for investigating how climate change, population growth, land use, and water use simultaneously impact biodiversity and ecosystem services.

This research paper examines the relationship between food security outcomes and climatic variables in Zambia, specifically analyzing how climate-smart agricultural practices affect crop yields and resilience for smallholder farmers.

The 2015 statement by SAIIA's National Chairman argues that South Africa's international soft power is dependent on its domestic adherence to constitutional democracy. It advocates for a more cohesive 'economic diplomacy' strategy, a commitment to a rules-based multilateral international order, and a diversified approach to global partnerships beyond the BRICS nations.

This research paper explores the concept of a planetary boundary for chemical pollution (PBCP), arguing that the Earth has a finite capacity to assimilate chemical pollution and that current control measures are insufficient to protect ecosystem and human viability.

A fact sheet by Friends of the Earth detailing how climate change and extreme weather patterns threaten the production of common Valentine's Day gifts, including chocolate, coffee, wine, flowers, and other agricultural products.