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This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the sustainability of South Africa's current account deficit and critiques proposed policy interventions. The author argues against currency devaluation and trade barriers, suggesting instead that the deficit reflects the country's ability to attract capital inflows for investment. The paper advocates for long-term competitiveness through infrastructure improvement, education, and the removal of structural barriers rather than short-term industrial subsidies.

Earthjustice challenged a December 2007 amendment by the Forest Service regarding the monitoring of management indicator species (MIS) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, arguing that the changes increased risks to wildlife and habitat by reducing monitoring requirements.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 8 September 2008 in Pretoria to cooperate on security sector governance and parliamentary capacity building.

This fact sheet, published by the Institute for Security Studies and based on data from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), provides a yearly breakdown of personnel fatalities in United Nations missions from 1948 up to 30 June 2008.

This report summarizes a September 2008 WTO Public Forum session organized by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and Friends of the Earth Europe (FOEE). The discussion, featuring legal experts, examined the evolution of WTO jurisprudence regarding environmental and health measures, the impact of the Brazil – Retreaded Tyres decision, and the specific challenges faced by developing countries in trade-environment dispute settlements.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession experiences of Nepal and Cambodia, the first least-developed countries (LDCs) to join the WTO since 1995. The document examines the challenges of the accession process, the stringency of the resulting commitments, and the difficulties in implementing legislative reforms, concluding that WTO membership has had limited direct impact on trade expansion due to persistent supply-side constraints and inadequate post-accession technical assistance.

This research paper evaluates the efforts of the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to combat corruption, fraud, and maladministration. It highlights the role of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Departmental Investigating Unit (DIU) in recovering funds and securing convictions, while arguing that systemic failures, a lack of consistent disciplinary action, and the prevalence of 'petty corruption' continue to undermine the integrity of the prison system.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies assesses the progress and challenges of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) during its first term (2004–2009). The author argues that the PAP is an institutionally weak body due to its premature establishment, which bypassed the gradual integration stages outlined in the 1991 Abuja Treaty. Consequently, the PAP lacks legislative, budgetary, and supervisory powers, operating only as a consultative and advisory body with limited influence over the African Union (AU) executive.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) provides an overview of model standards and policy design criteria for permitting, inspection, interconnection, and net metering of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems. It aims to help local governments and utilities reduce non-hardware balance of system costs—which can account for up to 40% of installed system costs—by adopting streamlined, standardized processes. The document highlights specific model frameworks such as the Solar ABCs Expedited Permit Process and IREC Model Interconnection Procedures, while detailing the existing solar-friendly policy landscape in Colorado.

This research paper by Raymond Louw argues that a free and independent media is an indispensable component of good political governance and a cornerstone of democracy. The author criticizes the African Union's (AU) African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for omitting media freedom from its criteria for good governance, suggesting this exclusion allows authoritarian states to achieve passing ratings. Through case studies of South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda, the paper demonstrates that these countries fail to recognize the media's essential watchdog role in their APRM reports. The document also highlights the 'Declaration of Table Mountain' and the prevalence of 'insult laws' across Africa that criminalize critical reporting of public officials.

This research paper by Raymond Louw, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in September 2008, argues that free and independent media are essential for good governance and democratic accountability. The author criticizes the African Union's (AU) African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for omitting media freedom from its criteria for good governance, suggesting this exclusion is likely due to the prevalence of 'insult laws' across the continent. The paper examines case studies from Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, concluding that none of these countries fully recognize the media's 'watchdog' role in their national reports. It also discusses the 'Table Mountain Declaration' and provides specific proposals to integrate media freedom into the APRM questionnaire.

This research paper examines South Africa's approach to services liberalisation, arguing that despite the sector's significant contribution to the economy, the government maintains a defensive negotiation strategy and allows key network services to remain state-dominated and inefficient.

This report summarizes a seminar hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) on August 25, 2008, in Pretoria. The event focused on the Pan African Parliament's (PAP) role in promoting democracy, good governance, and accountability, specifically through the lens of election observation and monitoring in Africa.

This research paper argues that China's engagement with Africa is fundamentally transforming China's own foreign policy and self-conception. While Western perspectives often focus on how China's 'no conditions' approach undermines good governance in Africa, the author contends that ties with African 'pariah and petro-states' are instead reshaping Beijing's diplomatic certitudes, forcing it to move away from its strict principle of non-intervention toward supporting internationally-sanctioned interventions in specific conflicts.

This seminar report, presented by Dr. Victor Ojakorotu on 14 August 2008, examines the historical roots and current drivers of conflict in Nigeria's Niger Delta. It analyzes how the shift from regional to federal control of oil revenue, combined with environmental degradation and governance failures, has led to instability and armed rebellion.

This report summarizes a seminar held by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) on August 13, 2008, which analyzed the causes of the political crisis and military coup d'état in Mauritania on August 6, 2008, and explored pathways toward democratic governance.

This document is an executive summary of a one-day consultative workshop held on August 8, 2008, in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Africa Human Security Initiative-Institute for Security Studies, the workshop aimed to use the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to assess security governance in Kenya, specifically addressing the 2007 post-election violence and the role of militia groups.

This research paper examines the legal possibilities and political obstacles to putting Robert Mugabe on trial, analyzing the roles of universal jurisdiction and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This research paper examines the role of product energy performance standards and processes and production methods (PPMs) in mitigating climate change and their interaction with international trade law. It argues that while energy efficiency standards are highly cost-effective and should be supported by trade regimes, PPM-based measures are more legally complex and controversial, particularly regarding their impact on developing country exporters and their consistency with WTO rules.

This 2008 submission to the U.N. Special Representative on Human Rights and Transnational Corporations, authored by the Center for International Environmental Law and partners, argues that the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Performance Standards and the Equator Principles (PS/EPs) fail to provide a robust framework for project sponsors to respect or remedy human rights. The report identifies critical gaps in substantive standards, due diligence procedures, and grievance mechanisms, concluding that the PS/EPs must be significantly amended to align with international human rights norms.