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This research design document outlines the multi-method approach used by the Institute for Security Studies to assess state governance trends and future trajectories in the Global South. The methodology integrates World Bank governance indicators, expert workshops, horizon scanning, and a four-scenario framework to analyze how geopolitical, economic, and social forces influence the role of the state.

This introductory document outlines a foresight-driven research theme titled "State Futures in the Global South," which aims to explore the trajectory of state governance in the Global South over the next twenty years. The research focuses on how states can adapt their structures, processes, and practices to remain resilient and inclusive amidst global disruptions, emphasizing a shift from Global North-centric democratic models toward "accountable governance."

This research paper identifies the structural, social, environmental, and geopolitical drivers shaping the future of health and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) in Africa, highlighting the tension between demographic opportunities and systemic risks.

This report, produced by the Institute for Security Studies for the African Futures Conference 2025, presents a series of foresight-driven narratives and visions for Africa in 2050. Written by young changemakers, the document outlines a future where the continent leverages its youth demographic, green energy, and technological innovation to move from a state of dependency to global leadership in culture, governance, and sustainable development.

This policy brief summarizes a UNEP foresight workshop held in Bangkok in December 2023, where 42 academics and practitioners from 15 countries in Asia and the Pacific discussed plausible future scenarios for the region leading up to 2050. The discussions focused on the interplay between human activities and the environment, specifically examining the roles of technology, cultural values, and power relations in shaping planetary health and human well-being.