Search Climate Insights Directory

This essay argues that the social, economic, political, and technological shifts associated with climate change adaptation are critical for understanding future geopolitical relations, specifically focusing on water supply, demand, management, and cooperation in India.

This research paper analyzes the internal dynamics and global positioning of the BRICS grouping amidst a shift in US foreign policy. It highlights the economic dominance of China within the group, the tension between the narrative of equality and actual power imbalances, and the group's commitment to maintaining an open global economy and climate agreements like the Paris accord despite internal rivalries.

This article discusses the sustainability risks and vulnerabilities facing Central Asia, emphasizing the geopolitical interests of Russia, China, and the European Union, and the added risks posed by climate change to fragile ecosystems and shared resources.

This report analyzes how the internal political and military crisis in South Sudan, which began in December 2013, has evolved into a regional competition for influence among Horn of Africa states. It details the conflicting strategic, economic, and security interests of Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Egypt, arguing that their proxy support and geopolitical maneuvering undermine mediation efforts led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

This research paper examines Brazil's strategic shift toward the South Atlantic, driven by the discovery of pre-salt oil and gas reserves. It details Brazil's efforts to secure these resources through naval modernization, legal claims to extend its continental shelf, and expanded military cooperation with African nations to establish a regional identity and deter outside powers.

This research paper examines China's approach to the green economy and its interaction with the G-20, specifically following the 2012 Los Cabos Summit in Mexico. The author argues that while China is domestically committed to greening its economic development due to severe environmental degradation, it remains reluctant to accept mandatory international obligations that might hinder its economic growth. The paper highlights a disconnect between China's internal policy terminology and the 'inclusive green growth' framework promoted at the G-20, suggesting that China's organizational structure for G-20 participation further marginalizes environmental policy.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes Ethiopia's economic trajectory, focusing on its massive infrastructure investments, its strategic regional position, and the challenges it faces in business competitiveness and trade integration compared to Kenya.

This policy briefing examines the rapid expansion of economic and political ties between Chad and China since 2006, centered primarily on oil investment and the Rônier project. It analyzes how President Idriss Déby has integrated Chinese assistance into his domestic political strategy and the resulting tensions over oil pricing and regional security.

This research paper examines the global significance of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), China's dominant market position and strategic export restrictions, and South Africa's role in establishing non-Chinese supply chains through specific mining projects.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the internal, regional, and international security implications following the death of Muammar Gaddafi on 20 October 2011. It examines the challenges facing the National Transitional Council (NTC) in managing armed militias and oil revenues, the risk of arms proliferation across the Sahel and Maghreb, and the geopolitical opportunities for South Africa and the African Union (AU) to influence the transition and strengthen regional security mechanisms.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the energy-based relationship between India and Africa. It analyzes India's strategic need to diversify its energy imports away from the Middle East and its efforts to build a sustainable, development-oriented partnership with African nations that moves beyond simple resource extraction to include capacity building and renewable energy cooperation.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolving partnership between India and Africa, focusing on the strategic role of energy security. It argues that while energy is a primary driver of closer ties, the relationship is multi-dimensional, encompassing trade, defence, and capacity building. The authors analyze India's efforts to diversify its energy imports to reduce dependence on West Asia, the competitive yet non-antagonistic dynamics between India and China in Africa, and the necessity of good governance to avoid the 'resource curse'.

This research paper examines the role of Uganda in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), highlighting the tension between peacekeeping efforts and allegations of ulterior motives related to oil and mineral resources. It specifically discusses the controversy surrounding Saracen Security, a company owned by the brother of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and the potential for these activities to undermine the legitimacy of AMISOM and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

This research paper analyzes the geopolitical and economic complexities surrounding the potential independence of Southern Sudan following its 2011 referendum. It highlights the critical interdependence between Juba and Khartoum, particularly regarding oil infrastructure, border demarcation, and regional stability in the Nile Basin.

This conference report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, examines the political dynamics and institutional structures that influence decision-making within the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), as well as their interactions with the European Union (EU).

This statement, delivered on October 6, 2010, outlines India's energy security strategy, highlighting the critical imbalance between growing energy demand and limited indigenous supply. It details India's reliance on imports, particularly for oil and gas, and its efforts to diversify sources through equity investments in Africa and the Middle East. The document discusses the role of coal as a primary energy source, the potential of nuclear and renewable energy, and the significant infrastructure investments required to sustain economic growth.

This briefing from Friends of the Earth analyzes the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the October 2010 UN climate negotiations in Tianjin, China. It argues that the lack of domestic climate legislation in the United States has eroded its international bargaining power, potentially leading other nations to pursue mitigation efforts without U.S. involvement and increasing the leverage of developing countries.

The National Chairman's Annual Statement 2010 from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) reviews the global and regional geopolitical landscape following the global financial crisis. It highlights South Africa's role in the G20 and the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, discusses political instability in Africa—specifically in Zimbabwe, Niger, Nigeria, DRC, and Sudan—and outlines the Zuma administration's foreign policy priorities, including strengthened ties with Angola, Brazil, and the UK.

This 2010 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the challenges and opportunities for energy security and integration in South America, focusing on the pivotal role of Brazil. The author argues that while the region possesses vast energy resources, national regulations and a lack of multilateral frameworks create insecurity and underutilization of low-cost resources. The report proposes a Multilateral Energy Security Reserve (RMSE) treaty to stabilize supply and suggests that Brazil's market size and leadership in renewables make it the ideal coordinator for a secure, competitive regional energy market.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyzes the duality of China's climate approach, arguing that its domestic mitigation efforts are primarily driven by urgent energy security concerns rather than environmentalism. While China maintains a pragmatic domestic policy with ambitious energy intensity and renewable targets, its international diplomacy is characterized by a struggle to balance its reputation as a responsible global power with the need to protect its economic development and sovereignty.