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This report chapter examines the concept of restorative justice within the South African criminal justice environment, contrasting it with retributive, utilitarian, rehabilitation, and restitution models. It outlines the principles of restorative justice, addresses common criticisms regarding its suitability for serious crimes and its impact on state control, and argues for its potential to foster moral regeneration and participatory democracy in South Africa.

This briefing outlines a concept for a high-level roundtable forum organized by the Institute for Security Studies and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The forum aims to analyze the implications of failing to implement 'Agenda 4' items from the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation framework, specifically focusing on constitutional and land reforms following the 2008 post-electoral violence.

This report examines the evolution of regional security structures in Southern Africa, focusing on the transition of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from a development-oriented body to one incorporating political, defence, and security mandates. It details the institutional frameworks of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security, the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC), and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO), while highlighting the critical threat posed by small arms proliferation in the post-Cold War era.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the challenges of defence economics in Africa, focusing on the need for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in military budgeting. It contrasts widespread opaque practices across the continent with the structured, transparent fiscal management system used in South Africa.

This research paper by Naison Ngoma examines the conceptual framework of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) with a specific focus on the challenges faced by states in sub-Saharan Africa. The author argues that standard Western or European models of DDR are often inapplicable to the African context because many African populations were never fully mobilised for war, creating a unique dynamic of "demobilisation without mobilisation."

This report, part of the 'Society Under Siege' series, examines the proliferation of small arms in Southern Africa and evaluates the international and regional structures available to combat illicit trafficking. It argues for a shift toward an integrated 'security-first' approach, emphasizing the need for SADC member states to move beyond national thinking toward a coordinated regional strategy that addresses both the supply and demand of weapons.

This executive summary introduces a volume titled 'Society Under Siege: Crime, Violence and Illegal Weapons,' which examines the intersection of transnational organized crime, the proliferation of light weapons, and intra-state conflict, with a specific focus on Africa and Southern Africa.

This monograph, edited by Hussein Solomon and published by the Institute for Security Studies in May 1997, examines the evolution, principles, and challenges of South African foreign policy following the transition to democracy in 1994. It analyzes the tension between the government's declared commitment to human rights and democracy and its pragmatic bilateral relations with states such as Cuba, Libya, and the People's Republic of China. The text explores South Africa's role as a regional hegemon in Southern Africa, its engagement with the African continent, and the theoretical debate over whether it should pursue 'middle power' or 'co-operative' leadership.

This research paper analyzes the South African Defence Review process (1996–1998) and the 1995 Defence White Paper, arguing that while the process was historically inclusive and democratic, the resulting force design relied too heavily on traditional Western concepts of 'primary function' (territorial sovereignty) at the expense of more frequent 'secondary functions' (internal stability and regional support).

This research paper by Lauren Hutton, published by the Institute for Security Studies in February 2015, interrogates the continued relevance of peacebuilding within external interventions in Africa. The author argues that current peacebuilding efforts are often limited because they fail to address the radical restructuring of political and economic power, instead reinforcing existing inequalities and enabling autocratic governance through the building of state institutions that can be used for predation and control.

This research paper examines the relationship between the extraction of precious stones—specifically diamonds, coltan, and gold—and the perpetuation of armed conflicts in Southern Africa, with a focus on Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It analyzes how these resources fund rebel movements and governments, the challenges law enforcement faces in policing illicit trade, and proposes regulatory reforms to decouple resource wealth from conflict.

The August 2023 issue of the Peace and Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the African Union's (AU) struggle to prevent unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs), the need to reform the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the recruitment of child soldiers by ISWAP in the Lake Chad Basin, and the outcomes of the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit.

This report from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the outcomes of the 33rd African Union (AU) Summit in February 2020, focusing on the election of new Peace and Security Council (PSC) members, the AU's role in the Libyan conflict, the terrorist insurgency in Mozambique, and the implementation of the 'Silencing the Guns' theme.

This report analyzes South Africa's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2019–2020 term. It examines the current geopolitical dynamics of the Council, the expectations placed on South Africa as a regional power, and provides strategic recommendations for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to maximize the country's international visibility and influence.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the challenges and prospects of implementing freedom of movement within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It argues that while regional integration is a stated goal, progress is hindered by a lack of political will, the securitisation of migration, and a critical shortage of reliable data. The authors contend that shifting the perspective of migration from a security threat to a developmental opportunity would benefit the region's economic stability and human rights.

This policy brief examines the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Africa, focusing on the shift from resource trade to infrastructure and industrial cooperation. It highlights the opportunities for regional integration and industrialization, while warning of the financial risks associated with debt-based lending and the need for African governments to ensure project viability and local capacity building.

This research paper by Ron Sandrey examines the comprehensive economic and trade policy reforms implemented in New Zealand starting in 1984. It details the transition from a highly regulated, subsidy-dependent economy—historically reliant on the United Kingdom—to one of the most open economies in the world, focusing specifically on the deregulation of agriculture and the reduction of border tariffs.

This research paper by Mzukisi Qobo examines the global and domestic landscape of beneficial ownership transparency, focusing on the implementation of G20 High-Level Principles. It analyzes the challenges faced by South Africa and other African nations in curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs), money laundering, and corruption, while reviewing the regulatory approaches of several G20 member states.