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This research paper argues that large African states, with the exception of South Africa, are characterized by chronic instability, poor economic performance, and administrative failure. The author contends that the international community's adherence to territorial integrity and generic democratic prescriptions is ineffective for these complex states and proposes a new realism that prioritizes state-building over democracy and accepts the possibility of partition.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the evolving relationship between China and Africa. It argues that African nations must shift from an ideological 'liberation paradigm' to a pragmatic 'economic paradigm' to avoid Chinese dominance and ensure mutual benefit. The author suggests that Africa should leverage China's need for energy resources to secure technology transfer, local development projects, and fairer trade terms, while utilizing the China-Africa Co-operation Forum to coordinate a continent-wide strategy.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs warns that Côte d'Ivoire is at risk of a genocide similar to Rwanda's due to deep-seated insecurities over national identity, economic control, and a political deadlock between President Laurent Gbagbo and rebel forces.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the role of South African business investment in Africa, contrasting the high risks and low foreign direct investment (FDI) levels on the continent with the strategic success and high returns achieved by South African firms.

The National Chairman's Annual Statement 2008 from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) discusses South Africa's evolving role in global affairs as it approaches the 2009 elections. The statement emphasizes the link between domestic governance and international credibility, outlining three critical tests for the state: responsible leadership during political transition, the resilience of democratic institutions, and the quality of policy implementation in areas such as climate change and conflict resolution. It further addresses regional instability in Africa, the influence of emerging powers like China and India, and the necessity of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

This research paper by Romy Chevallier of the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the shift in French foreign policy toward Africa under President Nicolas Sarkozy. It describes a transition from 'la Françafrique'—characterized by colonial ties and personal relationships with corrupt elites—toward a multilateral 'Eurafrique' model based on economic partnerships and European integration.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies provides an update on the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF), a multidisciplinary force designed for rapid deployment in peace support operations across Africa. While the AU has made progress in developing doctrine, training policies, and standard operating procedures, the document highlights significant hurdles in logistics, AU-level leadership capacity, and sustainable financing.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies provides a progress update on the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF), a multidisciplinary force designed to enable the African Union (AU) to respond to conflicts through peace support missions and interventions.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes China's preferential trade policy for African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). While the policy is designed to align with the export capacities of these nations, the author argues that its economic impact is modest compared to its symbolic and diplomatic value in signaling China's rise as a global power and alternative to Western donors.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the typology of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the dynamics of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.

This research paper examines the evolving economic and political relationship between China and Africa following a strategic partnership summit. It analyzes the tensions between China's rapid investment and development goals and the emerging concerns in Africa regarding colonial-style economic ties, labor standards, and the risk of deindustrialization.

This briefing examines the state of regional integration in Central Africa, focusing on the roles and interactions of the Central Africa Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). It analyzes the institutional frameworks, the impact of colonial legacies, the influence of external actors like France and the EU, and the challenges posed by overlapping memberships and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.

This report analyzes the development and effectiveness of South Africa's anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) infrastructure between 2004 and 2007. It evaluates the roles of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), highlighting a shift toward civil asset forfeiture and the challenges posed by economic crime, alternative remittance systems, and the need for stronger supervisory powers.

This briefing by Dr M Masiiwa of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the strategic options for Zimbabwe as it faces a choice between joining the proposed Customs Unions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). While Zimbabwe has stronger existing trade links and political ties with SADC, the document suggests a preference for COMESA due to its larger market, more balanced economic competition, and faster pace of integration.

This research paper by Kurt Shillinger analyzes South Africa's transition from a regional hegemon during the apartheid era to a self-appointed champion of the 'Global South' in international diplomacy. It argues that while regional strategic rebalancing within southern Africa is not currently underway, South Africa is actively pursuing a rebalancing of global economic and diplomatic power through non-aligned blocs and the United Nations.

This 2007 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and UN-INSTRAW examines the gender dimensions of migration and remittances within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It highlights the increasing 'feminization' of migratory flows and the critical role of remittances as a household livelihood strategy, while noting a significant lack of sex-disaggregated data and gender-sensitive policies in the region.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies warns that piracy is moving southwards toward South African waters, driven by increased naval presence in other African regions. The document highlights critical gaps in South Africa's maritime surveillance and response capabilities and calls for a comprehensive maritime policy and collective regional strategies through the African Union and SADC.

This briefing records a discussion on the liberalisation of trade in services within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It examines the current fragmented legal landscape, the role of South African foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region, and the challenges of creating a unified regional framework for services trade to improve economic integration and global competitiveness.

This monograph by Rocky Williams examines the historical impact of guerrilla armies on the formation of South Africa's national defence forces, specifically comparing the influence of the Boer Commandos on the Union Defence Force (UDF) in 1912 and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in 1994.