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This research paper evaluates the first ten years of the African Union (AU), contrasting its developmental mandate with the decolonisation focus of its predecessor, the OAU. It examines the AU's progress in governance, institutional infrastructure, and peacekeeping, while highlighting a loss of momentum in conflict resolution and a gap between ambitious goals and structural realities.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The author assesses the country's progress toward its 'African Agenda,' including goals of South-South and North-South cooperation and the pursuit of permanent African representation on the Council.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The author finds that South Africa has become more confident, increasing its co-sponsorship of resolutions and successfully promoting its 'African Agenda,' particularly regarding cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union (AU).

This research paper analyzes the strategic challenges and opportunities facing South Africa during its second year as a member of the UN Security Council, focusing on its efforts to lead the African agenda and manage relations with other African states.

This research paper examines China's strategic investment in Gabon's mining sector, focusing on the Bélinga iron ore project. While the project is intended to help Gabon diversify its oil-dependent economy and provide China with essential minerals, it has faced significant delays due to political transitions, price volatility, and environmental concerns. The project utilizes a 'barter-like' model where infrastructure is funded by future mineral extraction.

This policy brief introduces the Climate Impact Equity Lens (CIEL), a tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute to analyze climate change impacts on individuals rather than relying on aggregate regional or global economic models. CIEL identifies 'winners' and 'losers' by comparing the costs of climate damages against the savings gained from not investing in emission reductions. The brief argues that while many currently benefit from inaction, the majority of the global population will suffer net losses by 2100, and almost everyone will be a net loser by 2150, necessitating more stringent and fair climate policies to protect the most vulnerable.

The Climate Impact Equity Lens (CIEL) is a tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute to calculate net climate impacts for individuals rather than regional averages. By comparing climate damages against the savings gained from not investing in emission reductions, CIEL demonstrates that while some individuals are currently 'net winners,' the vast majority of the global population will become 'net losers' by 2100 and 2150 as damages outpace savings.

One year after hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa is urged to leverage the 'soft power' and international prestige gained from the event to address 'hard' geopolitical issues in Africa. The author suggests utilizing South Africa's roles in SADC, the AU, and the UNSC to resolve stalemates in Zimbabwe and Madagascar, and to address conflicts in Somalia, Darfur, and Abyei, while pushing for more decisive African-led solutions to avoid Western intervention as seen in Libya and Cote d’Ivoire.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of safeguards and the pursuit of 'multiple benefits' within the REDD+ mechanism established by the Cancun Agreements. It explores how safeguard systems can move beyond a 'do no harm' approach to actively promote sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation. The document analyzes various international safeguard standards, reviews how developing countries are integrating these into their Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs), and discusses the institutional and financial challenges of creating a transparent information-sharing system for monitoring compliance.

This briefing analyzes the context of President Zuma's visit to Paris, focusing on the instability of French foreign policy toward Africa and the diplomatic tensions between France and South Africa regarding the political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire.

This research paper by Ruchita Beri for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the evolution of India's relations with African nations. It analyzes the transition from an early policy based on ideological support for decolonization and non-alignment to a more pragmatic approach centered on economic diplomacy, energy security, and capacity building. The document details trade growth, diverse investment patterns across various sectors, and technical cooperation initiatives, while discussing the geopolitical drivers and challenges India faces in its engagement with the continent.

This research paper examines the grounds and possibilities for annulling awards under the International Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), focusing on eight decisions issued by annulment committees between September 1, 2009, and September 1, 2010. The author analyzes how these committees interpret their roles and apply the limited grounds for annulment set forth in Article 52, noting that while most applications are rejected, some have resulted in significant financial relief for respondent states.

This report summarizes a conference held on May 31, 2011, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, organized by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). The event brought together experts, diplomats, and academics to analyze the causes and implications of the 2011 popular revolutions in North Africa, specifically in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, while also examining the situations in Algeria and Morocco and the potential for similar unrest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This research paper evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), highlighting its achievements in promoting governance and self-reflection among African states while warning of current crises regarding transparency, leadership integrity, and the marginalization of civil society.

This briefing provides a legal analysis of the April 10, 2008, constitutional revision in Cameroon, arguing that it reinforces presidential hegemony and undermines the principle of constitutional supremacy. The authors place this event within a broader African trend of 'authoritarian recuperation,' where leaders modify constitutions to remove term limits and perpetuate their hold on power.

This research paper analyzes the political landscape of Gabon during the 2009 presidential election following the death of Omar Bongo. It examines the candidacy of Ali Bongo, the fragmentation of the opposition, and the historical use of oil wealth to maintain power through a presidential dynasty.

This research paper examines the role of human rights in African international relations, arguing that while there is a robust framework of regional and international treaties, human rights often remain a "variable concern" subordinated to national interests and geopolitical strategies. The author analyzes the tension between international monitoring mechanisms and the pursuit of "African solutions to African problems," specifically highlighting the controversy surrounding the ICC arrest warrant for Omar Al-Bashir and the influence of China's non-interference policy on the continent.

This research paper by Mireille Affa’a Mindzie, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in August 2009, examines the role of human rights in African international relations. It analyzes the tension between the formal commitment to international human rights standards and the practical application of these standards in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, where national interests and the pursuit of 'African solutions to African problems' often take precedence.

A statement by African civil society organizations urging African States Parties to the Rome Statute to maintain their commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and reject an African Union (AU) decision to withhold cooperation in the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

The document outlines the conclusions and recommendations from a regional workshop held in Libreville, Gabon, from 21-23 May 2009. The workshop, jointly organized by the African Union (AU) Commission and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), focused on implementing the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and the ECCAS Border Programme (ECCAS-BP) within Central Africa.