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This policy brief series by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and IUCN examines the intersection of international trade, foreign aid, and security. It argues that current global trade rules and aid practices often exacerbate instability and conflict in developing countries by promoting economic dependence on volatile primary commodities, maintaining inequitable market access, and supporting unaccountable regimes. The document proposes a shift toward 'conflict-sensitive' policies, including the restriction of 'conflict resources,' the promotion of transparent natural resource revenue management, and the implementation of responsible business conduct to prevent the funding of violent conflicts.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) argues that achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) requires the integration of environmentally sustainable strategies across all goals, specifically focusing on freshwater, energy, and sanitation. The study identifies significant gaps in current MDG planning, particularly regarding the water requirements for food production and the need for innovative sanitation solutions. It estimates that an annual investment of USD 107 billion is required between 2005 and 2015 to meet targets for water, food, sanitation, and energy using sustainable pathways.

This 2005 report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) examines the critical link between environmental degradation and rural poverty. It argues that neoliberal economic models, characterized by privatization and industrial exploitation of natural resources, exacerbate poverty by stripping local communities of their self-determination and access to essential resources. The document presents various case studies from the Global South and North to demonstrate that poverty eradication is possible when communities maintain control over their natural assets through sustainable, community-led management and the recognition of environmental rights.

This report by Friends of the Earth International argues that poverty, particularly in rural areas, is inextricably linked to environmental degradation and the loss of community control over natural resources. It critiques neoliberal economic models, trade liberalization, and industrial agriculture for exacerbating poverty and ecological collapse, while presenting various community-led case studies as sustainable alternatives for poverty eradication.

This research paper introduction by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos examines the strategic role of modern African 'ethno-national' diasporas and their financial remittances in countries south of the Sahara. The author analyzes how these transfers contribute to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and debt servicing, while also noting the risks of money laundering and the complex political influence these networks exert on their home governments.

This research paper examines the historical and contemporary relationship between African diasporas and their homelands, focusing on political influence, the impact of remittances on national economies, and the social dynamics of migration in Africa south of the Sahara.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Africa, analyzing their potential to address infrastructure and service backlogs. Through eight case studies across sectors including transport, telecommunications, water, power, and eco-tourism, the document argues that while PPPs can offer efficiency gains and fiscal benefits, they are not a 'magic bullet' and are susceptible to the same failures as full privatisation, such as corruption, poor pricing, and lack of transparency. The report provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for African governments to improve regulatory frameworks, conduct thorough feasibility studies, and build institutional capacity to ensure PPPs deliver value for money and social benefit.

The research paper critiques the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), arguing that it has remained a forum for discussion and 'soft tools of persuasion' rather than a driver of tangible policy change. It highlights the failure of the 2002 Kananaskis G8 summit to secure increased aid and criticizes Nepad's general sectoral strategies and reliance on weak regional bodies. The author concludes that Nepad must pivot toward becoming a research-driven think-tank, focusing its limited resources on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to enforce rigorous governance standards.

This 2004 report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) argues that environmental rights are fundamental human rights, essential for survival, health, and dignity. It documents numerous global case studies where neoliberal economic globalization and corporate activities have led to the violation of these rights, including the displacement of indigenous peoples, toxic pollution, and the privatization of water. The document advocates for a framework of environmental justice, the recognition of new rights for climate refugees, and the enforcement of corporate accountability through legal mechanisms and international norms.

This report describes a research project funded by the Danish government that interviewed twenty-two South African companies in 2004 to analyze their experiences doing business in Nigeria, aiming to develop policy recommendations for a sustainable business environment in Africa.

The research paper examines the formation and early challenges of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, a partnership aimed at increasing the influence of developing nations in global economic and security governance.

This research paper analyzes the IGAD Peace Initiative in Sudan as it approached a signed agreement between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in 2004. The author argues that while the first stage of the process successfully identified core conflict issues, the subsequent transitional period requires a shift from elite-driven negotiations to a transparent, inclusive, and democratic process to avoid implosion. The paper emphasizes that internal stability in Sudan is inextricably linked to the rehabilitation of its contentious bilateral relations with neighboring states in the Horn of Africa.

This research paper analyzes the IGAD Peace Initiative in Sudan as it nears a signed agreement between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). The author argues that while the first stage of negotiations was successful in its narrow focus, the subsequent transitional period requires a shift toward inclusivity, democratic transformation, and the rehabilitation of volatile bilateral relations with neighboring states in the Horn of Africa to ensure a sustainable peace.

The South Centre and CIEL IP Quarterly Update for the second quarter of 2004 analyzes international intellectual property (IP) policy-making, focusing on the upcoming WIPO General Assembly and developments across multilateral, plurilateral, and bilateral fora. The report highlights the challenges developing countries face when developed nations shift negotiations to bilateral 'TRIPS-plus' agreements to circumvent multilateral flexibilities. Key areas of concern include the protection of genetic resources, the proposed broadcasting treaty, and the Substantive Patent Law Treaty (SPLT).

This 2004 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the experiences of South African firms expanding into other African markets. It identifies systemic structural challenges—such as political risk, corruption, and poor infrastructure—while highlighting the growth of South African investment in sectors like banking, telecommunications, retail, and mining. The document provides specific case studies on Uganda, Morocco, Mozambique, and Ghana to illustrate the diverse operating environments across the continent.

This December 2003 report by Friends of the Earth International argues that International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including multilateral development banks and bilateral export credit agencies, should phase out funding for the extractive industries. The document contends that IFI-supported oil, gas, and mining projects frequently lead to environmental disasters, human rights abuses, and the marginalization of indigenous peoples, while failing to alleviate poverty in resource-rich developing nations.

This report by Friends of the Earth International argues that international financial institutions (IFIs) should cease funding extractive industries—specifically oil, gas, and mining—due to their devastating impacts on local communities, human rights, and the global environment. Through multiple case studies across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the document illustrates how public funding for these projects often exacerbates poverty, fuels corruption, and contributes to climate change, while providing minimal economic benefit to host countries.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the intersection of anti-personnel landmines and the development of peacekeeping standby forces in Africa. It analyzes the operational challenges posed by landmines in irregular African conflicts, the progress of the Ottawa Convention across the continent, and the specific legislative and policy frameworks adopted by South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to combat mine proliferation.

This research paper analyzes the military coup in São Tomé e Príncipe on 16 July 2003, examining the interplay between domestic political instability, the grievances of the armed forces, and the influence of former mercenaries from the Buffalo Battalion, while assessing the role of potential oil wealth in the event and its resolution.

This report by Friends of the Earth International and Corporate Europe Observatory argues that the World Trade Organization (WTO) is systematically influenced by transnational corporations to create trade and investment rules that prioritize corporate profit over public health, environmental protection, and community rights.