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This research paper argues that underdevelopment in Sub-Saharan Africa is driven by a structural power imbalance where political elites use state control to extract savings from the private sector—primarily peasants and multinational corporations—diverting these resources toward elite consumption and state repression rather than productive investment.

This research paper examines the historical context of superpower competition in Africa during the Cold War and analyzes the potential implications of a 'new' Cold War or a shift toward multi-polarity between the West and Russia for African states.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies assesses the progress and challenges of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) during its first term (2004–2009). The author argues that the PAP is an institutionally weak body due to its premature establishment, which bypassed the gradual integration stages outlined in the 1991 Abuja Treaty. Consequently, the PAP lacks legislative, budgetary, and supervisory powers, operating only as a consultative and advisory body with limited influence over the African Union (AU) executive.

This research paper by Marianne Camerer examines the requirements for effective anti-corruption systems, particularly within the context of new democracies in Africa. The author argues that a single-agency approach is often insufficient and that sustainable reform requires a combination of data-driven policy, a matrix of legal and oversight institutions, ethical leadership, and active partnerships with civil society and the media.

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) submitted a report to the South African Parliament on 28 July 2008 regarding the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill and the South African Police Service Amendment Bill. The ISS argues for the retention of the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure independence from executive and political interference, particularly in high-level corruption and money laundering investigations.

A statement by the South African Institute of International Affairs reflecting on Africa Day 2008, arguing that celebrations of the continent's beauty and culture must be balanced with a critical assessment of governance failures, political instability, and humanitarian crises.

The Handbook for African Civil Society is a guide designed to help civil society organizations (CSOs) actively participate in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines the APRM's five stages of review, its continental and national institutional structures, and the four thematic areas of governance it assesses. The manual provides strategic advice for CSOs to move from passive participants to leaders in the process, highlighting potential obstacles such as government fear and resource scarcity, while offering methods to influence power levels within the mechanism to promote good governance and socio-economic development in Africa.

This practical handbook, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), provides guidance for Technical Research Institutes (TRIs) tasked with conducting research for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines the chronological process of creating Country Self-Assessment Reports (CSARs), offering strategies to manage the technical, managerial, and political challenges inherent in evaluating national governance.

This guide, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in June 2008, provides practical instructions for Technical Research Institutions (TRIs) conducting research for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It details the planning, methodology, and political navigation required to produce National Self-Assessment Reports (NSARs) and Action Plans (APs), drawing on experiences from pioneer countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

This research paper examines the role of transnational organised crime networks and 'middlemen' in fueling African conflicts through the illicit trade of weapons and natural resources. Using the case studies of Leonid Minin and Victor Bout, the document highlights the sophistication of these networks, their use of front companies and tax havens, and the systemic failures of international law enforcement and national legislation to prosecute sanctions-busting activities.

This research paper examines the relationship between governance, corruption, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, arguing that while good governance may not be the primary driver for short-term investment—particularly in resource-rich nations—it is essential for long-term economic stability and resource management.

This research paper argues that Africa is vulnerable to global Islamist terrorism and that the African Union (AU) has failed to implement its counter-terrorism frameworks. The author highlights the underfunding and understaffing of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism in Algiers and proposes a practical, incremental strategy for building capacity based on the specific strengths of key states and regional organisations.

This research paper argues that the legitimacy of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the flagship programme of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), is threatened by a lack of transparency and government control over the review process. The author contends that for the APRM to succeed in providing home-grown solutions for Africa, governments must ensure civil society leads the governing structures and that the self-assessment process is inclusive and independent.

The document discusses the state of democracy and elections in Africa, arguing that the legitimacy of power must rest on the principle of universal suffrage rather than the historical legacy of liberation struggles.

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 argues that high taxes and tariffs imposed by governments in poor countries, particularly in Africa, create significant financial barriers to accessing life-saving medicines and medical supplies, undermining international aid and drug price reductions.

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.