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This research paper analyzes the legal implications of the 2014 annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, examining the conflict between the right to self-determination and the principles of territorial integrity and national unity under international law.

This research paper analyzes the proposed New Development Bank (NDB) led by the BRICS nations, examining its potential funding models, spending priorities, and currency choices. The author argues that a democratic governance structure with equal contributions is the most viable path to ensure the bank's legitimacy and facilitate the entry of other emerging economies.

This research paper examines the foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape in South Africa, analyzing the tension between maintaining an open investment regime and the government's shift toward maximizing domestic socio-economic benefits. It highlights South Africa's role as a gateway to the SADC region, the volatility of FDI flows, and the specific challenges and opportunities across the mining, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

This report provides a comparative analysis of the trade policies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It examines their political coordination, their specific roles and proposals during the Doha Round negotiations, and their use of trade instruments such as tariffs, subsidies, and anti-dumping measures. The document highlights areas of convergence, particularly in defending the interests of developing countries, and areas of divergence stemming from different economic growth models.

This research paper examines the environmental licensing processes for the oil and gas industry in Mozambique, identifying systemic weaknesses in the quality of assessments, compliance with management plans, and post-licensing transparency. The author argues that these deficiencies stem from a lack of technical capacity within the Ministry for the Co-ordination of Environmental Affairs (MICOA) and proposes three non-legislative mechanisms—peer reviews, expert technical councils, and biodiversity offsets—to improve outcomes for the government, companies, and local communities.

This research paper by Carlos Milani analyzes the evolution of Brazilian foreign policy, specifically its South–South co-operation (SSC) strategies. It argues for a shift in conceptualizing foreign policy as a 'public policy' rather than a static state policy, reflecting a plurality of domestic actors and interests. The document details Brazil's engagement with Africa and other developing nations through technical co-operation, trade, and political coalitions like BRICS and IBSA, while noting the strategic role of both state agencies and private corporations in these efforts.

This policy brief examines South Africa's energy transition and its strategic international partnerships. It highlights the country's reliance on coal while pursuing a target of 30% clean energy for new capacity by 2025. The document details South Africa's role as a regional energy hub via the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and its complex relationship with the EU, which balances broad strategic partnerships with specific bilateral cooperation and South-South engagements (BRICS, IBSA).

This briefing evaluates the G20's performance regarding the interests of sub-Saharan African countries, noting that South Africa is the only member from that region. The assessment uses five specific criteria to analyze summit outcomes and provides recommendations for improving G20 responsiveness to African concerns and increasing African influence on G20 policies.

This research paper examines the gap between the African Union's democratic governance goals and the actual practices of its member states. It highlights a lack of political commitment to regional standards and a deficit in moral leadership, while arguing for the global promotion of intrinsic African values like communalism and solidarity to improve the continent's governance image.

This research paper examines the state of transport infrastructure in central and northern Mozambique, focusing on how foreign investment in the mining and energy sectors is driving infrastructure development. The authors analyze whether these projects, often led by foreign companies due to limited state capacity, foster national development and regional integration or primarily serve resource extraction.

This research paper evaluates the G-20's financial regulation and development agenda between 2011 and 2012, finding that while general G-20 documents rarely mention Africa explicitly, they address broader developing country needs. Key areas of relevance include financial inclusion, agricultural finance, and local currency bond markets. The author argues that while the G-20 recognizes the need to adapt international standards to developing contexts, greater active participation and regional coordination by African states are necessary to ensure their specific needs are met.

This policy briefing assesses the responsiveness of the G-20 to the concerns of sub-Saharan Africa between 2008 and 2012. Using a five-factor framework—goals, international law, administrative practice, comprehensive coverage, and co-ordinated specialisation—the author evaluates G-20 summit outcomes to determine if the interests of African nations, most of which are not G-20 members, are being adequately addressed.

This research paper examines the development of green economies within the BRICS nations, analyzing how individual national economic priorities and policy approaches have led to varying levels of adoption and skepticism toward green growth.

This research paper identifies three primary pressure points affecting the South African mining sector: a challenging macro-economic and global environment, structural and political risks including infrastructure gaps and labor unrest, and the need to better leverage existing competitive advantages such as reserve size and financial services.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the 50-year trajectory of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union (AU). It argues that while the AU has improved peace and security compared to the OAU, it struggles to implement democratic governance reforms and lacks the political will and resources to drive a sustainable developmental agenda across the continent.

The 2014 South African Youth Communiqué is a statement by South African high school and university students providing recommendations to the international community to prevent sexual violence in conflict. The document outlines goals for international cooperation, government accountability, security sector reform, and educational awareness.

The 2014 SAIIA Young Leaders Declaration is a statement by the children and youth of South Africa providing recommendations for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The document outlines specific demands for the South African government, the African community, and the international community across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, focusing on youth empowerment, sustainability, and the eradication of inequality.

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is seeking funding through its 80th anniversary 'Sponsor a Delegate' campaign to support YOUTH@SAIIA. This initiative provides youth development through Model UN, inter-school quizzes, and an Environmental Sustainability Project, reaching over 5,000 participants in 2013. The campaign offers tiered sponsorship options ranging from R 200 to R 10,000 to cover costs such as transport, materials, and equipment.

This research paper analyzes the shifting landscape of maritime piracy in Africa, contrasting the decline of Somalia-based piracy with the significant rise of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea. It examines the different tactics used in these regions, the impact on Africa's 'blue economy', and the regional security strategies being implemented by West African states and the African Union.

This research paper examines the geopolitical and economic implications of US-led 'mega-regional' trade agreements—the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)—and China's domestic economic reforms. The author argues that South Africa's current inward-looking trade strategy risks undermining its international competitiveness and regional leadership as the global trading system evolves.