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The National Chairman's Annual Statement 2010 from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) reviews the global and regional geopolitical landscape following the global financial crisis. It highlights South Africa's role in the G20 and the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, discusses political instability in Africa—specifically in Zimbabwe, Niger, Nigeria, DRC, and Sudan—and outlines the Zuma administration's foreign policy priorities, including strengthened ties with Angola, Brazil, and the UK.

This research paper argues that South Africa's foreign policy under the Zuma administration has become rudderless, characterized by a lack of strategic clarity and a managerial vacuum that risks eroding international goodwill and the country's status as a reliable developmental partner.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the differing aid policies of the European Union (EU) and China toward Africa. It analyzes the internal logic, principles, and modalities of each approach, arguing that while the two are often perceived as competing models, they may be complementary. The author suggests that mutual understanding and pragmatic, second-track cooperation can bridge the perception gap between the EU's focus on social infrastructure and governance and China's emphasis on economic infrastructure and non-interference.

This research paper examines the settlement and integration of Chinese retail traders in Dakar, Senegal, specifically focusing on the transformation of the Le Centenaire area around Boulevard Général de Gaulle from a residential zone into a commercial hub. It analyzes the economic drivers of this migration, the resulting tensions with local trade unions, and the community's efforts to organize independently of the Chinese embassy.

This report examines the mining sector in Tanzania, focusing on the economic contributions of the industry, the challenges of securing a 'social licence to operate' from local communities, and a case study of the Barrick Gold Corporation's operations within the country.

This research paper examines the security challenges facing South Africa as the host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, specifically distinguishing between the risks of criminality and terrorism. While the author acknowledges South Africa's capability for rapid reaction, they warn that the country's counter-terrorism intelligence is compromised by politicization and complacency.

This research paper examines the African Union's (AU) challenge in addressing unconstitutional changes of government, specifically focusing on the tension between condemning incumbent leaders who manipulate constitutions to stay in power and condemning military coups that overthrow such leaders, using the situation in Niger as a primary case study.

This policy briefing examines the evolving relationship between the United States and Brazil, noting that while the US now recognizes Brazil as a genuine emerging power and a vital player in global politics, translating this awareness into a concrete 'special relationship' is hindered by divergent priorities in security, trade, and regional leadership.

This policy briefing examines the impact of emerging market investors—specifically the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China)—on the African business landscape and the resulting challenges and opportunities for South African companies and their continental ambitions.

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 research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the impact of agricultural trade policies and the Doha Round of WTO negotiations on the food security of net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs). It analyzes how trade-distorting subsidies, export restrictions, and tariff reforms affect the affordability and accessibility of food in low-income societies.

This research paper examines the potential impact of oil discovery on Ghana's democratic consolidation and economic stability. It weighs the country's strong civil society and history of fair elections against risks such as 'Dutch Disease', lack of absorptive capacity, and legislative delays in managing oil revenues.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) critiques South Africa's First Report on the Implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Programme of Action. The author argues that the government's report is a superficial exercise in 'malicious compliance,' failing to provide evidence of progress specifically linked to the APRM's National Programme of Action (NPoA) and instead relying on general achievements since the 1994 democratic transition.

This policy briefing argues that Africa should establish an informal 'club of states'—similar to the G8 or G20—composed of its most capable powers to overcome the ineffectiveness of formal multilateral institutions like the African Union. The author proposes an 'A5 Club' consisting of South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, and Kenya to coordinate continental initiatives and provide a unified voice in global affairs.

This policy briefing examines Chinese investment in Nigerian free trade zones (FTZs), focusing on the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) and the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ). It analyzes the challenges of implementation, the dynamics of negotiations between the Lagos State government and Chinese consortia, and the role of the Chinese government in managing these investments. The document provides recommendations for African governments to improve their negotiating leverage and maximize technology transfer from Chinese investors.

This policy briefing analyzes Brazil's transition toward becoming a regional and global power since 2000, driven by economic growth and a more assertive foreign policy. While Brazil has expanded its diplomatic reach and regional leadership, the author argues that its emergence remains 'open-ended' due to internal social inequalities, a risk-averse public, and a lack of a long-term strategic vision for global management.

This policy briefing evaluates the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Forum six years after its 2003 launch. It argues that while the forum has a mixed record regarding commercial outcomes and market integration, it has successfully fostered political coordination and development cooperation. The author recommends that IBSA prioritize development efforts and the expansion of its development fund to distinguish itself from economic-centric groupings like BRIC.

Opening remarks delivered at a South African Institute of International Affairs conference in October 2009, discussing the intersection of trade and climate change policy, specifically in the context of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

The document analyzes the second Africa South America summit held on 27-28 September 2009 on Margarita Island, Venezuela, focusing on efforts to strengthen South-South co-operation as a counterweight to Northern influence and the ideological divisions among participating nations.

This research paper analyzes the economic and political relations between China and Nigeria, tracing their history from post-independence hostility to intense engagement and a subsequent cooling-off period. It examines trade imbalances, the dominance of oil in Nigerian exports, and various sectoral interactions including power, rail, and finance.