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This research paper by Virginia Gamba of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) argues for a shift in the global arms control and disarmament agenda to prioritize human security and the control of small arms and light weapons, particularly in Africa. Using the centenary of the 1899 Hague Peace Conference as a framework, the author contends that traditional disarmament strategies focused on weapons of mass destruction have ignored the 'micro-tragedy' of conventional weapon proliferation in the developing world. The document advocates for a 'people-centred approach to security' that combines arms control with educational and development components to address the root causes of violence in Southern Africa.

This research paper argues for the revitalisation of the Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission, which was established two years prior to the text's publication to address recurring conflicts and past injustices during Ethiopia's political transition.

This situation report describes an interactive roundtable seminar organized by the African Security Analysis Programme of the Institute for Security Studies. The seminar aimed to analyze the roots of the conflict in Western Sahara, evaluate peace proposals, and identify obstacles to resolution by bringing together representatives from opposing sides whose views reflect their respective governments' official positions.

This research paper serves as a literature review to inform a three-year study on sentenced repeat violent offenders in South Africa, conducted by the Institute for Security Studies in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services and the Community Law Centre at the University of the Western Cape.

This case study by the Institute for Security Studies describes a scheme where money laundering syndicates stole US COVID-19 relief funds from child nutrition programmes and laundered them through Kenya, Turkey, and Dubai. It highlights significant failures in Kenya's legal framework and enforcement, noting that despite US convictions, no suspects have been prosecuted in Kenya nor have their Kenyan assets been seized.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzing the outcomes of a four-day African National Congress (ANC) policy conference, noting a lack of clarity on key issues such as education, corruption, and the economy ahead of the national conference in Mangaung.

The briefing examines the role of the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) after the 2009 Copenhagen Accord. It notes that while the BASIC countries helped broker the Accord, they view it as a set of 'building blocks' rather than a replacement for the UNFCCC's formal two-track system. The group continues to push for developed nations to provide financing, technology transfer, and clear emissions targets. The document highlights a strategic alignment between the BASIC countries and the African Union on issues of climate justice and the balance between economic development and emissions reduction.

This report analyzes the contradictions in United States strategy in Somalia between 2001 and 2007, specifically the attempt to combine counter-terrorism efforts with state building in a 'failed state'.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzing the political and economic dynamics of Egypt's first free presidential election following the ousting of Hosni Mubarak, focusing on the candidates, the role of the military, and the absence of a constitution.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzing a blast in a Nairobi shopping centre and the broader increase in terrorist attacks in Kenya following the 'Linda Nchi' incursion into Somalia.

This policy brief outlines the importance of democratic governance at local levels for the effective disbursement of climate change funding in developing countries. It references a September 2010 civil society meeting in Cape Town where experts discussed national and subnational experiences with the Adaptation Fund, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD).

This research monograph reviews literature on two distinct waves of forced migration to South Africa: Mozambicans fleeing civil war in the 1980s and people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arriving from the early 1990s onwards. It highlights the legal ambiguities and social marginalization faced by Mozambican refugees, as well as the significant socio-economic decline and lack of integration experienced by Congolese refugees.

This policy brief examines the role and effectiveness of voluntary marine fisheries eco-labelling initiatives in Southern and Eastern Africa, specifically comparing the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friends of the Sea (FOS).

This monograph examines corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) before and after 1994, analyzing its causes and the SAPS's responses. It suggests that reducing corruption requires enhancing internal accountability, promoting organizational integrity, and mobilizing community support to restore the agency's legitimacy and professionalism.

This research paper by Cheryl Frank for the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the role of South Africa's Departments of Education, Health, and Social Development in social crime prevention. It identifies a systemic over-reliance on law enforcement and a failure to leverage social services—such as early childhood development and offender reintegration—due to budget constraints, skill shortages, and a lack of clear conceptual understanding of social crime prevention within government.

This briefing discusses the economic and political decline of South Africa, referencing an article from The Economist and statements by political figures. It highlights failures in education, rising inequality, and systemic corruption within the ruling ANC, while noting the government's counter-claims regarding health and infrastructure successes.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies explains the compromise regarding political and economic reviews conducted by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and discusses the harmonization of peer review processes between the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

This report by the Institute for Security Studies details a 2000 survey of nine police agencies within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to assess perceptions of organised crime. It identifies significant resource constraints, a lack of standardised definitions for organised crime, and the prevalence of transnational criminal activities, highlighting the need for improved regional cooperation and international training.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the political crisis in Benin leading up to the presidential election on 11 April 2021. It argues that the exclusion of main opposition parties through a restrictive electoral code undermines the country's democratic progress and risks triggering civil strife and post-election violence.

This briefing analyzes the shifting political dynamics within the African National Congress (ANC) leading up to the 2012 National Conference in Mangaung, contrasting it with the 2007 Polokwane conference. It further examines the challenges of combating corruption among powerful elites in South Africa, specifically citing a failed legal effort by Transnet to recover funds, and reports on Mary Robinson's keynote address regarding the erosion of the ANC's moral authority.