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Few African countries have the same depth of institutional checks and balances as South Africa. Yet, these institutions have been put to the test by President Jacob Zuma's efforts to expand executive privilege. How are South Africa's accountability structures faring?
Political violence in South Africa indicates the country’s potential fragility. Reversing emerging political violence and loss of public trust will require breaking up the intertwining of political authority and economic opportunity.
While not often considered a hub in global terrorist networks, South Africa has seen a steady and growing pattern of domestic and al-Qaeda–linked terrorist activity over the past decade. Coinciding with the creeping expansion of terrorist threats in other parts of the continent, this Security Brief examines lessons learned from South Africa’s experience and their potential relevance to other African countries and their security sectors.
China’s regime agnostic diplomacy in Africa—investing in countries irrespective of a government’s adherence to the rule of law—holds inherent risks for Chinese investments and regional stability.
China’s expanding security engagements in Africa are part of Beijing's geostrategic aims to advance its global security posture.
To benefit from the latest surge in global demand for strategic minerals, African countries must learn from past experiences and build transparent processes that advance stability and benefit ordinary citizens.
As Africa urbanizes at a record pace, national security policies will need to adjust to the changing geographic locus and types of threats in urban versus rural settings.
A revolution in unmanned systems is reshaping the dynamics of Africa’s armed conflicts. Professional militaries must balance the tactical advantages of drones with an understanding of their limitations and risks.
Chinese firms are present in over a third of all African port developments, some of which could be used for expanded Chinese naval presence on the continent.
Fatalities and violent events linked to militant Islamist groups in Africa sustained near record pace, with the Sahel and Somalia accounting for 79 percent of related deaths.
A sharp restriction in off-continental irregular migration combined with escalating push factors will continue to shape governance and security priorities in Africa and underscore the need for more regional innovation to accommodate intracontinental population movements.
Democratic progress will require policymakers and journalists to recognize and prize genuine processes of democratic participation within Africa’s wide ranging 2025 electoral line up.