Category: Africa
Trump Is Redefining, Not Abandoning, American Soft Power
As Donald Trump heads back to the White House, leaders across the Middle East anticipate the revival of a pragmatic partnership centered on economic growth, security, and regional stability. Trump’s first term resonated with Gulf leaders and beyond, emphasizing results over ideology—a stark contrast to the Biden administration. His tenure’s signature accomplishments, including the Abraham Accords, a robust stance on Iran, and business-driven diplomacy, are seen as a roadmap for renewed progress in the region…
The French Exodus From Africa: Has It Helped Democracy
Was the criticism of France’s presence in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger more about national pride than about fostering true democratic development…
The Unfulfilled Promise Of Biden’s Foreign Policy
President Biden entered office with a wealth of foreign policy experience and the promise to restore American leadership on the global stage. Yet, as his term nears its end, his administration’s handling of international crises raises questions about the effectiveness of his approach…
US President Biden’s Postponed Angola Trip Is A Missed Opportunity
President Joe Biden has postponed his trip to Luanda. With US elections in less than four weeks it is unlikely he will visit Africa as president…
Top Foreign Policy Issues Facing Next U.S. President on Day 1
The 2024 U.S. presidential election is in full swing with candidates talking economic policy but partially skirting round foreign policy challenges. The foreign policy debate has been limited with most commentary focused on whether the policy will be more “arrogant” or “predictable”, neither of which are informative descriptions for a candidate or directionally insightful as a strategy. The next U.S. president will face several key issues on day 1 and, while temperament can be part of the test, there is a question of policy answers and details…
Top 10 Economies To Watch In 2024
2024 is the year of elections…for most voters, “It’s the economy, stupid” may reign supreme…these are 10 bellwether economies to watch in 2024…
Niger Is A Reminder That the War in Ukraine Is Not About a Fight for Democracy
The latest sequence of events in Niger is a reminder that the war in Ukraine (and sanctions against Russia) is not about a fight for democracy…
Is Mali The French Version Of Afghanistan (With Some Caveats)?
Many are wondering whether French President Emmanuel Macron’s entanglement in the Sahel is analogous to the troubles that foreign powers have faced in Afghanistan. The Wagner Group (and Russia) will likely determine the answer…
Three Inputs Often Overlooked In The Energy Transition Process
Recent legislation in the U.S. and Europe (and a war in Ukraine) is accelerating energy transition. Yet, the overhaul of policy requires significant change in other aspects of the economic system and individual livelihoods – in particular, the limited resources of metals and rare earth elements, water and land become significantly more important.
