Amandla

Influences and Interests in African Foreign Policy in the 21st Century /by Ross Herbert

SAIIA Occasional Paper No 95, September 2011

Trade relations, strategic military balances, the Eastern bloc and Russia, China, Europe, the Cold War and post-Cold War issues have long dominated global studies of foreign policy. In this environment Africa has been little more than an after-thought, or at best the passive object of other nations’ foreign policies. One consequence of the ending of the Cold War and the subsequent, much discussed ‘uni-polar moment’ has been a renewed interest in multilateral institutions as instruments to restrain unilateral state action. Although still not strong in any military sense or as decisive in action as a nation-state, the United Nations has attracted followers while in trade, economic policy, peacekeeping and crisis intervention, there has been a shift in influence of great consequence to foreign policy practitioners. This is the recognition that the United States and Europe remain highly influential but in power and normative terms can no longer take unilateral action.

In today’s more consensus-orientated world, unilateral coalitions of the willing still can and do act; but greater consideration is being given to the views and policies of nations formerly ignored by the great powers. In many forums African states – which together represent a quarter of all the nations on earth – have a new relevance in international affairs. Of course, they continue to be financially dependent and rarely have the clout to mount spirited foreign policy initiatives. But their votes matter; and Africa is highly relevant to global concerns over issues such as energy security, conflict prevention, terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, financial regulation, money laundering, development, disease, minerals, wildlife conservation and climate change. The world is still far from coming together as a global village but there have been important moves away from the Hobbesian state of nature that in centuries past, permitted unrestrained conflict between nations.

In this slowly shifting context, it is important to reconsider the dynamics, policy priorities and strategic interests that drive African nations’ foreign policy. Africa may not be leading global debates, but its views certainly are of greater consequence than hitherto, given the greater deference of global institutions to consensus decision-making and regional bloc representation.
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by Berouk Mesfin, Senior Researcher, African Conflict Prevention Programme, Addis Ababa

Link to the full text of the article : http://www.issafrica.org/iss_today.php?ID=1219

...

Many Africans had the opportunity to read through these cables and study the information that they contain about how the US, the lone superpower since 1991, assesses political developments around the world and interacts with other states behind closed doors. They had the opportunity to get what a British commentator described in the Guardian as ‘a deep sense of priorities, character, thought patterns’ in US secret diplomacy. 

It will probably take many years and even decades before the real lessons contained in these informative cables may be drawn. However, African governments and citizens should at least begin to reflect and learn preliminary but valuable lessons from the contents and the style of these informative cables.
 

...

Finally, all things considered, international relations will continue to be the incessant struggle among selfishly motivated states. And, diplomats will continue to be at the forefront of this struggle. They engage in their non-altruistic tradecraft which the British commentator in the Guardian aptly portrayed as ‘finding out what is happening in the places to which they are posted, working to advance their nation’s interests and their government’s policies’.

For better or worse, no mass dumping of classified documents by WikiLeaks – leaks come and go – will change this reality. Everything will go back to normal and US diplomats, discredited but undaunted, will continue to go to great lengths to collect information of the utmost importance, write the frankest assessments and only pursue the most vital of US interests without much concern for the interests of other states.

 

Exploring EU foreign policy resource guide

http://soc.kuleuven.be/iieb/eufp/

This excellent resource guide is coordinated by Stephan Keukeleire Professor in European Foreign Policy at the University of Leuven. It serves as a guide to researching EU foreign policy for students as well as a companion to the textbook The Foreign Policy of the European Union by Stephan Keukeleire and Jennifer MacNaughtan (Palgrave 2008).It is divided into a number of thematic topics including: the history of EU foreign policy, the key actors, EU policy making processes, the EU Common Foreign and Security policy and beyond. Each section highlights and provides links to key EU documents, organisations and key research institutions. It also offers free access to PowerPoint presentations, Updated figures and tables on EU foreign policy and classroom resources for teachers associated with the textbook. Copyright and technical information is displayed on the website.From Intute.ac.uk

China's international behavior : activism, opportunism, and diversification
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG850.pdf


Torture archive
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/torture_archive/index.htm

International Relations and Security Network (ISN) is an electronic clearinghouse for resources and institutions in the field of international relations and security studies. All resources are described formally and by content, and organized in a subject, regional, institutional and current events listing. The resources are also searchable by keywords. ISN is run by the Center for Security Studies and Conflict Research at the ETH Zurich. From Intute.ac.uk

http://www.isn.ethz.ch/ [English]

http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/IDEAS/

Interactive video and transcript of President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world.

The New York Times

South Africa’s policy towards Zimbabwe: A nexus between foreign policy and commercial interests?

SPEAKER: Mills Soko

Date:    Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time:    12:45
Venue:  Board Room 1

ENTRANCE FREE

Please RSVP for seating purposes.

RSVP:    Contact:Cathy Taffinder
Tel: (021) 406-1473
Email: cathytaf@gsb.uct.ac.za
 
TOPIC ABSTRACT

This paper examines the extent to which South Africa’s policy towards Zimbabwe under the Mbeki administration was shaped by economic and commercial considerations. Given the extensive involvement and growing influence of the South African business sector in Zimbabwe, the potential link between the South African government’s policy stance towards Zimbabwe and South Africa’s commercial interests in Zimbabwe is intuitively appealing. The paper argues, however, that although South African firms have exploited the commercial opportunities that have emerged from the political and economic crises in Zimbabwe, it is not clear from the available evidence that commercial interests have been a primary consideration in South Africa’s policy towards Zimbabwe.  It concludes that the Mbeki government’s policy of ‘quiet diplomacy’ towards Zimbabwe was not principally shaped by economic objectives, but was instead driven predominantly by political and ideological concerns, which related closely to perceptions about South Africa’s role on the African continent.

Thanks to Lara Skelly for this information.

The Brookings Institution has a number of centers that specialize in urban policy, the economy, and foreign policy. Their "World" site brings together research, commentary, policy reports, and working papers that deal with a broad set of issues with a global reach. First-time users can browse around some of the "Recent Research and Commentary" area, and they may also wish to sign up for a Brookings account. With this account they can create their own online portfolio that will allow them to receive email updates about different topics and programs. The page also features a "Top Topics" area that brings together papers and op-ed pieces on subjects such as Afghanistan, terrorism, energy security, and Arab-Israeli relations. Additionally, visitors can sign up to receive their RSS feed and their newsletter. [KMG] From The Scout Report

http://www.brookings.edu/World.aspx

The Secretariat has prepared a study for the International Law Commission on the Immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction (A/CN.4/596). According to the introduction,

"The study examines the main legal issues that arise in connection with this topic, both from classical and contemporary perspectives, also taking into account developments in the field of international criminal law that might have produced an impact on the immunities of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction."

 UN Pulse permalink

Middle East Forum
The Middle East Forum is a US based think tank which seeks to promote a stronger American policy in the Middle East. Its stated aims include 'working for Palestinian acceptance of Israel and fighting Islamic extremism in the Middle East'. The website includes information on the aims, membership and recent activities of the group. It includes free access to press releases, blog postings from its members and full text articles from the Middle East Quarterly. They include materials by Daniel Pipes. Topics covered include Arab-israeli conflict, Islam and politics, the Middle East Peace process, position of Israel, Jerusalem, West Bank Gaza strip, and American foreign policy in the Middle East. Intute.ac.uk
http://www.meforum.org/

Source: Chatham House

The report considers the ways in which the West can most effectively engage with Iran. It both analyses the current situation and makes a series of practical recommendations about next steps for policymakers in the US under the Obama administration, and in the UK and Europe.

The report argues that Iran’s economic and political weaknesses could provide the catalyst for a breakthrough in the nuclear dispute. It finds that Iran’s domestic politics, energy industry and regional power may not be strong enough for it to resist international demands for a serious negotiation over its nuclear programme and that, despite the triumphalist rhetoric of its leadership, the economy remains Iran’s Achilles’ heel.

+ Full Document (PDF; 782 KB)

Docuticker permalink

Chronic Failures in the War on Terror - From Afghanistan to Somalia
The International Council on Security and Development (ICOS), formerly known as The Senlis Council is an international think tank known for its work in Afghanistan and other conflict zones. It is a project of the Network of European Foundations' Mercator Fund. This site provides free access to the full text of its report published in May 2008.ISBN0-9555008-4-2. The 81 page report compares and contrasts insurgencies in Afghanistan and Somalia. It then considers American foreign policy toards the regions and possible future trends. Intute.ac.uk
http://www.senliscouncil.net/modules/publications/chronic_failures_war_terror

International Security under President-elect Obama: RUSI analysis
This site has been created by Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI). It provides access to a small collection of articles and comments made after the presidential election victory of Barack Obama in November 2008. They include analysis of possible foreign policy changes and the challenges that face him. Intute.ac.uk
http://www.rusi.org/publication/analysis/ref:A4911AC4084BBF/act:list/

http://www.cfr.org/publication/by_type/daily_analysis.html

The Council on Foreign Relations produces an impressive array of background papers, online debates, op-ed pieces, and articles every year. International relations gurus, policy pundits, and members of the public benefit widely from these works, and those persons who haven't looked over the Council's "Daily Analysis" yet, may wish to do so now. Here visitors can read analytical briefs written by staff members on issues of the day, complete with links to "the news, analysis, commentary, and primary source materials that put the facts in context." The briefs are arranged chronologically, and recent pieces include "Is Brain Drain Good For Africa?", "China's Olympic Moment", and "Picking Presidents and Foreign Policy". These briefs are a great way to get acquainted with important news developments from around the world, and it's easy to see how educators might want to draw on the site as a resource for political science or international relations courses. [KMG] Scout Report

Foreign Affairs online
Foreign Affairs online is a comprehensive directory of web resources covering all aspects of international relations and foreign affairs which is maintained by academic researcher Dr Robert Beck. It is arranged by subject categories which include: United States government, international relations, human rights and the United Nations. Each section contains links to key government sites, colleges, policy and think tanks. Many have short added descriptions of content.Intute.ac.uk
http://people.virginia.edu/~rjb3v/rjb.html

e-IR
An independent international relations website created by students at a number of leading British universities including Oxford, Leicester and LSE (London School of Economics). It provides free access to world news stories, links to blogs, lectures and podcasts from Universities and think tanks. Other features of the site include student essays and articles covering all aspects of IR, reading lists and conference postings.All aspects of international relations are covered including: international security, terrorism, wars, political theory, international history and states and international organisations. Intute.ac.uk
http://www.e-ir.info/

Permalink Docuticker

Permalink Docuticker

HotSeat podcast series: LSE Government Department This website provides free access to a collection of podcast interviews with leading members of the London School of Economics (LSE) Government Department academic staff. They offer insight into recent cutting edge research, many covering topics of British politics and international affairs Interviews are generally monthly and date from mid 2007 onwards. Some include video and audio files. Examples include comment on the resignation of Tony Blair and British relations with the EU. Technical and copyright details are displayed on the website. It is possible to sign up to receive RSS alerts when new titles are added. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/government/raw/hotseat/

Permalink Docuticker

Amitai Etzioni notes

Amitai Etzioni is Director of the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies at George Washington University. His distinguished career includes a period as president of the American Sociological Association, and he founded the Communitarian Network. His recent publications are The Common Good, From Empire to Community: A New Approach to International Relations, and How Patriotic is the Patriot Act: Freedom Versus Security in the Age of Terrorism. In this weblog he writes on international affairs, foreign policy, markets, religion, media and security issues. From Intute.ac.uk
http://blog.amitaietzioni.org/

Myanmar: Diplomacy monitor resources Diplomacy Monitor is maintained by the St Thomas University School of Law. It provides real time tracking of Internet published diplomacy documents worldwide. This includes materials from major international organisations, such as the United Nations and European Union, and individual national governments (such as the UK, France, US, Russia and China). Materials covered include: press releases, communiques, speeches, statements, papers and reports. This section of the site provides access to materials relating to Burma/ Mayanmar. They include coverage of the 2007 protests by Burmese monks, statements made by the Burmese military government about pro-democracy campaigners such as Aung San Suu Kyi.
http://diplomacymonitor.com/stu/dm.nsf/nationsourced?openform&cat=Myanmar

Permanent Mission of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations This is the official website of the Burmese government delegation to the United Nations. It provides access to information, news and recent statements made by Burma/ Myanmar at the UN. These include responses by the Burmese government to accusations of human rights abuses against pro-democracy campaigners such as Aung San Suu Kyi.
http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/

From Intute.ac.uk 

Singapore Institute of International Affairs is a non-profit organisation which researches regional and international issues. It is Singapore's oldest think-tank. It also has an educational role, reaching out to citizens and teaching them about activities of the ASEAN group of countries. It runs "Haze Watch" to consider problems of pollution in the area. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.siiaonline.org/

UChannel is a project of of Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. It provides free access to a collection of academic lectures and events from around the world. These often offer a scholarly insight into current affairs and news. At present the majority of contributors are US universities and think tanks. They include such key organisations as the Brookings Institution, Harvard University, Princeton University, Oxford University; London School of Economics (LSE) and Columbia University. The site contains audio files, Webcasts and some podcasts. Users may sign up to RSS news feeds. Users may search or browse the database. A wide range of political topics are covered including: United States foreign policy, US elections and political parties, international security and the war against terrorism and religion and politics. Some annotations on content and lecture length are provided. From Intute.ac.uk
http://uc.princeton.edu/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=4

 

Recent/Updated CRS Reports
Source: Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists, OpenCRS)

+ Gangs in Central America
+ Haiti: Developments and U.S. Policy Since 1991 and Current Congressional Concerns
+ Latin America: Energy Supply, Political Developments, and U.S. Policy Approaches
+ Pakistan: Significant Recent Events, March 26 - June 21, 2007
+ Pakistan-U.S. Relations
+ Indonesia: Domestic Politics, Strategic Dynamics, and American Interests
+ China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities - Background and Issues for Congress
+ China/Taiwan: Evolution of the 'One China' Policy - Key Statements from Washington, Beijing, and Taipei
+ China-U.S. Trade Issues
+ China's Currency: Economic Issues and Options for U.S. Trade Policy
+ U.S. Clothing and Textile Trade with China and the World: Trends Since the End of Quotas

The UN Observer and International Report is an independent journal of international affairs which was established in 1978. Its purpose is to critically examine the examine the activities of the United Nations and its member-states...Topics covered include international economics; the war against terrorism; environmental issues, health and ethical investments.

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