Analysis

All Analysis

Filter by

1 - 10 of 34 results

The Weight of History and Alliances in South Africa’s Geopolitical Turbulence

South Africa’s foreign policy blends liberation-era ties, post-apartheid grievances, and strategic goals. Amid rising U.S. tensions, Pretoria champions multipolarity, sovereignty, and historical justice to shape its global alliances.

Brief by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Cameron Hudson, Khasai Makhulo, and Catherine Nzuki — December 2, 2025

President Trump’s “Carrot and Stick” Approach to Africa

The Trump administration needs a more nuanced approach to Africa that doesn’t alienate the people and the markets that it is seeking to engage. To do so requires the president to somehow square his domestic priorities with his foreign policy agenda.

Commentary by Cameron Hudson — July 8, 2025

Africa’s Complicated Democratic Landscape

Africa’s upcoming year of elections signals both great promise and potential peril. Despite its growing population’s increasing demands for responsive governance, economic opportunity, and equitable treatment, many of their aspirations remain unmet.

Report by Cameron Hudson, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, and Khasai Makhulo — June 17, 2025

A Dire Crisis in Sudan: A Global Call to Action

Sudan's war is spiraling into a regional proxy conflict, with drones, foreign fighters, and arms flows reshaping the battlefield. Without urgent U.S.-led engagement to rein in external actors, Sudan and the region risks wider destabilization.

Congressional Testimony by Cameron Hudson — May 22, 2025

Can South Africa’s President Fix His Bilateral Relationship with Washington?

Cyril Ramaphosa’s Oval Office meeting with President Trump is a high-risk, low-reward encounter that is likely to accelerate a decline in bilateral relations unless the South African comes prepared to reverse many of his country’s most cherished foreign policy positions.

Critical Questions by Cameron Hudson — May 19, 2025

South Africa Cannot Have It Both Ways

The deterioration in U.S.-South Africa relations has been building in Washington over many administrations. A complex mix of geopolitics, race relations, and foreign policy differences means that addressing these myriad challenges won’t be fast or easy.

Commentary by Cameron Hudson — April 2, 2025

A New Phase in Sudan’s Civil War

Sudan’s army won a strategic and symbolic victory in taking back the Presidential Palace, ushering in a new phase of the war that could alleviate the humanitarian crisis and open the door to peace talks—if the international community is prepared to act.

Critical Questions by Cameron Hudson — March 24, 2025

Special Envoys Can Elevate Africa Under Trump

During Donald Trump’s previous term, a variety of regional special envoys were an effective approach to navigating Africa’s complex political landscape. For his new term, appointing five envoys should be considered to strengthen U.S. diplomatic engagement on the continent.

Commentary by Cameron Hudson — January 14, 2025