BRICS and African Region Partnership: Challenges and Opportunities
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United States – Africa Summit National Statement of the Arab Republic of Egypt
UNITED STATES – AFRICA SUMMIT NATIONAL STATEMENT OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT ____ The convening of the first USA- Africa Leaders’ Summit attests to the vibrant and traditional ties that link Africa to the United States. With the recent unprecedented economic growth in many of our countries, these relations gain more momentum and new horizons. Egypt appreciates the important role that the United States plays in Africa, in particular with regard to investing in Africa’s future generations by contributing to conflict prevention and resolution, counterterrorism and mediation efforts in African conflicts, as well as by empowering African youth and women. Increased American private sector investment in Africa and the many examples of successful Public-Private partnerships point to commendable endeavors on both sides to achieve their common interests. Our summit coincides with a challenging chapter of Egypt’s long history. Egypt has witnessed two unprecedented popular revolutions in less than three years, and is now on the threshold of a future that promises great opportunities, yet it is fraught with numerous challenges. In this respect, Egypt has embarked on two interrelated paths; on one hand by consolidating its national political, economic, and social infrastructure to meet the aspirations of its people, and on the other hand by fostering existing relations and envisioning new horizons of cooperation with our partners at the bilateral, regional and international levels. On the national level, and following the successful conduct of the referendum on the constitutional amendments last January and the Presidential elections last May, the Egyptian people are moving steadily in implementing the remaining milestone of the “Roadmap for the Future” they have chosen to achieve justice, freedom, respect of human rights, namely holding the parliamentarian elections in the next fall. -
China-India Relations Strategic Engagement and Challenges
AAssiiee..VViissiioonnss 3344 ______________________________________________________________________ China-India Relations Strategic Engagement and Challenges ______________________________________________________________________ Zhang Li September 2010 . Center for Asian Studies The Institut français des relations internationals (Ifri) is a research center and a forum for debate on major international political and economic issues. Headed by Thierry de Montbrial since its founding in 1979, Ifri is a non- governmental and a non-profit organization. As an independent think tank, Ifri sets its own research agenda, publishing its findings regularly for a global audience. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Ifri brings together political and economic decision-makers, researchers and internationally renowned experts to animate its debate and research activities. With offices in Paris and Brussels, Ifri stands out as one of the rare French think tanks to have positioned itself at the very heart of European debate. The opinions expressed in this text are the responsibility of the author alone. ISBN: 978-2-86592-774-6 © All rights reserved, Ifri, 2010 IFRI IFRI-BRUXELLES 27, RUE DE LA PROCESSION RUE MARIE-THERESE, 21 75740 PARIS CEDEX 15 – FRANCE 1000 – BRUXELLES – BELGIQUE Tel: +33 (0)1 40 61 60 00 Tel: +32 (0)2 238 51 10 Fax: +33 (0)1 40 61 60 60 Fax: +32 (0)2 238 51 15 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] WEBSITE: Ifri.org China Program, Center for Asian Studies, IFRI The Ifri China Program‟s objectives are: . To organise regular exchanges with Chinese elites and enhance mutual trust through the organi- zation of 4 annual seminars in Paris or Brussels around Chinese participants. -
The Role of the Bric in Africa's Development
Journal for Contemporary History 41(1) / Joernaal vir Eietydse Geskiedenis 41(1): 80-102 © UV/UFS • ISSN 0258-2422 / e-ISSN 2415-0509 http://dx.doi.org/10.18820/24150509/jch.v41i1.5 THE ROLE OF THE BRIC IN AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT: DRIVERS AND STRATEGIES Mills Soko1 and Mzukisi Qobo2 Abstract National interest still trumps friendship in international relations. The notions of solidarity that were popular among developing countries in the 1950s and the 1960s have no resonance in 21st century diplomacy, which is largely driven by commercial considerations. Many developing countries still view the advent of rising powers – some of whom were part of the Third World movement that arrayed itself to counter imperialism – as offering promise for development progress. Taking an analytic assessment of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries’ role in Africa’s development, this article argues that such hopes are misguided. BRIC countries are not primarily driven by Africa’s development concerns, but are seeking to fulfil their own commercial interests, as well as use Africa as an avenue for shoring up their international legitimacy and credibility. The article arrives at this conclusion by examining how each of the BRIC countries implements its commercial and diplomatic strategies on the African continent. South Africa is excluded from this analysis as the focus of the article is on how the non-African members of the BRICS formation pursue their diplomatic and commercial strategies on the African continent. Keywords: BRIC countries; drivers; development; strategies; Africa. Sleutelwoorde: BRIC-lande; dryfvere; ontwikkeling; strategieë; Afrika. 1. INTRODUCTION Since 1995, the African continent has registered rapid economic growth and development against the backdrop of both a commodities’ boom and expanding investment in a diverse range of sectors, from natural-resourced based industries to wholesale, retail, trade, telecommunications and manufacturing. -
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37 CHAPTER 2 ASSESSING REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS’ WORK IN DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT his chapter looks at one group of important but little-studied actors in disaster risk management (DRM): regional organizations.171 Although regional mechanisms are Tplaying increasingly important roles in disasters, there has been remarkably little research on their role in disaster risk management. In fact, there are few published studies about the relative strengths and weaknesses of regional bodies, much less comparisons of their range of activities or effectiveness in DRM.172 A recent study carried out by the Brookings-LSE Project on Internal Displacement sought to address this gap by providing some basic information about the work of more than 30 regional organizations involved in disaster risk management and by drawing some comparisons and generalizations about the work of thirteen of these organizations through the use of 17 indicators of effectiveness.173 This chapter provides a summary of some of that research. SECTION 1 Introduction and Methodology: Why a Focus on Regions? Since the 1950s when European regional integration seemed to offer prospects not only for the region’s post-war recovery, but also for lasting peace and security between former enemies, regional organizations have been growing in number and scope. They have 171 There has been a trend to move away from a rigid dichotomy between activities intended to reduce risk/ prepare for disasters and those associated with emergency relief and reconstruction. Thus the term “disaster risk management” (DRM) is used as the overarching concept in this study. However, as the dichotomy between pre-disaster and post-disaster activities is still prevalent in international institutions, international agreements and frameworks, government institutions and regional institutions, the disaster risk reduction (DRR) is also used as a catch-all term for pre-disaster activities while the term disaster management (DM) refers to all post- disaster activities. -
Institutionalising Pan-Africanism Transforming African Union Values and Principles Into Policy and Practice Tim Murithi
Institutionalising Pan-Africanism Transforming African Union values and principles into policy and practice Tim Murithi ISS Paper 143 • June 2007 Price: R15.00 Introduction translated into protocols, treaties and institutions. The discussion concludes with policy recommendations. The African Union has emerged as a home-grown initiative by which the African people will be able to Defining Pan-Africanism effectively take the destiny of their continent into their own hands. In this paper the creation of the AU as the The general assumption is that the process of continental institutionalisation of the ideals of Pan-Africanism will integration began with an extraordinary summit of be assessed. The underlying purpose of the creation the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which was of the AU is to promote solidarity, cooperation and convened in Sirte, Libya, in 1999. But in fact the support among African countries and peoples so as to process began with the Pan-African movement and address the catalogue of problems they face. its demand for greater solidarity among the peoples of Africa. Therefore an understanding of the emergence Some observers and commentators of the AU should start with the evolution question whether the AU is a valid of the Pan-African movement. A review undertaking at this time, or whether it of the objectives and aspirations of Pan- is just another ambitious campaign by An understanding Africanism provides a foundation for self-seeking leaders to distract attention a critical assessment of the creation of from other, more pressing problems of the emergence the AU and its prospects for promoting on the continent. -
Brics Versus Mortar? Winning at M&A in Emerging Markets
BRICs Versus Mortar? WINNING AT M&A IN EMERGING MARKETS The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world’s leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for- profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep in sight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable compet itive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 78 offices in 43 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com. BRICs VeRsus MoRtaR? WINNING AT M&A IN EMERGING MARKETS JENS KENGELBACH DOminiC C. Klemmer AlexAnDer Roos August 2013 | The Boston Consulting Group Contents 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 THE GLOBAL M&A MARKET ReMAINS IN A DEEP FREEZE Disappointing Results for Public-to-Public Deals Emerging Markets Claim a Growing Share of Deal Flow Key Investing Themes 13 LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE AND MANAGING COMPLEXITY: THE KEYS TO SUPERIOR ReTURNS Serial Acquirers Reap the Rewards of Experience The Virtue of Simplicity 17 A TOUR OF THE BRIC COUNTRIES Brazil Looks to the North Russia Seeks Technology, Resources—and Stability India Aims at Targets of Opportunity China Hunts for Management Know-How—and Access to the Global Business Arena 31 EMERGING THEMES AND ReCOMMENDATIONS 34 Appendix: Selected trAnSActionS, 2012 And 2013 36 FOR FURTHER ReADING 37 NOTE TO THE ReADER 2 | BRICs Versus Mortar? exeCutIVe suMMaRy espite the current worldwide lull in mergers and acquisitions, there’s Dnot much argument that emerging markets will remain a hotbed of M&A activity for some time to come. -
Building Better Global Economic Brics
Economics Global Economics Research from the GS Financial WorkbenchSM at https://www.gs.com Paper No: 66 Building Better Global Economic BRICs n In 2001 and 2002, real GDP growth in large emerging market economies will exceed that of the G7. n At end-2000, GDP in US$ on a PPP basis in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) was about 23.3% of world GDP. On a current GDP basis, BRIC share of world GDP is 8%. n Using current GDP, China’s GDP is bigger than that of Italy. n Over the next 10 years, the weight of the BRICs and especially China in world GDP will grow, raising important issues about the global economic impact of fiscal and monetary policy in the BRICs. n In line with these prospects, world policymaking forums should be re-organised and in particular, the G7 should be adjusted to incorporate BRIC representatives. Many thanks to David Blake, Paulo Leme, Binit Jim O’Neill Patel, Stephen Potter, David Walton and others in the Economics Department for their helpful 30th November 2001 suggestions. Important disclosures appear at the end of this document. Goldman Sachs Economic Research Group In London Jim O’Neill, M.D. & Head of Global Economic Research +44(0)20 7774 1160 Gavyn Davies, M.D. & Chief International Economist David Walton, M.D. & Chief European Economist Andrew Bevan, M.D. & Director of International Bond Economic Research Erik Nielsen, Director of New European Markets Economic Research Stephen Potter, E.D. & Senior Global Economist Al Breach, E.D & International Economist Linda Britten, E.D. -
THE AFRICAN UNION: Forward March Or About Face-Turn?
THE AFRICAN UNION: Forward March or About Face-Turn? Amadu Sesay Claude Ake Memorial Papers No. 3 Department of Peace and Conflict Research Uppsala University & Nordic Africa Institute Uppsala 1 © 2008 Amadu Sesay, DPCR, NAI ISSN 1654-7489 ISBN 978-91-506-1990-4 Printed in Sweden by Universitetstryckeriet, Uppsala 2008 Distributed by the Department of Peace and Conflict Research (DPCR), Uppsala University & the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), Uppsala Phone (DPCR) +46 18 471 76 52; (NAI) +46 18 56 22 00 Fax (DPCR) +46 18 69 51 02; (NAI) +46 18 56 22 90 E-mail (DPCR) [email protected]; (NAI) [email protected] www.pcr.uu.se; www.nai.uu.se 2 The Claude Ake Visiting Chair A Claude Ake Visiting Chair was set up in 2003 at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research (DPCR), Uppsala University, in collaboration with the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), also in Uppsala. Funding was provided from the Swedish Government, through the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Chair was established to honour the memory of Professor Claude Ake, distinguished scholar, philosopher, teacher, activist and human- ist, tragically killed in a plane crash near Lagos, Nigeria, in 1996. The holders of the Claude Ake Visiting Chair give, at the end of their stay in Uppsala, a public lecture, entitled the ‘Claude Ake Memorial Lecture.’ While the title, thematic and content of the lecture is up to the holder, the assumption is that the topic of the lecture shall, in a general sense, relate the work of the holder to the work of Claude Ake, for example in terms of themes or issues covered, or in terms of theoretical or normative points of departure. -
The African Union (AU): Key Issues and U.S.-AU Relations
The African Union (AU): Key Issues and U.S.-AU Relations Nicolas Cook Specialist in African Affairs Tomas F. Husted Research Assistant December 16, 2016 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R44713 The African Union (AU): Key Issues and U.S.-AU Relations Summary U.S. relations with the African Union (AU), an intergovernmental organization to which all African countries except Morocco belong, have strengthened over the past decade. U.S.-AU cooperation has traditionally focused on peace operations and conflict prevention and mitigation. U.S. aid for AU democracy-strengthening initiatives is another key focus of engagement. Other areas of cooperation include economic development, health, governance, peace and security capacity building, and criminal justice. Direct U.S. aid to the AU Commission (AUC, the organization’s secretariat), which oversees AU program activity, is moderate; most U.S. aid in support of AU goals is provided on a bilateral basis or sub-regional basis. Consequently, such aid may not always be accounted for in analyses of U.S. support for the AU. President George W. Bush formally recognized the AU as an international organization in 2005, and a U.S. mission to the AU was established in 2006, making the United States the first non- African country to have an accredited diplomatic mission to the AU. In 2007, the first AU ambassador to the United States was accredited. In 2010, an agreement on U.S. aid for the AU was signed and in 2013, the AU and the United States established annual partnership dialogues and extended the 2010 aid agreement. -
Non-Aligned Movement Countries As Drivers of Change in International Organizations
Non-Aligned Movement Countries as Drivers of Change in International Organizations Changavalli Siva Rama Murthy RESÜMEE Die Länder der Bewegung der Blockfreien Staaten waren bedeutende Akteure im Wandel der zeitgenössischen internationalen Beziehungen. Indem sie den Vereinten Nationen beitraten, vergrößerten sie deren Legitimität wie auch die anderer internationaler Organisationen. Durch individuelle und kollektive Initiativen bewirkten sie eine Reorientierung der politischen Leit- linien der UNO, die den eigenen Hoffnungen und Interessen mehr Raum gaben. Ihr wach- sendes Gewicht, allein durch die zunehmende zahlenmäßige Stärke, setzte die USA und ihre westeuropäischen Verbündeten unter massiven Druck. Die Etablierung von Mechanismen wie die United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, aber auch neue Agenden für die Ge- neralversammlung der UNO und etliche ihrer Spezialorganisationen sowie einige Initiativen der Weltbank in den 1960er Jahren verdeutlichen den Einfluss der Bemühungen der Entwick- lungsländer. Ihre maßgebliche Rolle kommt schließlich in der Begründung von Programmen zur wirtschaftlichen Stärkung von „Dritte Welt“-Ländern sowie in den UN-Friedensmissionen zum Ausdruck. Change is inherent to any living organisms, and it is also natural to international orga- nizations (IOs). While its occurrence can be anticipated, its direction, pace, scope, or source cannot be prejudged. Change manifests itself in “modifications to formal insti- tutional structures or to informal practices and working methods”. Change can occur in an abrupt or incremental fashion “from within the organization, from outside it, or from a mix of endogenous and exogenous sources”.1 Following this line, the article es- says the efforts and achievements of the non-aligned countries, either individually or as L. R. Helfer, Understanding Change in International Organizations: Globalization and innovation in the ILO, in: Vanderbilt Law Review, 59 (2006) 3, pp. -
Interpreting Sanctions in Africa and Southeast Asia
IRE0010.1177/0047117815600934Hellquist<italic>International Relations</italic>International Relations 600934research-article2015 CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Institutional Repository of the Freie Universität Berlin Article International Relations 2015, Vol. 29(3) 319 –333 Interpreting sanctions in © The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: Africa and Southeast Asia sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0047117815600934 ire.sagepub.com Elin Hellquist Free University of Berlin and Stockholm University Abstract The Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were both born to stabilise vulnerable state borders by practising non-interference in domestic affairs. Today, the OAU’s successor, the African Union (AU), uses sanctions against unconstitutional changes of government, while ASEAN continues to rule out any collective punitive action against members. To explain these divergent trajectories, this article first shows how different traditions produced different ways of engaging with sanctions in the early formative cases of South Africa and Vietnam. Thereafter, it examines how these traditions were selectively re-thought when confronted with the dilemmas of international sanctions against Libya and Myanmar. The interpretive approach enables a nuanced account of continuity and change in beliefs about sanctions. The AU’s sanctions doctrine has updated rather than broken with a traditional interpretation of non-interference. For ASEAN, the longstanding tradition of informality – and not strict adherence to non-interference – has continued to rule out regional sanctions. Keywords African Union, ASEAN, comparative regionalism, non-interference, Organization of African Unity, sanctions Regional cooperation in Africa and Southeast Asia began with a similar aim: to protect the sovereignty of vulnerable postcolonial states. -
The Role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Democracy Support
The role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in post-conflict reconstruction and democracy support www.idea.int THE ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IN POST- CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND DEMOCRACY SUPPORT Julio S. Amador III and Joycee A. Teodoro © 2016 International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance International IDEA Strömsborg SE-103 34, STOCKHOLM SWEDEN Tel: +46 8 698 37 00, fax: +46 8 20 24 22 Email: [email protected], website: www.idea.int The electronic version of this publication is available under a Creative Commons Attribute-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 licence. You are free to copy, distribute and transmit thepublication as well as to remix and adapt it provided it is only for non-commercial purposes, that you appropriately attribute the publication, and that you distribute it under an identical licence. For more information on this licence see: <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc-sa/3.0/>. International IDEA publications are independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of International IDEA, its Board or its Council members. Graphic design by Turbo Design CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4 2. ASEAN’S INSTITUTIONAL MANDATES ............................................................... 5 3. CONFLICT IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND THE ROLE OF ASEAN ...... 7 4. ADOPTING A POST-CONFLICT ROLE FOR