South Africa

Found at the southern tip of the continent, South Africa boasts one of Africa’s most developed markets and democracies. A predominately Christian country, South Africa has been led by its black majority since the end of Apartheid over two decades ago. Since then, the country has strengthened its multi-party system and has emerged as Southern Africa’s diplomatic heavyweight. Unprecedented social and economic divides remain, however, exemplified by regular protests over race, economic equality, and land rights.

Content

New Atlanticist

Aug 8, 2023

China and India are at odds over BRICS expansion

By Hung Tran

Beijing and New Delhi have different ideas about how the group should move forward, as India’s disagreement with China’s push to rapidly expand the organization’s membership demonstrates.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Jul 20, 2023

“Pariah” Putin forced to cancel travel plans over fears of war crimes arrest

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin's pariah status has been confirmed after he was forced to cancel plans to attend a summit of BRICS leaders in South Africa over fears that he may be arrested for war crimes, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Human Rights

Blog Post

Jul 18, 2023

State of the Order: Assessing June 2023

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

China Economy & Business
A general view shows the headquarters of the African Union (AU) building in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, January 29, 2017. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri

AfricaSource

Jun 15, 2023

Give Africa’s peace delegation for Ukraine a chance

By Rama Yade

The African presidents aiming to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine can be a part of the solution to a global problem rather than sit on the sidelines of geopolitics as collateral victims.

Africa Conflict

Blog Post

Jun 13, 2023

State of the Order: Assessing May 2023

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

China Economy & Business

Issue Brief

May 15, 2023

What is driving the adoption of Chinese surveillance technology in Africa?

By Bulelani Jili

When examining the proliferation of Chinese surveillance systems and cyber capabilities in Africa, research disproportionately focuses on the motivations and ambitions of the supplier. This perspective, while it highlights Chinese diplomatic ambitions and corporate opportunities, ignores local features that drive the adoption of Chinese surveillance tools.

Africa China

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2023

What we learned from the Russia-China-South Africa military drills

By Atlantic Council experts

Why did these three nations get together? What’s in it for South Africa? Our experts set sail with the answers.

Africa China

In the News

Sep 2, 2022

Goldwyn in New York Times: South African Villagers Win Suit to Halt Shell’s Oil Exploration

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Aug 30, 2022

The Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa will hinge on domestic reform

By Christopher Cassidy

The JETP's impact lies not in its financial heft, but in its stipulations for domestic reform. The agreement could prime South Africa to take advantage of future investment in its energy sector and eventually decarbonize at speed.

Africa Energy & Environment

Econographics

Jun 17, 2022

Where do the “fence-sitters” sit on trade with Russia?

By Josh Lipsky, Sophia Busch

At least in terms of trade, seemingly neutral countries aren’t enabling Russia as much as their public positions might suggest.

China Economy & Business

Experts