Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
John J Stremlau

Creator

John J Stremlau

Honorary Professor of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

US secretary of state Antony Blinken’s visit aims to reset relations with South Africa

Given South Africa’s leadership role, it’s an ideal location for the Secretary to deliver a speech announcing and describing the US strategy toward sub-Saharan Africa

“If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!” US President Donald Trump wrote. (Reuters)

Trump’s Africa strategy should have cast China as a partner, not a global adversary

Why opportunities should be found to advance cooperation between Africa, China and the US as confidence building measures in US-China relations

Elections, and observer processes are a big priority in Africa. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Taking Africa’s democratic temperature as a dozen countries prepare for polls

Surveys shows that the majority of Africans prefer democracy, despite its flaws, to the alternatives

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

Three reasons the continent should treat Tillerson visit with scepticism

Leaders would be right to note that unless partnership agreements are reaffirmed, America’s declining influence and importance will continue.

President Trump’s administration re-imposed sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal after pulling out of the international agreement reached between Iran, the United States and five other powers. (Reuters)

Africa must work with partners to mitigate the impact of Trump’s agenda

The continent has vital stakes in how Americans deal with three of these: climate change, foreign assistance, and immigration.

Irrespective of the examination by the Federal Maritime Commission, the ICJ Case and NATO Summit will provide the Trump administration with policy windows to convey its threats. (Reuters)

The US election: What’s at stake for Africa’s quest to deepen democracy?

What lessons for democracy in Africa the Trump and Clinton campaigns may hold.

China-Africa summit: what to look for beyond the hype and hypocrisy

The Africa-China summit will provide an opportunity to get a feel for how the Chinese President is responding to democratic developments in Africa.