Opinion

Welcome to the age of empire

Welcome to the age of empire

The South African government has navigated this period remarkably well. It has not capitulated to any of the stronger blocs, whilst retaining its dignity and independent views

The hidden hoaxer class outed

The hidden hoaxer class outed

Political entrepreneurs, while integrated and integral to both sides, are in the unique position in which they are neither. accountable to an electoral constituency nor the ground soldiers pulling triggers and exchanging envelopes

Becoming Umwana – a son

Becoming Umwana – a son

In the ruins of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Nelson Gashagaza survived by becoming someone else’s child. In this two-part series as Rwanda commemorates Kwibuka32, he tells a personal story on a performed kinship, ordinary horror and the meaning of belonging

“You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate”

“You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate”

As the global order becomes more multipolar, opportunities for African agency are expanding. Yet these opportunities will only translate into meaningful influence if African states strengthen their coordination, develop sophisticated negotiating strategies and engage proactively in shaping the rules of global governance

The widescale abuse of Ukraine’s children by the State

The widescale abuse of Ukraine’s children by the State

Coverage of Ukrainian children often fixes blame on Russia and leaves the conduct of the Ukrainian government in the background, even though the evidence of exploitation, forced separation, weak oversight and institutional damage inside Ukraine’s own system is extensive and public

Tehran and Arak under chemical siege

Tehran and Arak under chemical siege

Israel chose targets at the heart of domestic survival because its planners know that fuel in a capital powers ambulances, clinics, refrigeration, generators, pumping systems, buses, food distribution and the hidden routines through which a city keeps people alive