Morocco has been on a massive diplomatic drive, using both its political and economic muscle. Since his coronation in 1999, the king has led over 40 visits to African countries south of the Sahara.
The pastiche-style poster art ubiquitous in Egyptian houses and businesses reveals how locals imagine far-off landscapes, idealise nature and define beauty.
Russia has managed to regain, at least in part, its role as a powerful interlocutor in the Middle East, which it lost after the fall of the Soviet Union.
The sheer number of top African footballers playing in foreign leagues is one of the most notable trends of the current Africa Cup of Nations tournament. It has an impact on the African game too.
South Africa’s weather is very attractive to international visitors. Climate change could alter their perceptions unless mitigation strategies are put in place.
Can Hillary Clinton, as a woman president, make a difference to Egyptian women? Her former views on democratisation in Egypt leave doubt int the minds of local observers.
National electoral commissions are crucial in shaping public perceptions of how well democracy is working. Poor electoral management can enable fraud and produce political alienation.
While some African countries have shown an improvement in press freedom and freedom of expression ratings, others, including South Africa, are seeing worrying trends and a drop in rankings.
The Non-Aligned Movement member states enjoy cohesion on few issues. Historically, their heterogeneity ranged from absolute monarchs to socialist presidents.
Scott Firsing, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Governments often have limited knowledge of chemical production as it is the preserve of the private sector. Often these facilities are not as well secured as government facilities.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, under construction on the Blue Nile, will bring electricity and wealth to East Africa, but could also have harmful environmental and political impacts.
South Africa has claimed back its status of the largest economy in Africa, toppling Nigeria, due to the appreciation of the rand. What’s prompted the movement?
Qunta advocates a reparations fund to accelerate corrective policies, that schools be freed from colonial indoctrination and that African culture should be mainstreamed, especially African languages.
Sibel Oktay, University of Illinois at Springfield
Three suicide bombers killed 42 at Turkey’s busiest airport June 28. A scholar explains how Turkey’s foreign policy blunders have made the country such a target for terrorist attacks.
Getting more women into science, technology, engineering and maths fields is a process that involves many parts of a society. Several African countries are setting the pace.
The leaders of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have shown some commitment to sharing the waters of the Nile. But hard negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam are only beginning.