Bareebe, Gerald, and Moses Khisa. “Rwanda-Uganda Relations: Elites’ Attitudes and Perceptions in Interstate Relations.” Commonwealth & Comparative Politics 61, no. 2 (2023): 152–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/14662043.2023.2200598.

Rwanda and Uganda have had strained relations, oscillating between warm, lukewarm, hostile and outright war. Since the biggest falling out during the Second Congo War (1998–2003), both governments have variously accused each other of wrongdoing, including allegations of supporting rebel activities, covert counterintelligence operations and espionage. The most recent escalation in frosty relations saw the closure of Katuna border post. Because the respective ruling parties – the Rwandan Patriotic Front and the National Resistance Movement – at a minimum have shared ideological and historical origins, we would expect relations to be strong and constructive not hostile or tenuous. Yet, it is precisely the shared history and social ties among the politico-military and intelligence elites that shape the suspicion, mistrust and hostility that feed into official policies. This article analyses how shared ideological and historical origins, social relations and kindred ties inform individual attitudes and perceptions of key elites toward each other’s government.

Source: Article's abstract

Coleman, Katharina P. and Tieku, Thomas K.. African Actors in International Security: Shaping Contemporary Norms. Boulder, USA: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2018. https://doi-org.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/10.1515/9781626377295

What impact have African actors had on perceptions of and responses to current international security challenges? Are there international peace and security norms with African roots? How can actors that lack the power and financial resources of Western states help to shape prevailing conceptions of appropriate behavior in international politics? Addressing these questions, the authors of African Actors in International Security identify and explore the diverse pathways by which African governments, IGOs, NGOs, and individuals can and do influence the normative structure of contemporary international relations.

Source: Book description by publisher

Ellis, Stephen. "The Mutual Assimilation of Elites; The Development of Secret Societies in Twentieth Century Liberian Politics". African Social Studies Series, Volume 22. January 01, 2011. Pages 185-204.

The region that eventually gained international recognition as the Republic of Liberia in 1847 has a rich history of initiation societies that predates the modern state. One of the most well-known of these societies is the men's group called Poro, which has been prevalent in the northern part of the country since before the establishment of the republic. During the 20th century, politicians and officials of the Republic of Liberia employed these initiation societies as a tool of indirect rule, both in official and unofficial capacities. This influence had a tangible impact on the governance style and institutional evolution of the Republic.

Source: Article's abstract

Clayton, Amanda, Novek, Jennifer, and Margaret Levi. "When Elites Meet: Decentralization, Power-Sharing, And Public Goods Provision in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone". World Bank Policy Research Working Paper. No. 7335. June 24, 2015.

This study, using post-conflict Sierra Leone as a case, explores power dynamics between traditional hereditary chiefs and newly elected community councilors in the provision of local public goods. The research reveals that when relationships between councilors and chiefs are competitive, it leads to better local development outcomes and higher public goods provision. On the other hand, relationships characterized by cooperation or familial ties result in poorer local development outcomes. In essence, competition among elite groups is found to be beneficial for local development, while collaboration between old and new elites hinders the provision of public goods.

Source: Article's abstract

Creating Emerging Markets: Interview with Shirley Zinn

Creating Emerging Markets

Date: February 28, 2020

Summary:

Shirley Zinn, Non-Executive Director at Sanlam and former Head of Human Resources at Standard Bank South Africa, shares her remarkable journey from poverty in apartheid-era Cape Flats to becoming a prominent business leader. After teaching and pursuing a doctorate at Harvard, she ventured into human resources, facing challenges and personal tragedy. Zinn's impactful roles at Reckitt Benckiser and the South African Revenue Services contributed to organizational transformation. In her interview, she emphasizes the importance of well-run, compassionate businesses for South Africa's sustainable economy and discusses her resignations from boards due to corruption issues.

Read about the interview here.

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Creating Emerging Markets: Interview with Peter Vundla

Creating Emerging Markets

Date: February 27, 2020

Summary:

Peter Vundla, co-founder of HerdBuoys, South Africa's first Black-owned advertising agency, reflects on his journey from apartheid-era challenges to founding a groundbreaking agency. HerdBuoys, established in 1991, focused on result-oriented advertising, contributing to nation-building campaigns and playing a key role in the 1994 election process. After merging with McCann Erickson in 1997, Vundla retired in 2005 and engaged in impactful social projects, addressing challenges of equity and growth in South Africa.

Read about the interview here.

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