Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC)’s Post

Learnt a lot at this session Here's a bit of it - in summary 1. Keep it short and simple 2. Policies should be targeted, affordable, efficient and most importantly competition supportive. Each of these have a lot attached and there are also others. Surely after these, We could have better economies. #AESP

📢 Excited to share my recent academic article publication on "The Resurgence of Coups d’états in Africa and the Role of the African Union and Civil Society Organisations," published in the Journal of African Union Studies. 🌍 This piece delves into the current wave of coups across the continent and examines the critical roles played by the African Union and civil society organizations in addressing these challenges. https://lnkd.in/dxuNG44J #AcademicResearch #AfricanUnion #CivilSociety #CoupsInAfrica #JournalPublication #PoliticalScience #AfricanStudies

“Global South countries in Asia and Africa have long seen the Palestinian quest for self-determination as an extension of their own anti-colonial struggles of the twentieth century,” writes Bidisha Biswas, professor of political science at Western Washington University. Read the essay here and let us know what you think in the comments. https://lnkd.in/gTg9bbPt

Prof. Johan Wassermann, Head of Department for Humanities Education at the University of Pretoria, recently presented at the Southern African Historical Society's 29th Biennial Conference, held at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His paper, co-authored with Prof. Laura Efron, challenges the traditional narrative of the Boer migration to Argentina, revealing a more complex trans-Atlantic story of migration and integration. Their research uncovers the hidden history of Africans who migrated with the Boers, their experiences, and their contributions to Argentinian society. Their findings debunk the myth that all Africans died off early in the settlement process, instead showing their resilience and agency in the face of racism. Great to see Prof. Wassermann sharing his research with the academic community! #SAHSconference #History #Migration #Xenophobia #SouthernAfrica #Argentina"

Exploring New Approaches to Peacebuilding How can international norms align with culturally sensitive approaches to create more effective peacebuilding frameworks? Over four years, the International Norms Project – a unique collaboration between The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Uppsala University, and FBA (Folke Bernadotte Academy) – brought together Islamic scholars, Muslim political leaders, and international peace practitioners. Their shared efforts led to the development of the Guide to Peacemaking Using Islamic Principles, a pioneering resource for mediators, conflict resolvers, and peacemakers worldwide. 🎙️ Eldridge Adolfo, Senior Mediation Advisor at FBA, and Mark Muller KC, LSE Professor in Practice, will share insights from this collaborative process and highlight how synergies between early Islamic teachings and international norms can support contemporary peacebuilding efforts. 📢 Learn more about cutting-edge methodologies at the upcoming panel discussion, hosted by LSE and chaired by Professor Joanna Lewis. The discussion will also feature: ✅ Monica McWilliams, Professor Emeritus at Ulster University, exploring how this guide intersects with Women, Peace, and Security frameworks. ✅ Timothy Phillips, founder of Beyond Conflict, introducing insights from neuro and behavioral science in peace processes. 📅 Register now through the link below and 📥 download the Guide to Peacemaking Using Islamic Principles here: https://bit.ly/3RgNcWD #Peacebuilding #ConflictResolution #IslamicPrinciples #WomenPeaceSecurity #NeuroScience 

Today, the Africa Journal of Religion and Culture hosted a seminar featuring distinguished Professor Toyin Falola. The discussion underscored the critical need for a comprehensive approach to health and environmental sustainability, while also acknowledging the detrimental impact of social media on cultural values. The panelists emphasized the significance of community-based strategies and governance. Moreover, the conversation delved into the importance of preserving and leveraging indigenous knowledge in research, recognizing the constraints imposed on African knowledge systems by colonialism. Additionally, the session examined the parallels and distinctions between Ubuntu and Ìwà in the context of African governance, emphasizing the integration of African philosophies into daily life, professional activities, and academic pursuits. See less

The year 2024 marks 30 years of South Africa’s democracy and therefore the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) hosted a seminar: The Road to Democracy - celebrating 30 years of democracy A seminar that was talking to the South Africas’ history on a timeline; four (4) sub-themes were discussed, that is, pre colonial history of South Africa, colonial/ apartheid history as well as post-apartheid history/ democracy history and heritage. The seminar speakers took us on a journey that was thought provoking, educational and inspiring,a journey South Africa has traversed since the advent of democracy, as well as a reflection on the progress made in regards to democracy heritage. I, personally learned a lot from the presentations and discussions that were conducted, subjects discussed that captivated me and inspired to learn more about were; - Greater inclusivity and social cohesion - Understanding where South Africa/We once was, where South Africa/we are now and where South Africa/we is/are going - Importance of teaching South African social history in schools and universities - Resolving issues like how South Africa’s history has been white washed and how African history facts have been intentionally omitted to drive false narratives. - Recognition of the First Persons (bushmen) to live in SA needs to be prioritised.

"The Non-radicalisation of Muslims in Southern Europe. Migration and Integration in Italy, Greece, and Spain", co-authored with Marina Eleftheriadou and Anna Triandafyllidou has just been published in Open Access (thanks to the SSHRC-CRSH Canada) by Palgrave Macmillan here: https://lnkd.in/dp2CAKzk In the book we look at why southern European countries have experienced few religiously inspired violent attacks – or have avoided the kind of securitised response to such attacks seen in many other Western states. Exploring how factors like inequality, racism, and experiences of conflict impact (non-)radicalisation in Southern Europe, we hope to contribute to the rich debate in critical security studies on the development of, and resilience against, violent radicalisation. The book was made possible by the GREASE project European University Institute European Commission

Historical Context and Colonial Legacy The political landscape of modern Africa has been heavily shaped by its colonial past. Many African nations gained independence only in the mid-20th century, and the colonial powers left behind legacies that continue to influence politics today, including artificial borders, ethnic divisions, and governance systems that were imposed by external forces. Understanding these legacies is key to understanding current political challenges, such as conflict, governance issues, and the struggle for national identity.