South Africa’s Foreign Policy is failing its people. Part 2

Rwanda has trumped South Africa to become one of Africa’s geopolitical heavyweights whose sphere of influence spans from central to east to southern Africa. But its ascendancy was a long time coming and forged from shrewd policy that foresaw the changing geopolitical climate. In stark contrast to stagnant and outdated South…

ByGeorge PhilipasApril 7, 20250Comments

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South Africa’s Foreign Policy is failing its people Part 1

South Africa seems to have turned a corner recently, with cautious optimism replacing portends of a failed state in recent months. But when it comes to its foreign policy, it appears to be on the same well-trodden path. In particular, if the country doesn’t take action soon to support the AfCFTA –…

ByGeorge PhilipasOctober 8, 20240Comments

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When it comes to climate change, it won’t be the weather that dooms us. But an economic and geopolitical downward spiral. One that is already well underway. And as it stands, tech will not save us.

“Policy discussions continue to centre on inflation, conveying confidence that anticipated monetary easing will heal the world’s economic woes. Meanwhile, the pressing challenges of trade disruptions, climate change, low growth, underinvestment and inequalities are growing more serious.” UNCTAD – Trade and Development Update Report April 2024 In and amongst the hubris of recent times, punctuated…

ByGeorge PhilipasApril 29, 20240Comments

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Away from the world’s gaze, the Sudanese civil war is exacerbating regional rivalries that threaten to foment a devastating wider conflict. One that the West will be helpless to prevent.

The civil war in Sudan has deepened and widened a set of interwoven alliances and rivalries that are pushing the entire region into a hot war. With serious implications for the post-1945 world order.

ByGeorge PhilipasApril 16, 20240Comments

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The irony of an authoritarian Protestant king: The golden age of politics and economics bequeathed to us by the Protestant movement and the Glorious Revolution is coming to an end. No longer fit for purpose it must be ushered into the annals of history if we are to survive the coming decades.

Donald Trump has brought the golden age of the Protestant movement and the proliforation of liberal capitalist society full circle that was sparked by the Glorious Revolution of 1688 full circle. By trying to reimpose an outdated system through authoritarian means, he is going against the very founding principles upon which the system was…

ByGeorge PhilipasMarch 9, 20240Comments

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A Tale of two cities – The contrasting fortunes of Joburg and Cape Town…A fun, subjective as well as more serious look at the understated reasons why Joburg always comes out on top

A both serious and fun look at why Joburg will always do better in the long-run than Cape Town

ByGeorge PhilipasAugust 19, 20230Comments

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One year on from the Kenyan Election: I was wrong… President William Ruto has done a solid job in a bad situation while Raila Odinga’s actions have betrayed the sort of president he would have made.

A deep-dive into President Ruto’s first year in office following his election in August 2022 Kenyan presidential and parliamentary elections. Focus on President Ruto’s economic record and foreign policy scorecard.

ByGeorge PhilipasJuly 27, 20230Comments

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Inflation is coming down nicely… but will it last?

A look at why inflation may not have been tamed in the coming months as is now widely-believed, with substantial drops in food and energy prices, leading the way. The expiry of the Russia-Ukraine grain deal and most of all the unpredictable yet ominous onset of this year’s El Nino could well see prices start…

ByGeorge PhilipasJuly 16, 20230Comments

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The enigmatic world of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

A deep-dive into the mysteries of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Looking at its origins – shrouded by the mists of forgotten history. And trying to understand what makes it so idiosyncratic from other better-known branches of orthodox christianity.

ByGeorge PhilipasJuly 16, 20230Comments

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Stagflation, a looming credit crunch and debt crisis: Why inflation and interest rates will stay mostly high this decade and run the very real risk of fomenting the biggest debt crisis in the modern era

A comprehensive analysis of why inflation might remain high over the coming decade – even if there is a lull ih the second half of 2023 – and how high interest rates might take swathes of the global economy and public finances over the edge of a debt ticking time bomb that has been slowly…

ByGeorge PhilipasJuly 16, 20230Comments