ALT Having recently hosted the first G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, and the finance track meetings in February 2025, South Africa’s diplomacy is once again being tested with the world’s attention firmly fixated on the country as it navigates geopolitical storms in the midst of growing pressure on multilateral institutions. Notably absent from the two meetings was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Their absence was not a boycott as they were represented by officials, however it did send a message that the United States may not be prioritising the G20 as it pursues an ‘America First’ policy and reviews its international commitments and partnerships. The manner in which this relationship is managed will be important to the outcomes of South Africa's G20 presidency and contribute to shaping the contours of an emerging geopolitical landscape.

ALT Christopher Isike, PhD, is a Professor of African Politics and International Relations and Head of Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The founding Director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP), Professor Isike is also the current President of the African Association of Political Science (AAPS) and a member of the Board of Directors of Global Development Network (GDN). He also sits on the Advisory Board of Society of Gender Professionals (SGP). With over 80 publications in top national and international peer-reviewed journals including chapters in books published by reputable publishing houses globally.

ALT Please join us for a panel discussion with our distinguished panelists, Professors Christopher Isike, Kingsley Makhubela, Ayisah Osori, and Carl LeVan who will be sharing their expertise on "President Trump and Africa" Sunday, January 26, 2025 10 AM Austin 5 PM Nigeria 6 PM South Africa Register Here: https://www.tfinterviews.com/post/trump-africa Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83677626358

ALT The African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP) invites you to a Public Lecture by Dr April Brown, PhD, LPC, CPCS, NCC who is visiting Africa for the first time: Theme: The Black Experience in America: A Tapestry of Triumph and Struggle This presentation explores the Black experience in America from a societal and community perspective. The Black experience is a complex narrative woven from threads of triumph and struggle. As descendants of Africans forced into slavery, African Americans have a rich heritage marked by resistance, cultural innovation, and a relentless pursuit of equality. On one hand, African Americans have excelled in every field imaginable, from music and literature to science and sports. Their creative spirit and perseverance are undeniable. However, the shadows of slavery and segregation linger as part of structural racism in America today.

ALT Read more: https://www.up.ac.za/acsus/news/post_3247259-prof.-christoper-isike-immersed-in-the-study-of-the-united-states-

ALT South Africa and the United States both have the most consequential elections in their political history in 2024. For example, in South Africa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) may, for the first time since 1994, fail to win over 50% of the votes and this would force a coalition of parties to form a government in South Africa which the ANC may not even be involved in. In the US, the November elections could go either way between the ruling Democrat Party and opposition Republican Party with the race too close to call between the presidential candidates of both parties. Either way, unless the ruling parties win the elections in South Africa and the US, any other outcome on either side would have serious consequence for relations between countries for the next 4 years. This moderated conversation between experienced both election analysts with inputs from the audience will shed light on the consequential nature of these elections for both countries and Africa broadly.

ALT The African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP) cordially invites students and scholars of international relations, and everyone interested in international politics to an in-person classroom engagement (Q&A session) with Salman Ahmed, Director, Policy Planning Staff, US State Department, Washington DC, USA. This forum provides a rare and excellent opportunity for the next generation of South African foreign policy makers and practitioners to engage directly with a senior U.S. official who is uniquely attuned to the need to engage South Africa and the Global South at large.