Tag: Donald Trump

Over the past few weeks, the world stood witness to the spectacle of American politics in the twilight of Donald Trump’s presidency. Many in South Africa joined as keen observers. This episode, like many before it, again highlighted the importance of institutions and the ideas that underlie them – a reality often neglected in the realm of the politics of personality.

Imagine that you woke up this morning to the news that Jacob Zuma and Donald Trump had both just announced their resignations as President and that Robert Mugabe has been declared unfit to lead Zimbabwe! Now think of who you would choose to lead? More importantly, what qualities should the next leader have?

Political uncertainty globally will have ripple effects on Africa, primarily through impacts on commodity prices and global economic sentiment. While the early months of 2017 have seen improved prices for the commodities on which many southern African economies rely, longer term economic sentiment is more mixed. Meanwhile, governance improvements and the embedding of democratic practices and norms will be tested by pockets of instability as succession battles take place across the region.