Throughtout the post-colonial period in Africa, there has been no shortage of economists, non-governmental organizations, diplomats, and aid organizations flying in from the United States and Western Europe with an astonishing array of prescriptions and reform plans to dramatically transform the economies and governance structures of these young nations. With few exceptions, these interventions failed […]
Our podcast, Departures with Robert Amsterdam, is back for Season 3 following a short break. We’re very excited to introduce a new series of author interviews, new formats for segments, special surprise guests and more. Thank you as always for listening, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing – it all helps us grow the reach of […]
The early period of the Cold War in Africa includes some of the most shocking episodes of foreign intervention by the US Central Intelligence Agency, to the point that many of these histories would seem a bit too farfetched for Hollywood. Such was the chaos in 1960-1961, right around the time that Congo achieved its […]
Amid a slew of headlines highlighting Vladimir Putin’s efforts to expand Russia’s footprint in Africa since the beginning of the Ukraine war, a certain narrative is emerging regarding Moscow’s aims, tactics, and results in this crucial but often neglected region. Is Russia’s presence in Africa a threatening menace or merely an empty gesture? As it […]
Throughout the global supply chain, there are chokepoints where states and stakeholders exploit an opportunity to extract rents – and this includes nearby the origin of critical minerals, diamonds, and other natural resources in relatively ungoverned areas of Central Africa. Peer Schouten, who is a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies and […]
With the global economy going through an unprecedented energy transition away from fossil fuels, demand is exploding for critical minerals essential for batteries and electrification, such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and rare earths. Accompanying this demand is a new geopolitical playing field, most commonly dominated by China, taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo. […]
In recent years, the theme of decolonization has become a thriving industry. It dominates academia, it frames historical narratives, and makes its way into the deepest corners politics and culture to the point that it is inescapable. But what has decolonization done for us lately, asks Cornell University Professor Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò in his new polemic, […]
This week we have distributed the following open letter from our client, Zimbabwean political prisoner and Member of Parliament Job Sikhala, who has been unlawfully imprisoned on politically motivated charges without trial since June 14, 2022. Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison Harare, Zimbabwe 03 August 2022 INTRODUCTION I write to you all, your Excellencies, Heads of […]
The following press release was distributed to media today: LONDON, 1 AUGUST 2022 – On Tuesday, August 2, the Zimbabwean Member of Parliament Job Sikhala will be appearing in court for a bail hearing after 47 days of jail time which will be closely monitored by the international community, says Sikhala’s lawyer Robert Amsterdam. Mr. […]
The following press release was distributed to media today: LONDON, July 28, 2022 – Job Sikhala, a Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker and interim chairman of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party who has been detained for more than 43 days, will be represented by international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, […]