Global Governance

Too often, scholars from the Global South are questioned on their "research scope" when they study their own countries. Should this matter? My reflection draws on thinkers such as Donna Haraway, Bent Flyvbjerg, Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Pierre Bourdieu and Loic Wacquant to argue that proximity is not bias, but rather insight, and that personal connection can deepen the quality and relevance of academic research when approached with honesty and reflexivity.

The EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements promise greater market access and development support for African countries, yet their implementation risks undermining state sovereignty, regional integration, and local industries, raising questions about who truly benefits from these trade deals.

At the upcoming AU–EU Summit in Luanda, the question is not just how Europe engages with Africa, but whether the African Union is ready to lead boldly and independently. From AfCFTA’s untapped potential to the continent’s control of critical minerals, Africa holds immense leverage in shaping global trade and the green transition. Yet, without narrative power, fiscal autonomy, and strategic unity, that leverage risks slipping away.

What does “partnership” really mean when power is so unevenly distributed? And when Africa is constantly referred to as “the future”, who gets to own, shape, and benefit from that future?

Male corporate leaders and billionaires may seem financially secure, but many face deep emotional stress linked to money, power, and identity. Research shows that financial distress among elites can manifest as overconfidence, aggression, or risky decisions, often driven by threatened masculinity. Financial therapy, though often overlooked for this group, could help prevent emotionally driven choices that destabilize companies and economies.