The Zambakari Advisory
  • About
  • Services
    • Strategic Intelligence
    • Program Design
    • Transitional Processes
  • Publications
    • Africa >
      • Special Issue: Fall 2021
      • Special Issue: Fall 2020
      • Special Issue: Summer 2020
      • Special Issue: Spring 2020
      • Special Issue: 2019
      • Peer Reviewed Articles
      • Reports
      • Magazines/Newspaper
      • Policy Brief
      • Features
      • Book / Book Chapter
    • Middle East & North Africa >
      • Special Issue: Winter 2020
      • Peer Reviewed Articles
    • North America >
      • Special Issue: Fall 2021
      • Special Issue: Fall 2020
      • Peer Reviewed Articles
      • Reports
    • Call For Papers >
      • Special Issue Spring 2023
      • Special Issue Winter 2023
  • Blog
    • Africa
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • Submission Guidelines
  • Media
  • Donate

Women and Perpetration of Intra- and Inter-gender Cultural Violence in Zimbabwe

10/21/2019

0 Comments

 
Rose Jaji (PhD)
University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
PictureLONDON - JUNE 27TH, 2015: Unidentified woman at the "Zimvigil" protest outside the Zimbabwean Embassy protesting human rights violations by Robert Mugabe. Credit: Tom Brittney/ Shutterstock.com
Women appear in much of the literature on violence as victims because violence is generally understood in terms that limit it to its direct or physical form, which is predominantly associated with men. The main result of masculinization of violence and its limitation to physical attack in the study of gender and violence is the pathologization of women, which obscures their political agency. Although women’s perpetration of direct violence is limited and largely unobtrusive relative to men in many conflict situations, women are conspicuous in perpetration of cultural violence, which Galtung (1990, 29) defines as “any aspect of culture that can be used to legitimize violence in its direct or structural form.” Cultural violence takes numerous forms that include art, science, ideology and language. Although it appears to be harmless, cultural violence justifies and legitimizes direct violence (Galtung 1990), and the two forms of violence are mutually constitutive. Cultural violence renders the idea of direct violence a palatable and appropriate response to perceived enemies identified through political ideology articulated through relevant language in Zimbabwean politics. The political discourse in Zimbabwe constitutes an integral component of cultural violence whose distinctive characteristics are name-calling and hate speech, which are exemplified by the depiction of political adversaries as puppets, traitors, and enemies who are a threat to the country and need to be “crushed.”



Read More
0 Comments

The Sudanese Revolution: A Different Political Landscape and a New Generation Baptized in the Struggle for Change

2/21/2019

0 Comments

 
Yasir Arman 
Deputy Chairman of the SPLM-N and Secretary for External Affairs for the Sudan Call.
Picture
Mass protest in Omdurman, Sudan. Photo by Radio Dabanga.
Sudan is facing multiple crises of nation-building, democratization, social justice, gender equality and the need for sustainable development. All these require a paradigm shift and structural changes on the basis of a blueprint that has sufficient national consensus and will eventually lead to building a modern state on equal citizenship. 

​The ongoing non-violent Sudanese revolution is the widest peaceful mass movement that Sudan has ever witnessed since its independence in 1956.  It has involved rural and urban Sudan, women, youth, students, professionals, political parties and movements, civil society groups, and activists from all walks of life, including anti-dam and anti-land grabbing movements and others. It has also attracted, in a limited way, some Islamists from the new and older generations who are for change.  Protests have continued for almost two months, which has provided Sudan’s political life with new blood, baptizing a new generation whose courage and abilities have re-energized the entire society and provided confidence that democratization and building a new Sudan is possible. 
​

Read More
0 Comments

Sudan’s Winter Revolution: The Uprising and the Way Forward

2/21/2019

1 Comment

 
Hashem Mekki
Adjunct Language Professor at The Institute of World Politics
Picture
A street protest in Khartoum. Photo by Radio Dabanga.
Many politicians and ordinary citizens in the United States and other countries in the western hemisphere have been following the political turmoil and human rights violations against ordinary citizens in Venezuela. However, what many might not have heard of is that in Sudan, people have been oppressed and their civil liberties have been violated for half a century.  The Republic of the Sudan, a country in Northeast Africa, where Islamic-oriented military regimes have dominated national politics since independence in the 1950s. Sudan is on the brink of a seismic political change as peaceful protesters march throughout its cities and the seat of power in the cosmopolitan capital Khartoum.

Read More
1 Comment

Increasing and Diminishing Returns – Africa’s Opportunity to Develop

8/20/2018

0 Comments

 
Professor Erik Reinert, Technology Governance and Development Strategies, Tallinn University of Technology
‘This tendency to Diminishing Returns was the cause of Abraham’s parting from Lot, and of most of the migrations of which history tells’ wrote the founder of neo-classical economics, Alfred Marshall, in the first edition of his textbook Principles of Economics(1890). In a footnote he refers to the Bible’s Genesis xiii : 6: ‘And the land was not able to bear them that they might dwell together; for their substance was great so they could not dwell together’. (Marshall 1890: 201).
Picture
​Marshall’s observation also applies to today’s migration patterns: from countries where most activities are subject to constant or diminishing returns to countries whose key economic activities are subject to increasing returns to scale. Diminishing returns occur when one factor of production is limited by nature, which means that it occurs in agriculture, mining, and fisheries. Normally the best land, the best ore, and the richest fishing grounds are exploited first, and – after a point – the more a country specialises in these activities, the poorer it gets. OECD (2018) shows how this occurs in Chilean copper mining: every ton of copper is produced with a higher cost than the previous ton.


Read More
0 Comments

Navigating through Research-fatigued Communities

8/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Rose Jaji (PhD), University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
PictureSmallholder farmers in Kenya. [Source: McKay Savage from London, UK (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons]
Researchers, whether their research sites fit into the classical home-field dichotomy or conflate home and the field, plan the field trip with the supposition that they will find research participants. What researchers may not have discussed on the numerous academic platforms available to them is the possibility of encountering a research-fatigued or research-weary community. Potential research participants may also have expectations of the research. But do researchers consider research from the perspective of research participants and what it means to tell one’s story and not see the relevance of the research to one’s life? Relevance of the research to research participants plays an important role in facilitating access (Coleman 1996). Some research participants may have participated in previous researches and may want to know why they should keep telling their stories. I address my experiences as I carried out research with farmers in an irrigation scheme in Zimbabwe and urban refugees in Kenya. 


Read More
0 Comments

Security and Statehood: Some countries and events to watch in West Africa

5/11/2017

0 Comments

 
​Muhammad Dan Suleiman, University of Western Australia, Perth
Picture
Introduction: 
In recent years, West Africa has come into the global spotlight due to the prevalence of famines, religious terrorism, anti-state rebellions, and arms, drugs and human trafficking. These developments are the product of both local and global dynamics and they remain substantial challenges for the region in 2017 and beyond. There have been positive developments, including an emerging consolidation of support for democratic transitions of power through both popular protests and elite-led regional diplomatic and military interventions against unconstitutional changes of government or attempted unlawful retentions of power. While there are positive developments, concerns have increased of late about insecurity in West Africa in an era of violent criminal and political movements operating across borders. Indeed, West Africa suffers from ethno-religious tensions, political instability, poverty and natural disasters.  West Africa is a vast sub-region. Nevertheless, I offer below a highlight of key developments and events to watch in a few countries and locations in the sub-region, and the best way to address pressing issues.


Read More
0 Comments

Instability in South Sudan: An Analysis of Violent Events between 2011 through 2016

4/16/2017

0 Comments

 
Kyle Anderson (MS), Data Analyst Research Aide, The Zambakari Advisory
Richard Rivera (MA), Statistician & Psychometrician, The Zambakari Advisory
​​Prior to its birth on July 9th, 2011, the area that is now South Sudan has faced instability, which can be seen as a result of its history of colonization that has, in turn, led to a legacy of instability and violence (Metelits, 2016). The current conflict in South Sudan can be thought of in terms of social, political, and economic factors. The Fragile States Index quantifies these factors, creating a composite score for each country. As of 2016, out of 178 countries that were studied, South Sudan was the second most fragile, only trailing Somalia (Fragile States Index, 2016).
This piece discusses two research questions investigating events within the five years following the birth of South Sudan: 1) What is the frequency and distribution of the interaction of actor type and event types for events in South Sudan from July 9th, 2011 to July 8th, 2016?, 2) What is the frequency and distribution of actor types within the different states in South Sudan from July 9th, 2011, to July 8th, 2016?

Read More
0 Comments

Homosexuality: “unAfricanness” and Vulnerability

3/8/2017

0 Comments

 
Rose Jaji (PhD), University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
​
PictureCape Town, South Africa, March 2019. Photo of participants at the Gay Pride Parade event in Cape Town. In the foreground is a banner with a lion (a symbol of South Africa) with gay colours in its mane. Credit: Lois GoBe/shutterstock.com
Many anti-homosexual[1] Africans claim that homosexuality is “unAfrican” and view advocacy by Western governments for homosexuals’ rights in Africa as cultural imperialism. The crisis of attribution regarding homosexuality has created confusion manifest in its westernization. Juxtaposed with traditional accommodation of non-conformity and diversity in African cultures, the prevailing intolerance and homophobia among many Africans was in fact introduced by missionaries who condemned traditional practices on the continent as pagan, primitive, and evil.[2] It is puzzling how African Christians question the “Africanness” of homosexuality without questioning the “Africanness” of Christianity which was brought to Africa by Western missionaries. If homosexuality is “unAfrican” and “Western” for the reason that Western governments advocate homosexuals’ rights, why have the same Africans embraced Christianity which came to Africa through Western missionaries and is thriving in Africa decades after the continent shook off the colonial yoke? 


Read More
0 Comments

Mining CEMAC: Dependence that undermines the economy of the community of States

3/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Hermann-Habib KIBANGOU,
Researcher - Research Officer at Centre d’Etudes et de Formation pour le Developpement (CEFOD) in N’djamena (Chad)
Picture(Credit: Gerhard Michael Free, Shutterstock)
The Central African Economic and Monetary Community known as CEMAC, is made up of six States in Central Africa, namely: Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, the Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea.It is no exaggeration to say that CEMAC countries rely heavily on the exploitation of Extractive Industries (EI) for their respective development. Yves Alvarez et al. note that “like many other countries in Africa, the member countries of the CEMAC rely heavily on the exploitation of raw materials to support growth. However, for many reasons, these countries find that industrial exploitation based on foreign direct investment (FDI) does not create sufficient wealth to maintain growth and sustainable development.”[1] Does heavy reliance on the exploitation of raw materials enough to sustain growth? 


Read More
0 Comments

Neoliberal Threats to Local Governance in South Sudan

1/30/2017

2 Comments

 
​Tarnjeet Kang, Ph.D Candidate, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
PictureWomen's Empowerment Program in Juba, South Sudan. Photo Credit: Tarnjeet Kang.
​​​Walking around the central city area of Juba, South Sudan’s capital, it is difficult to miss the copious signs directing people to the compounds of CSOs, NGOs, and other international organizations such as the numerous United Nations agencies. Many of the public institutions scattered across the city also bear markers of international sponsorship. This phenomenon is replicated in the hearts of state capitals across the country. While the presence of foreign interventions in South Sudan has been discussed colloquially, the implications and long-term consequences, particularly within the context of a neoliberal era of development, has not been critically investigated thus far.


Read More
2 Comments
    Be our guest.
    ​Interested in being featured on our blog?

    ​We'd love to hear from you. Find out more. 

    Archives

    December 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

    Categories

    All
    Abubakar Shekau
    Africa
    Alfred Marshall
    Al Shabaab
    AQIM
    Armed Conflict And Location Event Database (ACLED)
    Boko Haram
    Catholic Bishop Association (CENCO)
    CEMAC
    Chad
    Civil Unrest
    Civil War
    CNS
    Constitutionalism
    Diminishing Returns
    DRC
    Economic Development
    Economic Growth
    Etienne Tshisekedi
    Fieldwork
    Fragile State
    Framing
    Governance And Development Strategies
    Homosexuality
    Human Trafficking
    Instability
    Jihadism
    Khartoum Protest
    Knowledge Production
    Le Rassemblement
    Mali
    Marshall Plan
    Mauritania
    Militant
    MINUSMA
    Mobutu Sésé Seko
    Narratives
    National Sovereign Conference
    New Sudan
    Niger
    Political Instability
    Protest
    Qaeda In The Islamic Maghreb
    Rassemblement Des Forces Acquises Au Changement
    Referendum
    Repression
    Research
    Riek Machar
    Sahelian Region
    Salva Kiir
    Secessionism
    Senegal
    South Sudan
    SPLA
    SPLM
    Sudan
    Sudan Call
    Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N)
    Terrorism
    The Democratic Republic Of Congo
    UDPS
    Union For Democracy And Social Progress
    Unlawful Retentions Of Power
    Uprising
    Violence

ABOUT

MEDIA

CONTACT US

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Copyright © 2022 The Zambakari Advisory - ​Privacy Policy 
Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. You can control cookies by adjusting your browser or device settings.
If you continue without changing your settings, we assume that you are happy to receive all cookies.
​If not, please feel free to opt out here.

SEO by Qasim Khilji

  • About
  • Services
    • Strategic Intelligence
    • Program Design
    • Transitional Processes
  • Publications
    • Africa >
      • Special Issue: Fall 2021
      • Special Issue: Fall 2020
      • Special Issue: Summer 2020
      • Special Issue: Spring 2020
      • Special Issue: 2019
      • Peer Reviewed Articles
      • Reports
      • Magazines/Newspaper
      • Policy Brief
      • Features
      • Book / Book Chapter
    • Middle East & North Africa >
      • Special Issue: Winter 2020
      • Peer Reviewed Articles
    • North America >
      • Special Issue: Fall 2021
      • Special Issue: Fall 2020
      • Peer Reviewed Articles
      • Reports
    • Call For Papers >
      • Special Issue Spring 2023
      • Special Issue Winter 2023
  • Blog
    • Africa
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • Submission Guidelines
  • Media
  • Donate