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Welcome to the Institute for African Studies

IAfS is an interdisciplinary hub housed within the Elliott School of International Affairs that connects students, faculty, and researchers who share an interest in Africa and provides a platform for robust and inclusive discussion on African and its place in the global affairs.

 

Our Purpose is to deepen public and scholarly knowledge of Africa and create opportunities for students, scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from a broad spectrum of disciplines to learn, research and share knowledge related to Africa.

Welcome to the Institute for African Studies

IAfS is an interdisciplinary hub housed within the Elliott School of International Affairs that connects students, faculty, and researchers who share an interest in Africa and provides a platform for robust and inclusive discussion on African and its place in the global affairs.

 

Our Purpose is to deepen public and scholarly knowledge of Africa and create opportunities for students, scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from a broad spectrum of disciplines to learn, research and share knowledge related to Africa.

INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT

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Upcoming Event

 

South Africa’s Evolving Foreign Policy Outlook

A Conversation with Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations & Cooperation

Monday, September 16, 2024 | 4:00–5:15 p.m. ET 

Elliott School of International Affairs | Lindner Family Commons (6th Floor)
1957 E St NW |  Washington DC 20052

South Africa is navigating its way through a new political era after parliamentary elections in May 2024 led to the formation of a Government of National Unity. How might these internal shifts shape South Africa’s foreign policy direction and its broader role in regional and international affairs? Join us for a conversation with H.E. Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, who will share his insights on the country’s evolving foreign policy and strategic goals.

Register

Student Highlight

 

 

Elliott School Students Travel to Senegal for Short-Term Abroad Course

Foreign Influence in Senegal: Exploring the Effects and Senegalese Perceptions

Sixteen Elliott School students travelled to Senegal over the winter break, for a short-term course exploring how competition for influence by external powers–France, the United States, Russia, China, and Turkey, for example–is viewed by the Senegalese people. Led by Matthew Kirwin, professorial lecturer and division chief at the U.S. State Department, the group spent time in the capital city of Dakar, Touba, and St. Louis, for a mix of lectures, focus groups, and cultural visits. “This short-term abroad experience has completely reshaped my perspective on international affairs,” wrote undergraduate Lizzie Jensen on the group’s Instagram page.

Read more in the GW Hatchet

News from the Institute

 

 

New Endowment Supports Lecture Series on U.S.-Africa Engagement

The Elliott School of International Affairs has received an endowment gift to support a new lecture series on U.S.-Africa engagement–the Bridges Institute Vivian Lowery Derryck Africa Lecture Series–as well as convenings of the Africa Policy Group whose members include former diplomats, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives. The gift was spearheaded by incoming Elliott School board member Vivian Lowery Derryck, founder and president emerita of the Bridges Institute. The lecture series will be launched in Fall 2023.

More
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Welcome to the IAfS community! We hope you will join us in supporting research, dialogue, teaching, and exchange to deepen our understanding of Africa. We aim to inspire and inform an up-and-coming generation to further explore the complexity, diversity, and dynamism of the continent and its importance in the study of global affairs.

Jennifer Cooke

Director, Institute for African Studies

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PAST EVENTS

Science Diplomacy & Partnership in Africa

 
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital importance of building strong and enduring partnerships in science and research, based on trust, transparency, and communication. Join us for this half-day conference on how best to expand partnerships between U.S. and African scientists, health professionals, and research institutes through a more robust science diplomacy agenda, as matter of mutual interest and global benefit. With keynote speaker, CDC Africa Director Dr. John Nkengasong.
Event Page
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IAfS Moments

Jennifer Cooke Remembering Biafra
#Into Africa: Live @IAfS
Panelist speaks holding another panelist's hand at How Women Saved Rwanda event
left - Jennifer Cooke, center - Ambassador Tibor Nagy (Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs), right - Amb. Reuben E. Brigety (Dean, Elliott School of Intl. Affairs)
Yali Expo
Women speaks into microphone at How Women Saved Rwanda event
ISO World tour
Panel discussion at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Shirley Graham speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Panelist speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Panelists speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Student asking question at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Audience question at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Jennifer Cooke speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Panelist speaks at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Two women hug at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Jennifer Cooke addresses panelists at How Women Saved Rwanda event
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