Johannesburg – 09 October 2024 – The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) is set to host its international conference titled "Thucydides Trap or Orderly Multipolar World? Challenges and Opportunities for Africa" in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and the Consulate General of India. The conference will be held in Sandton from 10 to 11 October 2024.

This event will bring together renowned scholars and policymakers from Africa and around the world, aiming to develop strategic African responses to global challenges. According to MISTRA researcher Dr Laurence Caromba, the discussions will centre on Africa’s position in a shifting global order and examine pressing global issues through an African lens.

Key Themes and Discussions

The conference will explore the ‘Thucydides Trap’, a concept describing the tension between a rising power and an established one, often leading to conflict. Attendees will consider how African states can respond to rising international trade conflicts, interstate wars, and the growing potential for a global war. Increased intra-African integration and cooperation will also be discussed as a potential solution to these global uncertainties.

Conference Highlights

• Joel Netshitenzhe, Executive Director of MISTRA, will deliver the keynote address on the opening day, followed by presentations from other event partners.
• Panel discussions will include:
  • Africa in an Age of Power Transition
  • Geo-Economics and International Cooperation in a Divided World
• On the second day, Honourable Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, will give an address, followed by a panel on African Strategies for the Future.

Impact and Outcomes

"This conference will contribute to the development of new foreign policy ideas and strategic insights that will place Africa at the centre of global geopolitics," said Dr Caromba. The event seeks to foster international cooperation that will benefit the people of Africa by addressing key issues that affect the continent in today’s divided world.

Attend the Conference

The event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. To register for the online event, RSVP here.

For enquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About MISTRA
The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) is an independent think tank focused on long-term strategic challenges facing South Africa, the African continent, and the world.

For more information, please contact:
Kgotso Mathabatha
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082 627 6547

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