Balanced, relevant and policy-oriented analysis and debate
For the past 27 years, the Institute has served as an independent foreign policy think tank, focused on analysing and promoting dialogue on the international political and economic environment and the role of South Africa and Africa within it.
Initially founded in 1995 as a grant-funded foundation, the IGD evolved into an institute and entered into a strategic agreement with Unisa in 2010 to pursue joint research, dialogue and publications. Dr Philani Mthembu is the Executive Director of the institute.
The IGD advances balanced, relevant and policy-oriented analysis and debate and documentation of South Africa and Africa’s global politics and diplomacy. It strives to promote a broader understanding of the role of foreign policy and diplomacy in the pursuit of national and international development goals.
The institute has four research programmes: foreign policy analysis, geopolitical dynamics and governance, international diplomacy and the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
It publishes a number of journals, newsletters and policy reviews. Latin American Report is its annual journal on the Global South and, through Global Insights, IGD provides analysis of topical issues. The Global Dialogue is an international affairs review.
IGD does occasional project and consultancy work with the South African government, international organisations and major South African corporates that have invested in emerging markets.
In 2021, IGD edited one book, completed seven book chapters and supervised three PhD students and one master’s student.
Last modified: Mon Aug 07 17:24:44 SAST 2023