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CFR Staff

Alexandra Dent

Research Associate, Africa Policy Studies

Alexandra Dent is a research associate for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Before joining CFR, she was a Freedom in the World junior fellow for Africa at Freedom House. She holds a BA in government from Dartmouth College

China Strategy Initiative

China in Africa: August 2024

Throughout August, much of China’s engagement in Africa has set the stage for this week’s upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. While diplomats emphasized strengthening long-standing relationships with countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, announcements of new investments focused on the African energy needs of the future.

Article by Alexandra Dent September 3, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Sub-Saharan Africa

Africa and the Gulf Are Growing Closer. Will It Increase Global Tensions?

The Gulf states are angling for closer ties with African countries, and the feeling is mutual. But critics say differences over governance values, labor rights, and ongoing conflicts could stoke tensions.

In Brief by Alexandra Dent and Mariel Ferragamo August 8, 2024
Gabon

Gabon’s Balancing Act

Gabon’s transitional government struggles to make the case for readmission into regional and global institutions.

Blog Post by Alexandra Dent January 25, 2024 Africa in Transition
Technology and Innovation

The TikTok Trap

TikTok is an easy scapegoat, but the lack of tech regulation and data protection is the underlying cause of our collective anxiety in the digital age.

Blog Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent September 13, 2023 Net Politics
Technology and Innovation

Artificial Intelligence Enters the Political Arena

Politics is one of the latest industries shaken up by AI, the use of artificially generated content in campaigns could spell trouble for candidates and voters alike in the fight against mis- and disinformation.

Blog Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent May 24, 2023 Net Politics
Women and Women's Rights

Glass Ceiling Index: Not Yet Shattered

Over its decade of tracking women’s progress in the workforce, the Economist’s Glass Ceiling Index has registered very little improvement, as gendered structural barriers endure.

Blog Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent April 17, 2023 Women Around the World
Sub-Saharan Africa

Staying Neutral on Ukraine Easier Said Than Done for African States

As the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group expands its Africa footprint, questions remain about what “neutrality” really looks like for African governments.

Blog Post by Alexandra Dent January 27, 2023 Africa in Transition
Women and Women's Rights

Data is the New Gold, But May Threaten Democracy and Dignity

Few safeguards protect our private data in today’s information economy. What can be done about the fact that our personal images and data can be exploited, potentially threatening personal as well as national security?

Blog Post by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent January 5, 2023 Women Around the World

United Nations

The UN Security Council

The UN Security Council is the premier global body for maintaining international peace and security, but it faces steady calls for reform to better meet twenty-first-century challenges.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors September 9, 2024

United Nations

The Role of the UN Secretary-General

The United Nations’ top leadership position has broad authority to steer the organization’s agenda, but its impact has varied widely since 1946.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors August 29, 2024

United States

Foreign Policy at the U.S. National Political Conventions

Foreign policy issues regularly come to the fore at the national political conventions, especially during periods of global instability. Sometimes the events are marked by bitter disagreements within the parties.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors August 21, 2024

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