Joan Swart
Dr Joan Swart is a forensic psychologist and military analyst specialising in security studies, geopolitics, and strategic affairs, with a particular focus on Africa. She is currently completing a PhD at the University of Stellenbosch Military Academy.
Articles By This Author
When Great Powers escalate: Africa’s shrinking room for strategic ambiguity
Distance is often assumed to soften the impact of conflict. When tensions rise between major powers, attention focuses on where fighting might occur and who
The case for radical decentralisation in South Africa
South Africa’s decline is often described in terms of corruption, mismanagement, or political decay. Yet the deeper problem lies in structure, not behaviour. The design
The end of USAID: a geopolitical blunder
In a Mozambican village, a clinic once bustling with USAID-funded nurses lies abandoned, its shelves bare of HIV drugs that sustained 389,000 lives. Nearby, Russian
The Western Cape’s right to self-determination: Pretoria does not hold the aces
The Western Cape people, a distinct community defined by our unique culture, values, and aspirations, have endured decades of governance that disregards our democratic will.
South Africa: A Fine Place to Fight for, but in Need of Pragmatic Solutions
Marius Roodt’s heartfelt ode to South African nationalism in his article, South Africa – A Fine Place, Worth Fighting For (June 26, 2025), evokes a
The Universal Call for Independence: Parallels between Puerto Rico and the Western Cape
In the democratic world, the right to self-determination has been one of the most profound (and recognised) political ideals, inspiring independence movements across the globe.