The SACCPS has published online the inaugural issue of its journal – Southern African Peace and Security Studies vol. 1 no. 1. The majority of articles in this issue are based on papers presented at the SACCPS network's first conference held in Lusaka, Zambia in September 2011. That conference focused on the issue of peacemaking and mediation, and thus, much of this inaugural issue deals with this subject. After an editor's introduction proving an overview of peace and security in southern Africa (Virgil Hawkins), academic articles are presented discussing the subject of quiet diplomacy in Zimbabwe (George Abel Mhango), attempts at conflict mediation by South Africa (Katabaro Miti), the DRC's state of 'no war, no peace' (Gerrie Swart), and community mediation in Tanzania (Riziki Shahari Mngwali). This is followed by a policy brief on the problems associated with the DRC's 2011 elections (Masako Yonekawa), and finally a book review.
The journal will be published twice per year – the next issue is to be issued in December 2012. While it is an academic journal, it remains highly conscious of the need to stay close to and actively engage with policymakers and representatives of civil society. This will ensure that the research conducted and lessons learned are firmly grounded in the demand for the development of practical solutions for real-world issues, and that the achievements are accessible and useful to policymakers and civil society. As such, on top of the peer-reviewed research articles (6,000 to 8,000 words), it also publishes policy briefs written primarily by practitioners (1,500 to 2,000 words) and reviews (up to 800 words).
With its sights set firmly on the region, Southern African Peace and Security Studies aims to produce a quality mix of cutting-edge academic and practical policy-oriented content, offering a variety of perspectives from experts and practitioners from within and beyond the region.
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