News & Events

A relatively unknown feature in Africa’s international relations is the slow return of Israel to the continent, re-establishing diplomatic relations and cooperation programs. Growing contacts between Israel and the (Sunni) Muslim world helped to take away Africa’s hesitation for reconnecting with Israel. While advancing its business interests, Israel has no ‘imperialist’ agenda in Africa, Jan Abbink observes in his latest contribution to the ASCL Africanist Blog.

This article in 'Children & Society' by Lidewyde Berckmoes and colleagues explores how children in conflict‐affected Burundi deal with violence in their everyday lives. Focusing on schools as a context in which children are prepared for further roles in society, research was conducted at 36 primary schools throughout Burundi. Findings reveal that children use a variety of strategies to deal with violence they encounter. These strategies are ultimately aimed at reducing vulnerability to (future) violence.

In this special event on 7 November, Harry Wels and Jan-Bart Gewald will have a curated conversation with Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast (2016), a New York Times Bestseller. For Being a Beast Foster literally tried to live like animals, choosing a badger, an otter, a fox, a deer and a swift. Foster will be asked about qualitative research methods such as participative observation, and his view on African Studies from the perspective of animals.

While the 2019 Women's World Cup set everyone's mind on football, this Library Highlight deals with football in Africa. The ASCL Library contains several books, articles and DVDs about football, including women’s football, which is becoming ever more popular in Africa. This highlight focusses on the book 'The People’s Game: football fandom in Zimbabwe' by Manase Kudzai Chiwese and the documentary film 'Ladies’ Turn' by Hélène Harder. Read the latest Library Highlight!