In an effort to position itself as an independent, non-partisan and trusted Centre of excellence contributing to the body of knowledge through evidence-based research and advocacy, the Centre for Multilateral Affairs (CfMA) has so far concluded two strategic planning retreats to define, and further re-define its future – particularly and in regard to its Mission and Vision.
The organization was formed at the time, and in response to a call for student peer reviewed journal article that sought to broaden international relations perspectives as far as internet governance is concerned. The journal article submitted by one of our team member entitled “Authoritarianism and Internet Governance in Tanzania” was eventually published by Key Issues – based in Bremen, Germany. The paper can be accessed here. After, we tested our idea of creating a platform that interrogates and integrates International Relations perspectives to local, regional and global policy discourses. This is when we gave a lightning talk at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2019 organized by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy in Eastern and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
The lighting talk at the Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was hinged on the topic “Cyber Anarchy: Is Internet Governance Anarchical in Nature’? Our talk was premised on the logic that the lack of central authority in international system of governance creates an anarchical condition. A condition of chaos. We discussed this within the context of the assertion of scholars such as Kenneth A. Oye, R. Jervis and R. Keohane who asks fundamental questions. For example, Kenneth A. Oye – in his seminal work ‘Cooperation Under Anarchy’; He questions – under what conditions will cooperation emerge in an egoistic, self-interested international system? In the same way, is internet governance possible in such an anarchic state? While the discussions was broadened and several questions as well as answers were provided, a deeper reflection on the application of normative frameworks and laws within the context of an anarchic society we live in is critical. This entails how States apply and adhere to international law. There are issues to contend with in internet governance – for instance, governance of the cyber space and applications of laws in the cyber space and the cooperation required therein by states.
We did not intend to seek answers at that time, we wanted to rather introduce and broaden thoughts and perspectives around these aspects. Since then, the CfMA was established. Within a short period of time, our website has attracted close to fifteen thousand visits. Our articles and perspectives are highly read. We have recived positive feedback and we continue to strive.
We are interested in promoting stronger linkages between research, policy and practice. Its in this vein that we have had two successful strategic planning retreats. First one was held in January and the 2nd one in March. Our Strategic Planning process are guided and facilitated by a German Organizational Development expert with substantial experience working in Africa, Middle East and Europe.
