One of our professors recently quipped that it’s been “all revolution, all the time” around here. Not quite, but we have indeed remained strongly engaged as a university contributing to the Arab world’s transition to democracy. The “Tahrir Dialogues,” a forum open to the public organized by our School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, has been bringing together prominent Egyptians to debate issues such as constitutional reform, political parties, anti-corruption measures, and the upcoming elections.

But the Cairo Review of Global Affairs now moves on to another region for our Summer issue, offering a Special Report on South Africa. Managing Editor Scott MacLeod traveled to Pretoria for an exclusive interview with South African President Jacob Zuma, who makes a compelling argument for multipolar global governance. South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan expands on the theme in a piece about the group of emerging nations known as BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and, the newest member, South Africa.

We are also privileged to publish an important article related to global governance by the former Brazilian foreign minister, Celso Amorim; he provides a fascinating look at his country’s policies in the Middle East. Rounding out our theme is an eloquent essay on Nelson Mandela’s legacy by John Carlin, an author and journalist who has spent many years closely studying South Africa’s liberation leader.

Two decades ago, South Africa underwent a historic transition from apartheid to democracy. Today, Egypt and other countries in the Middle East are in the midst of political transformation. In this print edition and online at www.thecairoreview.com, the Cairo Review continues to bring you insights about our changing world.

Nabil Fahmy
Dean, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy