UJ’s IFK to host webinar series on the United States and the Emerging World Order

July 2, 2025

Media Release

ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS
Media Advisory
For immediate release
Wednesday, 02 July 2025

As the global balance of power continues to shift, the role of the United States in shaping the emerging world order remains a subject of intense debate and critical importance. This thought-provoking webinar series critically explores the evolving role of the United States in a multipolar world.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) invites members of the media to virtually attend the three part webinar series hosted by the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK).

Part 1: The United States and South Africa

In light of growing diplomatic friction and evolving geopolitical alignments, this webinar critically explores the current state and future trajectory of United States–South Africa relations. Once marked by strong cooperation in areas such as trade, public health, and democracy promotion, bilateral ties have recently come under pressure due to diverging foreign policy positions, global power shifts, and domestic political considerations.

Bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this discussion will unpack the root causes of the tensions, assess their implications for regional and global diplomacy, and consider pathways for restoring mutual trust and strategic engagement.

Webinar Details:

Opening Remarks: Dr Oluwaseun Tella, Head of the Future of Diplomacy, Institute for the Future of Knowledge, University of Johannesburg

Chair: Professor Joelien Pretorius, Head of Department of Political Studies, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town

Speakers:

Ambassador Kingsley Makhubela, Director RiskRecon and former CEO of Brand South Africa

Professor Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, University of South Africa, Pretoria

Professor Christopher Isike, Director, ACSUS-University of Pretoria

DATE: Thursday, 03 July 2025
TIME: 17:00 – 18:30 (SAST)
PLATFORM: ZOOM: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-Q6m6eUFQW-ckEdKZUTnHw#/registration

Upcoming Webinars:

Part 2: The United States and Africa
10 July 2025, 17:00-18:30 (SAST)

Part 3: The United States and the World
17 July 2025, 17:00-18:30 (SAST)

Media is invited to attend.

ENQUIRIES: lmotsau@uj.ac.za / Tel: +27 (0)11 559 7213

Issued by:
Mpiletso Motumi
Media Liaison
mmotumi@uj.ac.za
011 559 6463
082 052 7800