RUSI announces winner of international Nelson Mandela Essay Competition
27 Jun 2007
London – The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies together with the Brenthurst Foundation today announces the winner of its annual Nelson Mandela International Essay Competition on African Security and Development.
The winner is Laurie Nathan, Research Fellow at the London School of Economics and the University of Cape Town. Nathan’s essay, '"None But Ourselves”: Democratic Design Of Security & Defence Policy In Africa’, won amidst stiff competition.
The runners-up were James E Shircliffe Jr, an Analyst at SAIC inc and Matthew Rombough, an independent consultant on international security issues. Mr Shircliffe’s essay was entitled ‘Tip of the African Spear: Forging an Expeditionary Capability for a Troubled Continent’ whilst Mr Rombough’s was entitled ‘Post-Colonial African challenges for Peace and Security - The future of African Military Forces’.
The judges also named Festus Brew Quansah as a Special Runner-up in recognition for being the Top Young Persons Entry in the competition.
Notes for Editors
Nelson Mandela International Essay Competition On African Security and Development
This competition is established jointly by RUSI and the Brenthurst Foundation with the generous support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The Competition was open to professionals writing in the field, academics, government and armed forces' personnel, and new writers seeking to contribute to the debate. The winning entry received an award of £1,500 and a year's membership of RUSI, and three runners-up received a year's membership.
In 2007, entrants answered the question: “What should African armed forces of the 21st Century look like?”
About RUSI
Founded by the Duke of Wellington in 1831, the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) aims to work on the cutting edge of defence and security studies. Our purpose is to analyze, stimulate debate and identify options for all issues of national and international defence and security.
About the Brenthurst Foundation
A Johannesburg based think tank devoted to strengthening Africa’s economic performance.