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Folashade Soule

Senior Research Associate, University of Oxford
I am a Senior research associate at the University of Oxford and a former postdoctoral reseacher of the Oxford-Princeton Global Leaders fellowship programme. I hold a PhD (summe cum laude) in International Relations from Sciences Po Paris. Since defending her PhD, I have been a postdoctoral researcher at the London School of Economics (LSE), and a part-time Lecturer in International Relations and Political Science (Africa and Global Politics; the Politics of Globalization; International Political Economy).

My current research investigates the negotiation practices of francophone African governments when dealing with China (infrastructure projects). It is at the intersection of negotiation practice theory and the study of (agency) in IR. I have published several articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Global Governance, Afrique contemproaine, Foro Internacional and Cahiers des Amériques Latines. As a policy-facing academic, connecting policy and research, I have been acted as an international strategy consultant for the OECD, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Presidency of Benin, and consultancy firms (Oxford Analytica, Ernst&Young, Deloitte). I have also trained young diplomats and military civil servants in Bamako, Mali in methodology and analytical tools in international relations.

How to negotiate infrastructure deals with China: four things African governments need to put right

Jan 04, 2019 16:02 pm UTC| Insights & Views

You dont negotiate with China ! I was quickly told when I started interviewing African public servants about their infrastructure deals with Beijing. There is a widespread view in Africa that you accept whatever terms are...

Economy

NZ January unadjusted trade balance stronger-than-expected as exports overpower imports

New Zealands unadjusted trade balance saw a deficit of $340 million, which was stronger than expected. Exports fell seasonally, but not by as much as expected. The majority of the supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19...

U.S. Treasuries slump ahead of 5-year auction, FOMC members’ speeches

The U.S. Treasuries slumped during Wednesdays afternoon session ahead of the countrys 5-year auction, due to be held today by 18:00GMT. Also, speeches by FOMC members, Kaplan and Kashkari, awaiting to be delivered today by...

UK gilts gain ahead of BoE MPC members’ speeches

The United Kingdoms gilts gained during European trading hours Wednesday ahead of a host of speeches by members of the Bank of Englands (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), all due to be delivered through this week, for...

German bunds mixed ahead of ECB President Lagarde’s speech, February employment report

The German bunds remained mixed during afternoon session Wednesday ahead of the European Central Banks (ECB) Governor Christine Lagardes speech, due to be delivered today by 13:30GMT and the countrys employment report for...

BoK may frontload rate cut at tomorrow’s monetary policy meeting, says DBS Economics & Strategy

The Bank of Korea (BoK) is expected to deliver a 25bps rate cut at tomorrows monetary policy meeting, given the deterioration in the local COVID-19 situation, according to the latest research report from DBS Economics ...

Politics

Hillary Clinton says Putin ‘wanted to defeat me’ in 2016 polls

Hillary Clinton was recently in Germany to attend the Berlin International Film Festival for director Nanette Bursteins Hulu documentary series Hillary. During the press conference, the former U.S. Secretary of State...

Ivanka Trump accused of spending US taxpayer dollars on India ‘sightseeing trip’

President Donald Trump is known for sometimes bringing along his family on his travels abroad. For instance he brought his children - except Barron - along with their spouses when he visited Queen Elizabeth II, according...

Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr. feud: Donald Trump’s children reportedly hate each other

Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr.s relationship has reportedly become strained especially after the POTUS started trusting the latter more. According to the Atlantic, Donald Trumps favorite daughter and so-called golden...

Why Melania Trump wasn't punished for lying under oath in 2013?

Melania Trump previously lied under oath regarding her education. At that time, the FLOTUS claimed that she was a college graduate with a degree in architecture. However, it was, later on, revealed that Donald Trumps...

Barack Obama’s fake photo awarding convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein of Medal of Freedom circulates online

The rise of social media has paved the way for misinformation to spread in the fastest fashion the world has ever seen. No one is exempted from online fake news, even former United States President Barack Obama. A photo of...

Science

Archaeologists discover wall of human bones and skulls in Belgium cathedral

If history has shown us anything, it is that religious buildings or establishments related to a certain faith can be very haunting. A group of archaeologists found a haunting part of a certain cathedral in Belgium, made up...

Asteroids: NASA spots asteroid traveling 27,939 mph, expected to approach within the week

A lot of asteroids have been spotted approaching Earth, and this year is no different. NASAs asteroid trackers have taken notice of one particular rock traveling towards Earth at a rapid pace. Express reports that the...

NASA: Agency holds competition to design the next Venus rover

Although space agencies in the world are always looking into the planets that are farther away from the Sun, from Mars and beyond even until Pluto. NASA, on the other hand, is looking into exploring a planet that is a...

NASA: Scientists notice a moving object on Pluto's surface in probe images

Being the farthest planet from the Sun, Pluto already lies in a part of space that seems impossible to reach until now. The probe images show an unusual anomaly on the dwarf planets surface. Express reports that NASAs...

Scientists discover the remnants of an ancient city in Turkey linked to King Midas' myth

There is still much to learn regarding the events that transpired in history. Recently, a group of researchers found remnants indicating a lost city in Turkey. Express reports that archaeologists from the University of...

Technology

‘NBA 2K21’ is a very possible launch title for Xbox Series X

Sports simulations are some of the best types of video games to demonstrate the power of a console, especially if it is a highly anticipated next-generation rig, such as the Xbox Series X. The console is confirmed to be...

‘eFootball PES 2021’ cover should feature Cristiano Ronaldo, per online poll

In a few months, football and video game fans around the world are likely getting an update about eFootball PES 2021, including the early teasers for the sims next iteration. Meanwhile, fans have already made their...

‘The Elder Scrolls Online: Harrowstorm’ DLC goes live on March 10 for PS4 and Xbox One

The year-long events for The Elder Scrolls Online under the series The Dark Heart of Skyrim has started this week with the release of the Harrowstorm DLC. However, the new gameplay pack is only available on PC and Mac...

‘PUBG’ update 6.2 allows Xbox One and PS4 players can now party up together

A PUBG update introduced last year already added console cross-play which allows players using different consoles such as the PS4 and Xbox One to fight against each other. However, the feature is a bit limited since it...

Warren Buffet trades his $20 flip phone for an iPhone 11

Warren Buffet is known for his frugal lifestyle. Despite being one of the richest men in the world, he still lives in the same home he purchased decades ago bucking the trend among his wealthy peers with their preference...