Strategic autonomy
Small states in a fragmented order
How Ghana and its neighbours can widen their room for manoeuvre as great-power competition intensifies.
Research programme
Intelligence · Strategy · Small states
Intelligence · Strategy · Small states
Beyond Power
Where the Centre began: a study of how a small state can make intelligence part of its grand strategy.
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The thesis
Beyond Power: Integrating Intelligence into Grand Strategy for Small States. A Case Study of Ghana in a Fragmented Global Order.
The thesis asks how a small state can use intelligence as part of its grand strategy when the global order is fragmenting. It is a qualitative case study of Ghana, grounded in Neoclassical Realism and Strategic Intelligence Theory.
Intelligence works best as a strategic multiplier.
It helps a state adapt, stay resilient and keep its strategic autonomy. The Centre exists to carry that finding from the page into practice.
Theoretical frame
Lens 01
Neoclassical Realism
The international system sets the constraints; a state's leaders, perceptions and institutions decide how it responds.
Lens 02
Strategic Intelligence Theory
Intelligence as the anticipation and understanding that let a state act before events decide for it.
Keywords
IntelligenceGrand strategySmall statesGhanaStrategic autonomyNational resilienceStrategic adaptationIntelligence governanceFragmented global order
Why it matters
A small state's advantage is the quality of its judgement.
Research agenda
The questions we are working on.
Built on the thesis, the Centre's agenda follows the strategic questions that will shape Africa's place in the world.
Intelligence governance
From information to advantage
Translating intelligence into enduring national advantage, within law and accountable institutions.
Cultural power
Culture as strategy
Identity, heritage and creativity as sources of influence and national confidence.
Policy briefs and reports from this agenda will be published here. To receive them, or to propose a collaboration, write to the Centre.
