Alex de Waal is a fellow of the Global Equity Initiative at Harvard University, and a director of Justice Africa. His books include Famine that Kills: Darfur, Sudan, 1984-85 (Oxford University Press, 1989, revised edition, 2005), Islamism and Its Enemies in the Horn of Africa (Indiana University Press, 2004), (with Julie Flint) Darfur: A Short History of a Long War (Zed Books, 2006), AIDS and Power: Why there is no political crisis – yet (Zed Press, August 2006).and (with Julie Flint) Darfur: A Short History of a Long War (Zed Books, 2nd edition, 2008).

Recent articles

The request to indict Sudan's president on charges of genocide and war crimes in Darfur is a historic moment in international justice. But is it wise, and will it bring peace in Sudan nearer or destabilise the country further? Alex de Waal presents the many sides of a vigorous debate

The world's experience of living with HIV/Aids in the past generation suggests that tough and far-sighted policies are needed if progress is to be made over the next, says Alex de Waal.

The Darfur peace deal signed in May 2006 has failed to halt the cycle of violence and suffering, says a member of the African Union's mediation team. A new settlement will be harder. But for Alex de Waal, there is no alternative to painstaking, constructive engagement.

The lesson of the international Aids conference in Toronto is that the global Aids industry needs to think strategically to meet the challenges of the next twenty-five years, says Alex de Waal.

The collapse of the Darfur peace agreement designed to resolve the conflict in western Sudan could be averted by a more comprehensive approach to the key issue of disarmament, says Alex de Waal.