Crispian Olver, a former senior South African government official, long-time ANC activist, and author of the new book How to Steal a City: The Battle for Nelson Mandela Bay, joins John Campbell to discuss the pervasive corruption in South Africa known as "state capture" and the state of the African National Congress.

His forthright remarks represent a paradigm shift in that country’s governance and governing principles and provides an opportunity for the United States to reengage with a strategic ally after nearly two decades of eroding relations.

South Africa is in the midst of urban rioting not seen since the end of apartheid. South African and international media carries pictures of mayhem featuring looted televisions and burned-out strip malls, and some commentators are saying that South Africa is what a failed state looks like. However, the South African judiciary has reaffirmed the rule of law by sending to jail former President Jacob Zuma for contempt of court.

Navigating the geopolitical domain surrounding energy is always difficult, but in the lead-up to the U.S.-Russia summit in Helsinki, it is particularly complex. While energy is unlikely to be a first…