Dr. Judy Smith-Höhn

Judy is a seasoned international relations expert, having worked for research institutions, public policy think tanks and the public sector both locally and internationally. She is Research Director at Tutwa Consulting Group.

Prior to joining Tutwa, she worked for Brand South Africa – a Section 3(a) public entity reporting to the Presidency – first as Research Manager, then later as General Manager: Global Markets. She’s also worked for South African and international think tanks, the South African Institute of International Affairs, the Institute for Security Studies, the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town and the GIGA Institute of African Affairs in Hamburg in Germany.

She has published widely on topics ranging from security sector reform and post-conflict reconstruction, conflict analysis and early warning, to democratic transformation in South Africa and more recently focussing on economic policy, nation branding, and reputation management.

Judy holds a PhD from the University of Leipzig, Germany, and a postgraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Hamburg, Germany.

Driven by her passion for South Africa and the continent, Judy believes that research- based policy advice and knowledge transfer, coupled with thought leadership and innovation, can contribute to peace, security, sustainable economic growth and, ultimately, a prosperous society.