Articles

Die zweite ­Verteidigungslinie Europas

Richtungswahl in der Republik Moldau

Der verheißungsvolle Fluchtort für viele Menschen in der Republik Moldau ist die Mitgliedschaft in der Europäischen Union. Die offizielle Aufnahme von Beitrittsgesprächen in diesem Juni – nur zwei Jahre nach Antrag – war gerade deshalb ein so wichtiger symbolischer Akt. Präsidentin Maia Sandu kann ihn „zu Hause“ als historischen Erfolg verbuchen. Es ist das klare politische Ziel ihrer Regierung, das Land so schnell wie möglich in die EU zu führen. Kann die Republik Moldau mit ihrer wechselhaften Geschichte, geprägt durch die sprachliche und kulturelle Nähe zu Rumänien, eine große russischsprachige Minderheit sowie die Vergangenheit als Teil der Sowjetunion, den Sprung nach Europa schaffen? Ein Blick auf die Chancen und Risiken eines ambitionierten Vorhabens.

Editorial

The World Trade Organisation is sounding the alarm bells over it, as is the International Monetary Fund. The World Economic Forum is even asking whether it will spell the end for economic development among some sections of the global population. They are talking about geoeconomic fragmentation, in other words, the realignment of international trade flows along political blocs, thus the end of globalisation – at least as we have known it over recent decades, where economic efficiency was the key criterion for the alignment of goods and financial flows.

From Conflict to Connectivity

On the “Silk Road” of the Gulf States

With ambitious infrastructure projects, the Gulf states are establishing themselves as a central bridge for trade flows between East and West. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in particular seek to exploit their strategic ­position between the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe to make the leap into the post-oil economic era. But not only economic hurdles stand in the way – regional conflicts and geopolitical rivalries threaten to throttle the “Silk Road” of the Gulf.

Not Replacing, but ­Complementing

The Emerging ASEAN Countries as Partners in De-risking China

Germany and Europe have to reduce their economic ­dependence on China. In this context, the emerging ­economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) afford potential for diversification. Yet, if this potential is to be exploited, the European Union has one particularly urgent task. Free trade negotiations with the emerging countries of Southeast Asia are currently ­overloaded with non-trade demands; the EU must return the focus to the core issues and bring talks to a swift conclusion.

Out of the Ashes

How Mexico Benefits from Global Trade ­Conflicts – and What This Means for Germany

When North America is mentioned in Germany, many think of the US, and maybe of Canada. But the fact is that Mexico is also an integral part of the region, economically as well as geographically, and thus perhaps benefits more than any other country from the “trade war” between the US and China. German companies have taken notice, and German politics should quickly follow suit.

Searching for the ­Right Dose

On the Role of State Intervention in Times of Geoeconomic Competition

For Germany and Europe, the geopolitical environment has deteriorated massively. Our foreign trade policy cannot ignore this fact. That is why the term “de-risking” is on everyone’s lips. The demand on the state to intervene in economic ­relations if necessary to protect its own security is increasing. That is quite right, as long as we realise two things: more is not necessarily better. And even the best de-risking instruments are of little help without your own competitiveness.

Trade Without Boundaries?

The Rocky Road to a Pan-African Market

The African Free Trade Agreement has the potential to lead the African continent into a positive economic future. More than 1.2 billion people would be affected, and 54 countries have signed the agreement since 2018. However, numerous challenges prevent rapid implementation. Where is African free trade heading?

Die Ratifizierung der NATO-Erweiterung durch den amerikanischen Senat

Vier Jahrzehnte Auslandsinformationen haben einen Bestand von mehr als 400 Ausgaben entstehen lassen, der so manchen Schatz bereithält. Manche Beiträge erscheinen – obwohl oder gerade weil sie die damalige Stimmung so treffend spiegeln – heute wie Zeugnisse einer fernen Epoche. Manche zeichnen Entwicklungen vor, die uns Jahre später eingeholt haben. Für die vier Ausgaben dieses Jahres bereiten wir jeweils einen Artikel aus den verschiedenen „Ai-Dekaden“ online neu auf. Hier geht es ins Jahr 1997, als die politische Debatte um die erste NATO-Erweiterung – um Polen, Tschechien und Ungarn – Fahrt aufnahm. Nicht nur der Autor, sondern ebenso seine Forderung an uns Europäer sind auch 2024 wohlbekannt: eine gerechte Lastenteilung im Bündnis.

“­NATO’s Essential Core Is Unconditional Reliability”

An Interview with Ambassador Géza Andreas von Geyr

In International Reports, Germany’s Ambassador to NATO, Géza Andreas von Geyr, talks about military deterrence against Russia, the possible return of Donald Trump, and steps towards stronger European pillars in the Alliance.

A Security Partnership with Substance

Colombia as a Global Partner of ­NATO

Outside the expert community, very few people in Europe are likely to know that Colombia is a global partner of NATO. In fact, the country is even something of a pioneer among NATO’s global partners and the cooperation offers concrete benefits to both sides – so concrete that the partnership seems able to withstand President Gustavo Petro’s anti-Western rhetoric.