Russia and Georgia have still not resolved their differences with respect to the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and there is a similar situation with the conflict over the Transnistria region, which has broken away from the Republic of Moldova. The European Union and Russia have very different interests in these conflicts, while the USA is also exerting its influence in these regions. It is difficult to find solutions to these conflicts because there are so many political players involved, each with different political and, above all, economic interests.

by Gerhard Wahlers

Domestic Migration and Urbanisation in the People’s Republic of China

Extreme imbalances in the development rates of the different regions mean that millions of workers have left the countryside to look for work in the huge conurbations of (mainly eastern) China. This wave of domestic migration has created unprecedented challenges for the infrastructure and for the social welfare systems of these areas. As a result, these migrations are proving to be both the driving force, but also a risk factor for China’s continuing economic, social and political development.

by Peter Hefele, Johanna Bade

Causes and Current Challenges

Since the introduction of democracy in 1982, Bolivia has been ruled by political elites for whom integration of the indigenous population into political and economic processes was not a priority. To a much greater extent than the rest of the population, indigenous people are migrating within the country in search of work and social advancement. Internal migration of indigenous people has changed the country and has given rise to many political challenges.

by Claudia Heins

Migration from the Republic of Moldova is a relatively recent phenomenon, as the opportunity for people to leave the country has only really existed since the Republic’s gaining of independence. However, many Moldovan citizens have already taken advantage of this opportunity and have left their homeland. This huge drain on the workforce has led to lower production, increased social pressures, families being torn apart, demographic changes, and changes to the whole political structure.

by Anna Stemmer

The disagreements affecting the region of Transnistria, which has seceded from the Republic of Moldova, has long been overshadowed by other conflicts in the Euro-Atlantic arena. However, the Transnistrian conflict has gained in strategic importance, because its resolution could have far-reaching consequences for the future configuration of the security architecture in Europe: Transnistria became a test case for future collaboration with Russia.

by Martin Sieg, Manfred Grund, Kristin Wesemann

Regional Integration in East Africa – the Gap Between Aspiration and Reality

“One people, one destiny” – so runs the slogan of the East African Community (EAC), which was established in 2001. EAC has enshrined political union in its founding treaty. Its ambitious timetable envisages a common currency by 2012; the common market was introduced last year. Integration is seen as the road to affluence and growth. However, the rhetoric of leading decision-makers often contrasts sharply with the sobering political reality.

by Stefan Reith, Moritz Boltz