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Along its southern and eastern periphery, in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, the European Union is confronted with violent conflicts, which also have implications for the future of Germany and Europe. The situation is reflected not least in the current refugee crisis, which is putting the EU member states severely to the test. The war in Ukraine represents one further situation where solidarity is required. In this context, the European partners are called upon to support the government in Kiev in implementing its political and economic reforms.

by Gerhard Wahlers

One year on from the Annexation of Crimea, Russians’ attitude toward the West has deteriorated. The Russian government uses the situation to fuel patriotism and isolate critics. Besides, the Ukraine conflict shows that Russia follows its own cost-benefit ratio, neglecting its economic interests.

by Claudia Crawford

Eastern Europe between the European and Eurasian Union

Russia and the European Union offer two completely different models of integration to the countries in their common neighbourhood. The EU offers help with modernization and economic reforms, while Russia promises loans and military help if countries join the Eurasian Economic Union. In this regard, the war in the Ukraine shows the incompatibility of the EU’s integrative approach with Russia’s spheres of influence thinking.

by Stephan Malerius

The Confessionalisation of Conflicts in the Arab World

Armed conlicts in the Arab region are often referred to as “ethnic” or “religious wars”. However, some overservers deny an ethnic, religious or tribal motivation to these conflicts. According to them, such motives are merely exploited in a struggle for power. This raises the question: To what extent are conflict parties in the Arab world driven by ethnic or religious identities?

by Martin Pabst

The exodus of Christians in the Middle East is not a new phenomenon. However, in Syria and Iraq things could even get worse. Pacification of the ongoing conflicts in the two countries is the only hope for the remaining Cristian population. If the exodus continues, it could lead to an isolation of moderate forces and a strengthening of radical Islamists.

by Otmar Oehring

Unlike the United State of America, when it comes to issues of security policy the EU and its individual Member States are no major players in Asia. However, the EU has obligated itself in a number of treaties to act as a “normative power” in its foreign relations. In this regard, the EU’s influence as role model and soft power is apparent in South East Asia’s regionalism as well as Asian discourses on human rights, democracy and good governance.

by Jörn Dosch