Publications

Spillover into the South Caucasus?

What further escalation in the Iran war could mean for Armenia and Azerbaijan

The US-Israeli attack on Iran also exacerbates (geo-)political risks for the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan has been particularly exposed to drone attacks, and Armenia could face consequences like an influx of refugees, economic uncertainties, and threats to energy infrastructure. Europe must be ready to act, as an escalation would intensify rivalries, threaten partners, and directly affect our energy and security interests.

General Election in Nepal

How GenZ changes the country’s political landscape

Nepal’s early general election on March 5, 2026, marked one of the most significant shifts in the country’s political landscape since the adoption of the 2015 Constitution.[1] The election followed a period of intense political instability triggered by the youth-led GenZ protests of September 2025, which ultimately led to the resignation of the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.[2]

Congo-Brazzaville: Before the election remains after the election

The 2026 presidential elections in the Republic of Congo under the shadow of systemic competition

The Republic of Congo is exploiting the systemic competition between the EU, China and Russia to maximise its scope for action in terms of financing, infrastructure and security. While the EU remains a natural partner on environmental and transformation issues, deficits in the rule of law, accountability and electoral integrity limit the depth of cooperation. China is rapidly delivering large-scale infrastructure in exchange for resource commitments; Russia fills normative gaps with a discourse of sovereignty and non-interference and anchors energy and security policy agreements. No politically transformative results are to be expected from the 2026 presidential elections; rather, the strategic relevance lies in the continuation of an authoritarian-stabilised order that presents itself as a guarantor of peace and development. In this constellation, the focus for European actors is shifting from short-term election observation to medium- and long-term levers: green industrialisation, critical raw materials and logistics corridors, governance safeguards, youth-centred employment and a realistically calibrated mix of principledness and pragmatism.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation in figures 2023

figures I data I pictograms

We present interesting facts about the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in the current issue of the publication " Die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Zahlen 2023 ". Are you interested in the current thematic focuses and research content of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung? Would you like to know more about our recent publications and events? We give you an insight into the number of scholarship holders we support and the digitisation of our archive material or an overview of the KAS Fellows of past years. We show you our KAS Awards and a selection of our podcasts. Read more about our magazines and the development of our social media channels.

Columbia elects a fragmented parliament

Strong Results for the Government Camp and “Uribismo” Reshuffle the Deck for the Presidential Election

The parliamentary elections in Colombia have reshaped the political landscape. Unclear majorities characterize the new Congress. Colombians were also called upon to select candidates for the presidential elections through primaries. Here, the center‑right camp gained new momentum thanks to the unexpectedly strong performance of Paloma Valencia. Yet behind the election results lies much more: a country caught between demands for reform, security crises, and growing mistrust in institutions.

State election in Baden-Wuerttemberg on 8 March 2026

Analysis based on preliminary results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

The election results in Baden-Wuerttemberg are influenced by state-specific factors and differ significantly from the political mood at the federal level. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results and examines voter migration and the key determining factors. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Special economic zones as a structural policy reform option in Germany

Analysis of the legal, federal and administrative requirements for the introduction of special economic zones to improve economic conditions

Special economic zones (SEZs) are being discussed as a tool for specifically addressing structural barriers in the German administrative and regulatory framework. The study analyses the legal and administrative conditions under which regionally limited reform areas can be designed in a legally secure manner. It considers SEZs as potential mechanisms for accelerating procedures, testing new forms of organisation and strengthening economically disadvantaged regions – without changing national legal structures as a whole.

War in the Middle East

How countries in the region are responding to the escalation between Israel and the U.S. with Iran

The American-Israeli attack on Iran and the massive backlash have plunged the entire region into a renewed state of emergency. From Israel to North Africa to the Gulf, governments are taking sides, societies are divided, and diplomatic tensions are growing. This report, from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's offices in the Middle East and North Africa, provides an overview of the political lines, security risks, and regional dynamics.

Mexico after the blow against "El Mencho": Security situation, World Cup risks and trade prospects

In February 2026, Mexican armed forces succeed in arresting and eliminating Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), the leader of the country's most powerful cartel. This is immediately followed by coordinated acts of retaliation and demonstrations of power: roadblocks, arson attacks and armed clashes between security forces and cartel members, claiming around 60 lives. Mexico's precarious security situation is thus temporarily back in the international spotlight. The government is striving to restore stability quickly, not least with a view to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. A sustained escalation would further fuel the debate that has already arisen about possible venue changes. At the same time, the operation strengthens the Mexican government's position vis-à-vis the United States. The elimination of a globally wanted cartel leader is intended to demonstrate Mexico's ability to act in terms of security policy and to refute arguments for US intervention. With a view to the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (T-MEC), this is of considerable importance, as the T-MEC remains Mexico's economic lifeline. The outlook for German and European companies in Mexico in 2026 is generally positive, mainly due to the planned modernisation of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Although the violence is increasing uncertainty in the short term, a renewed nationwide escalation is considered unlikely. If the operation strengthens Mexico's position in the T-MEC negotiations, this would be advantageous for German and European companies based in Mexico.

Open to goods, closed to immigration?

China’s stance on labour migration

China has so far remained largely closed to foreign immigration. Yet, with a rapidly aging population, China’s economic model is increasingly reaching its limits, which may soon make targeted recruitment of foreign labour necessary. For Germany and Europe, China could emerge as a new competitor in the global race for talent.