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IMAGO / Newscom / AdMedia

Iraq’s New Government Between Domestic Constraints and External Pressures

Leading without a Base?

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi took office in May 2026 as a surprise candidate – with no political party, no seats in parliament and a cabinet left incomplete, in the middle of a war that pits Iraq’s two key part-ners, the US and Iran, against each other and has closed the Strait of Hormuz. So far, his lack of a politi-cal base appears to have worked in his favour rather than against him, however. What this means for his capacity to govern is a different question, and the answer seems to depend on the file: an advantage wherever power runs through the executive, a handicap wherever it must be assembled vote by vote.

Veronika Ertl, Yara AlZubi
August 12, 2026
Country reports
smarterpix / albund

Arab Public Opinion amidst the Iran War

Findings from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)’s 2026 MENA Survey

A decade and a half after the 2011 Arab Spring, conditions across the region have changed drastically. The promises of positive change for ordinary citizens in the early 2010s have largely receded into systems that, for the most part, resemble the political systems that existed before the uprisings. Yet, much has also changed: the horrific attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023 and the Israeli military campaign that followed have had vast spillover effects. Regional escalations in recent years culminated in the joint U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026 and has since impacted nearly all countries in the Middle East. Amidst the Iran war, KAS cooperated with Arab Research and Analytics Associates to carry out nationally representative public opinion surveys across seven societies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Syria, and Tunisia. The results reveal that a combination of frustration, pragmatism, and selective optimism defines public opinion across MENA. This outcome may be surprising, particularly given the challenges brought about by the Iran war. The survey findings imply that this conflict has cast a long shadow over both domestic and international responses, reinforcing attention to security, national resilience, regional alignments, and the risks associated with appearing out of step with national interests during a moment of crisis.

August 12, 2026
kurzum
© mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

‚Zeitenwende‘ for the Principle of Separation! From Information Exchange to Joint Risk Assessment

Approaches to Help the Police and Intelligence Agencies Cope with the New Situation

Germany’s security architecture is tailored to an era of clearly distinct threats. However, hybrid threats such as espionage, sabotage, cyber operations, and disinformation transcend the jurisdictional boundaries of government agencies and make it difficult to conduct an effective threat assessment. This paper develops proposals for closer cooperation between the police and intelligence services through joint analyses, early risk detection, and institutionalized situation assessment.

Franca König, Sandra Lukosek, Till Nierhoff
August 10, 2026
Facts and Findings

The Value of Global Health

An Evidence-Based Analysis of the Benefits of Germany’s Financial and Structural Engagement in Global Health

Against the backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation, fiscal consolidation pressures, and a changing political discourse, questions are increasingly being raised about the national benefits of Germany’s engagement in global health in particular and development cooperation more generally. This study addresses these questions without losing sight of the intrinsic value of health and the primacy of values-based action. Germany’s engagement in global health saves lives, strengthens health systems, and protects Germany itself from cross-border health risks. Its primary value lies less in short-term financial returns than in prevention, crisis avoidance, and the strengthening of health as a foundation for prosperity and societal resilience. Investments in global health help prevent macroeconomic damage, secure supply chains, and create export opportunities, particularly for Germany’s health sector. At the same time, the study shows that Germany has not yet fully realized this potential due to fragmented ministerial structures and a limited integration of development, economic, and innovation policies. International research cooperation in global health strengthens Germany’s research institutions, innovation capacity, and global visibility. Particularly valuable are long-term networks, trust-based partnerships, and opportunities for “reverse innovation.” However, these benefits can be quickly undermined by funding cuts and the loss of established cooperation structures. Global health engagement enhances Germany’s reputation, builds trust among partner countries, and strengthens its capacity to act in foreign and security policy. Especially at a time when other international actors are reducing their commitment, global health offers Germany an opportunity not merely to finance multilateralism but to actively shape it. Looking across individual dimensions of impact, the overall value of Germany’s engagement in global health appears greater than the sum of its parts. Its benefits are reflected in safeguarding the foundations upon which democratic and prosperous societies depend and in enabling people to live with dignity. The study was commissioned by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and conducted by the Charité Center for Global Health. Please note, to date the analysis is only available in German.

Lukas Lingenthal
August 6, 2026
Single title
Timo Roujean

The Democratic Republic of the Congo at a Turning Point

The Democratic Republic of the Congo at an Institutional Crossroads: How the Planned Constitutional Referendum is Pushing the Country to the Brink

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a critical political moment as President Félix Tshisekedi seeks to amend the 2006 Constitution to allow a third presidential term. The proposed law for the organisation of a constitutional referendum has already passed Parliament and the Senate and was recently declared constitutional by the country's highest court, making its enactment largely a formality. The initiative comes at a particularly sensitive time, with parts of eastern Congo still under the control of AFC/M23 rebels and the country grappling with a worsening Ebola outbreak. Against this backdrop, the practical feasibility of such a referendum, as well as the political responsibility of pursuing it, has come under increasing scrutiny. Critics argue that prioritising constitutional change amid these crises undermines democratic principles and continues a broader trend of eroding the rule of law that began under former President Joseph Kabila. Moreover, the reform could exacerbate existing political tensions and push the country into a more profound institutional crisis.

Timo Roujean
August 6, 2026
Country reports
IMAGO / Avalon.red

Britain Has Another New Prime Minister: Andy Burnham

What Andy Burnham can do, what he wants to do, and what his arrival in Downing Street means for Germany and Europe

On 20 July 2026, Andy Burnham took office as Britain's seventh Prime Minister since the Brexit referendum. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester promises nothing less than a fresh start. He wants to be a "circuit-breaker" for British politics, rewiring the country's political and economic systems. Whether that ambition holds will depend less on the scale of the vision than on the conditions for delivering it: tight fiscal room for manoeuvre, an impatient and fragmented electorate, and the cohesion of a parliamentary party that already broke his predecessor. Canan Atilgan and Sebastian Schnorrenberg assess what Burnham can do, what he wants to do, and what his arrival in Downing Street means for Germany and Europe.

Dr. Canan Atilgan, Sebastian Schnorrenberg
August 4, 2026
Country reports
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency

Senegal Between Vision 2050 and Political Reality

Stability Amid Transformation

The transfer of power in 2024 marked a historic turning point for Senegal. With Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, a political movement from outside the established centers of power entered the presidential palace and secured a parliamentary majority for the first time. Expectations of the new leadership were correspondingly high: it promised a fundamental political and economic renewal, greater transparency, stronger sovereignty, and a fairer distribution of economic opportunities. Two years later, the record is mixed. Ambitious reform plans and the long-term development agenda of Vision Sénégal 2050 are confronted by significant economic challenges, a debt crisis, and a deepening conflict within the former alliance. At the same time, Senegal has succeeded in expanding its diplomatic influence in West Africa and beyond.

Jonathan Nowak, Fatoumata Sy Gueye, Lucien Nadieline
July 24, 2026
Country reports
smarterpix / Gorodenkoff

Germany in the Era of Hybrid Warfare: Maintaining Security, Defending Democracy.

From cyberattacks to disinformation – Germany needs reforms in its security architecture and a new sense of social responsibility to counter hybrid threats

The security situation in Germany is increasingly aggravated by hybrid threats (espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation), primarily originating from Russia at present. Consequently, a reform of the security architecture is required, providing law enforcement and intelligence agencies with expanded powers, alongside a strengthening of civil protection. Furthermore, democratic resilience and a whole-of-society sense of responsibility are key factors in withstanding hybrid warfare.

Dr. Edmund Ratka
July 20, 2026
Monitor
KAS / Kelly Dam

Brand building in China and the 'Guochao' (national trend) phenomenon

From national trend in China to global phenomenon?

This report examines Guochao ("China Chic or the national wave"), a cultural and consumer trend that has grown from a niche aesthetic movement into a defining force in China's marketplace. By merging traditional Chinese heritage with modern design, domestic brands have tapped into a growing sense of cultural pride, especially among Generation Z consumers. The report traces the evolution of Guochao into its current "3.0" phase, analyses its effects on branding strategies and consumption patterns, and considers what it means for international companies operating in or entering the Chinese market. Finally, it looks at Guochao's broader significance for China's cultural influence and its role in extending the country's soft power on the global stage.

Kelly Dam, David Merkle
July 20, 2026
Country reports
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency

Mauritania between national dialogue and geopolitical power politics

Stability cannot be taken for granted

Political developments in Mauritania are often underestimated in Europe. Yet today, the country is one of the democratic West’s last reliable partners in a region increasingly turning away from Europe. While Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are under military rule – with a high influence of Russia in recent years – Nouakchott is prioritizing political stability, international cooperation, and cautious reforms. However, challenges might rise faster than the state’s capacity to act. The “national dialogue” could therefore prove to be a crucial test for the country’s future stability.

Steven Höfner
July 17, 2026
Country reports

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Facts and Findings

Selected contributions to the series with international relevance

The series informs in a concentrated form about important positions of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung on current topics. The individual issues present key findings and recommendations, offer brief analyses, explain the Foundation's further plans and name KAS contact persons.  

International Reports

Journal for international issues, foreign policy and development cooperation

International Reports (IR) is the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's periodical on international politics. It offers political analyses by our experts in Berlin and from more than 100 offices across all regions of the world. Contributions by named authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial team.

Die Politische Meinung

Zeitschrift für Politik, Gesellschaft, Religion und Kultur

Die Politische Meinung ist eine Zweimonatszeitschrift, in der ein breites Spektrum politischer, gesellschaftlicher und kultureller Themen der Gegenwart dargestellt und diskutiert werden. Sie bietet als Bezugspunkte fundierte Analysen historischer Hintergründe und eine der individuellen Eigenverantwortung verpflichtete, im christlichen Menschenbild verankerte Ethik. Die jeweiligen Themenschwerpunkte werden von einer inspirierenden Bilderstrecke, namhafter zeitgenössischer Künstlerinnen und Künstlern, vertieft.  

Research and Sources on Contemporary History

In der Reihe „Forschungen und Quellen zur Zeitgeschichte“ veröffentlicht das Archiv für Christlich-Demokratische Politik seit 1980 wissenschaftliche Studien zur Christlichen Demokratie, Darstellungen zur Geschichte der Bundesrepublik und der CDU sowie Biographien wichtiger Repräsentanten. Zu den 50 bisher erschienen Büchern zählen auch Quelleneditionen, wie Protokolle von Parteigremien oder Tagebücher von einflussreichen Politikern. Die Publikationen sind im Buchhandel erhältlich.

Interviews

In our series "Interviews", talks and discussions are held with experts from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. on various topics.

in short

Concise, reduced to the essentials, but always highly topical. In our series “in short”, our experts summarise an issue or problem on a maximum of two pages.

Country Reports

Short political reports of the KAS offices abroad

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation. Our offices abroad are in charge of over 200 projects in more than 120 countries. The country reports offer current analyses, exclusive evaluations, background information and forecasts - provided by our international staff.

Monitor

The Monitor series deals with one main topic at a time from the perspective of KAS experts and places it in the political and social context on the basis of a few key points.

Event Reports

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its educational institutions, centres and foreign offices, offer several thousand events on various subjects each year. We provide up to date and exclusive reports on selected conferences, events and symposia at www.kas.de. In addition to a summary of the contents, you can also find additional material such as pictures, speeches, videos or audio clips.

Handouts for Political Education

Grundlageninformationen zur Beteiligung
an aktuellen politischen Diskussionen

Mit der Reihe „Handreichungen zur Politischen Bildung“ möchte die Politische Bildung der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung interessierte Bürgerinnen und Bürger über politische Entwicklungen informieren, Orientierungen in Sachfragen geben und das Interesse an politischer Mitwirkung stärken. Die Handreichungen verstehen sich als Grundlageninformationen zur Beteiligung an aktuellen politischen Diskussionen.

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Completed publication series

Working Paper

Broschürenreihe mit Darstellungen und Positionen, die kurzfristig auf aktuelle politische Fragen reagieren

The Woman in Our Time

Lebensentwürfe von Frauen –
was hat sich verändert?

Jede Ausgabe widmete sich einem Schwerpunktthema aus Politik und Gesellschaft, der Arbeits- und Familienwelt, aus Kultur und Literatur und diskutierte dieses aus frauenpolitischer Sicht.

Sociopolitical Series

Veröffentlicht wurden herausragende Dissertationsschriften mit gesellschaftspolitisch relevanten Themen von Stipendiatinnen und Stipendiaten der Begabtenförderung und Personen, die ihrem Promotionskolleg „Soziale Marktwirtschaft“ kooptiert sind. Die Reihe gab den Autorinnen und Autoren ein wissenschaftliches und publizistisches Forum und brachte aktuelle Themen in die öffentliche Diskussion ein.

Basic Questions of Christian Democracy

In dieser Reihe erschienen im Jahr 2006 Texte namenhafter Autoren zu Grundfragen der christlichen Demokratie.

In Conversation

Kulturpolitische Umschau

Zeitschrift mit Berichten aus Bundestag und Bundesländern, Gastbeiträgen, Rezensionen und Presseauswertungen zur aktuellen Kulturpolitik.

In Plenary

Broschürenreihe der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung mit den Beiträgen von Konferenzen, Fachtagungen und Kongressen, die von längerfristigem Interesse sind.

In Plenary Compact

Die Broschüren im DIN-A-4-Format fassen kurz und knapp die Ergebnisse von Konferenzen, Fachtagungen und Kongressen zusammen, die von längerfristigem Interesse sind.

KAS International

Information from the Division of European and International Cooperation

This series informs about current important events and developments of our work to point out our wide spectrum of activities.

Materials for the Work on Site

Kleine Schriftenreihe zu aktuellen Themen der Kommunalpolitik

Mit der eigenen Reihe "Materialien für die Arbeit vor Ort" bereitet die Stiftung zu aktuellen Themen wichtige Informationen in handhabbarer Form auf, so dass sie in der kommunalpolitischen Praxis nutzbar sind. Eine weitere Serie unter dem Titel "Diskurs kommunal" befasst sich mit besonderen Aspekten der Kommunalpolitik.

Positions

Reden, Essays und Grundsatzpapiere zu drängenden Zeitfragen

In dieser Broschürenreihe veröffentlicht die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung grundlegende Positionen zu wichtigen Themen der Zeit.