100 Days of the New Government in Iraq

A Balancing Act

In his first 100 days in office, the new Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has demonstrated that he can hold his heterogeneous coalition together and navigate with great skill between the complex interests of the various Iraqi parties as well as Iran and the United States. Sudani's course appears professional and purposeful. Nevertheless, the head of government's balancing act shows how difficult it will be for him to implement sustainable reforms in the country. After more than four months, the government has achieved little, despite far-reaching announcements. The German government should continue to support Sudani on his reform course. Baghdad's rapprochement with Berlin also gives cause for hope. 

Israel im Schatten der Justizreform - aktuelle Herausforderungen für die Demokratie

Steht die Gewaltenteilung auf dem Spiel?

„We are no longer in a political debate, but on the brink of constitutional and social collapse“ - Israel am Rande eines verfassungsrechtlichen und gesellschaftlichen Zusammenbruchs - so der israelische Staatspräsident Jitzchak Herzog in einer emotionalen Fernsehansprache vom 12. Februar, die die Dramatik der aktuellen innenpolitischen Situation in Israel verdeutlicht. Anlass dieser - für israelische Staatspräsidenten eher ungewöhnlichen - Rede an die Nation war die andauernde Debatte um die von der Regierung Benjamin Netanjahu geplante Justizreform. Diese hat das Land in eine historische Verfassungskrise und Krise der inneren Verfasstheit gleichermaßen gestürzt und stellt die Demokratie vor große Herausforderungen.

China's Communists before the 14th National People's Congress

People's Republic appoints new government

Growing international tensions, a dramatic real estate bubble and widespread youth unemployment: in this environment, Xi Jinping will be elected President of the People's Republic for a third term at the National People's Congress, which begins in Beijing on 5 March. After his show of force at the 20th Communist Party Congress in October 2022, Xi will now be able to appoint a group of loyal followers to the government of his designated premier, Li Qiang. China's head of state is cementing his power amid current global political challenges and internal crises. Nevertheless, the first session of the 14th People's Congress marks a historic turning point in several respects.

"The State of Southeast Asia"

In uneasy times, Europe sits among Southeast Asia's preferred partners

In early February, Singapore’s ISEAS - Yusuf Ishak Institute published its 2023 version of their annual State of Southeast Asia Survey. The survey assesses the views of over a thousand Southeast Asian experts, policymakers and practitioners on geopolitical developments, international affairs and how they gauge ASEAN's engagement with its Dialogue Partners. The survey includes good news for Europe. Not only is the EU a desired partner in general, but its particular capacities match up well with the ASEAN region's priorities.

Europe as a Pharmaceutical Location – Strengthening Resilience and Competitiveness

The European pharmaceutical industry is a driver of innovation and an essential part of medical care – How can we strengthen a key industry?

Europe's pharmaceutical industry is both an economically important sector and an essential part of the provision of medical care in times of geo-economic tension. In particular, there are critical dependencies on certain generic drugs and active ingredients, especially from China, India and various Southeast Asian countries. To strengthen resilience, supply chains should be diversified, among other things, while to strengthen competitiveness, the regulatory framework must be improved, including through innovation-promoting research conditions.

Token Study

Blockchain technology fundamentals and application scenarios

The token study analyses the technical properties of distributed ledger technology (DLT) as a central element of a blockchain. The focus is on a structured explanation of the fundamentals of DLT as well as current regulatory developments, with a view to case law in Germany and the EU. Building on this, selected application examples show the impact of DLT on industry and the financial sector. Finally, the study provides an outlook on the further development of the technology.

Victory? Stalemate? Escalation?

Possible developments of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine by 24 February 2024

Ukrainians are fighting for a future in peace and freedom. This also affects us, because what we do or don't do today has a direct impact on the people of Ukraine, on security in Europe and on the international order. For the sake of being better prepared for possible developments in the course of the war, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has devised four scenarios together with experts from 13 European countries.

One year after Russia's invasion: What is the state of international solidarity with Ukraine?

What does the withdrawal of the Bundeswehr mean for Mali and the Sahel region?

Less room for manoeuvre for the UN mission MINUSMA and declining stability foreseeable

Due to the ongoing problems with Mali's military government, the German government has decided to withdraw the Bundeswehr from the Sahel country by May 2024 at the latest. But there is discussion about whether Germany's largest foreign mission could end even earlier.

Russia: Nuclear Dangers and Risks of Escalation

The global security situation is extremely tense. Disputes are hardening and the global conflict between liberal democracies and authoritarian systems is intensifying. The war in Ukraine is not just a war between two former Soviet republics, but a systemic conflict. The assessment of the risks of escalation is a matter of debate. UN Secretary-General António Guterres tells the UN General Assembly in New York: "I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a major war - I fear it is doing so with its eyes wide open". In a speech to both chambers of the Russian parliament on 21 February 2023, Vladimir Putin did fall short of the expectations of Russian hardliners calling for an even more brutal war in Ukraine, not shying away from calls for the use of tactical nuclear weapons. However, Putin announced the unilateral freezing of the "New Start" nuclear disarmament treaty.