Poverty, Social Inequality and Conditional Cash Transfer Programs in Latin America

One of the many things that the countries of Latin America have in common is their extreme social inequality. Nowhere else in the world is there more income inequality than in Latin America; nowhere else do the richest 10 per cent of the populous earn a greater proportion of total income; and nowhere else do the poorest 10 per cent earn a smaller share of the total aggregate income.

The Arctic Region

European Interests and European Policy in the High North

The Arctic region is attracting more and more attention, due to the effects of climate change, the main trigger of developments. Its effects are of a larger scale than in other parts of the world. At the same time, those changes are affecting other regions, through rising sea levels on the one hand and consequences for adjacent regional climates on the other.

After the Arab Spring: Political Islam on the Rise?

The Arab Spring has led to an “Islamic awakening”. What are the likely ramifications for politics, the economy and society of policies are more clearly oriented towards the implementation of Islamic Sharia law? What does all this mean for all the young rebels, the secular, republican parties, the women looking for emancipation and the religious and ethnic minorities?

Editorial

The main focus of the April edition of KAS International Reports are the transitions and transformations that have been taking place in Africa. Not only the Arab world has been feeling these effects. Other parts of Africa have also been undergoing major changes, some of which we have examined in previous editions. One example of a country suffering from decades of conflict is the Sudan.

Finland’s New President

After 56 Years, a Conservative Is Once Again Heading the Republic

Finland has a new President. The competition for the highest office of the Republic of Finland was observed with great interest by the rest of Europe. The fact that the 2 staunch pro-EU proponents Niinistö and Haavisto fought out the final round between them can actually be seen as an indication of the Finns’ loyalty to Europe.

India in Africa

Strengthening Energy Ties and Striding Towards a Strategic Partnership

Indian-African trade relations have intensified in the past few years with resources emerging as significant items of trade. However, the role of Africa in India’s trade dynamics is still minuscule with great prospects for deepening trade ties. Though India’s partnership with African countries is progressing slowly, it has shown significant developments after the India-Africa Summit.

New Government or New System?

A Special Path for Morocco

A lot has changed on the political front in Morocco in recent months, and many of these changes will have a long-term influence on the country’s future. The country is trying to steer a course into the 21st century between the Arab Spring and centuries-old power structures to create a society built on openness, a desire for social change and a willingness to embrace political reform.

Renationalising Europe?

Right-wing Populist Parties Are Becoming More Popular, but Not More Unified

Many observers believe that the European Union and its integration project are now facing a stern test. Intellectuals have been increasingly levelling criticism at the EU. The big concern is that right-wing populist parties have emerged from the European financial crisis looking much stronger, and recently they have had repeated electoral success at national level.

The Map of Africa after the Independence of South Sudan

In 2005, African and non-African leaders voiced fears that the break-up of Sudan could lead to a domino effect of other nationalist secessions. In 2010, Muammar Gaddafi warned that “What is happening in Sudan”, he warned, “could become a contagious disease that affects the whole of Africa.” More apposite was the stark acknowledgement of Chad’s President Idriss Deby: “We all have a south.”

The USA and Pakistan - A Volatile Partnership

The alliance between the USA and Pakistan has been described by many analysts and commentators as a marriage of convenience or as a transactional relationship that is only being held together by mutual dependence. But at the same time, both sides are deeply mistrustful of each other. The fragile relationship results from the dilemma that each side wants to maintain its independence while at the same time it seems unlikely that there will be any increase in joint interests.