Editorial

Ausgabe 11/2009 der Auslandsinformationen der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Media in Croatia: Between a National Past and European Future

Croatia’s media landscape is in a state of transition, from state-controlled media, through authoritarian administration, towards a democratic pluralistic media landscape. The development of journalism has for the most part followed the political path. In Croatia, media is subject to the constitution, freedom of information laws, anti-trust laws, criminal law and laws for the protection of confidentiality.

Shared Interests or Competing Actions: What Drives Energy Security Cooperation Between Asia and Europe?

Was führt zur Kooperation im Bereich Energiesicherheit zwischen Asien und Europa?

The European Union’s external policies are based on the firm belief that multilateralism is the only way to solve the future challenges and that it needs to speak with one voice in order to level its strength. This attitude is also increasingly reflected in the EU’s external energy policy as will become obvious from the following paragraphs.

What Has Become of the Fight Against Poverty and of Participation in Germany’s Development Cooperation?

Concept of the participatory fight against poverty

“Africa, arise!” - Second Africa Synod in the Vatican.

Propositions for the Continent and Its Partners

From 4 to 25 October about 400 bishops, consecrated persons and laypersons discussed “the Church in Africa in service to reconciliation, justice and peace” in the Vatican. 244 Synod fathers, most of whom bishops, participatedin the assembly; 200 of them were from Africa, 78 were listeners and experts of both genders.

Back to Europe? – Czechia and its European Integration After 1989

Together with another seven central and east European countries as well as Malta and Cyprus, the Czech Republic joined the EU on May 1, 2004. Five years later, there should be reason enough to celebrate: two decades ago, the communist regime in what was then Czechoslovakia was ousted, giving the country a chance to turn to Europe and the West once again.

Objectifying the Discussion About the Sharia?

Versachlichung der Diskussion über die Scharia

There are too many non-Muslims who regard Islamic law as regressive and even threatening. The laws regulating the legal status of women and the family, inheritances, and criminal matters appear hardly reconcilable with Western ideas about human rights and the rule of law in a secular state. But do those who think that way really know the Sharia?

Presidential Elections in Afghanistan: A Curse or a Blessing for Democratization?

The recent presidential election and its attendant circumstances appear to have put paid to the endeavours to democratize and reconstruct Afghanistan. Massive vote rigging, the resurgence of the Taliban, and the conflict between the incumbent, Hamid Karzai, and his challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, are reviving the question of whether it makes sense for Germany to go on with its engagement in Afghanistan.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) – A New Approach in Donor Aid

Early in 2004, the US Congress passed a law designed to boost a new approach in donor aid. Its implementation was entrusted to the semi-governmental Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). It pays to take a look at the principles, intentions, and methodology of the new approach as well as at its process of implementation and the objections that have been raised so far.

Three and a Half Years of Government by Evo Morales. The Campaign Atmosphere in Bolivia

People are Disillusioned with the Government, Disappointed with the Opposition

On December 6 of this year, Bolivia’s next parliament and president will be elected, with the incumbent, Evo Morales, aiming at re-election. The opposition will be fielding seven candidates, having failed to forge an alliance against Mr Morales and his party, the MAS (Movimiento al Socialismo). Traditional parties no longer play a part, and the population is divided.