The ­­BMZ 2030 Reform Strategy

A Cornerstone for Increasing the Strategic Effectiveness of Germany’s Development Cooperation?

German development cooperation finds itself faced with fresh challenges due to the increasingly complex requirements for sustainable development and shifts in the international donor landscape. In light of this, can the ­­BMZ 2030 reform strategy enhance its effectiveness? And what strategic dimensions are needed to ensure the future viability of German development cooperation?

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

The Chinese Communist Party’s Influence on the Political Elite in Southeast Asia

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) knows how to interweave the economy and politics with each other. In Southeast Asia, Beijing finds fertile ground. The reasons for this are manifold, but the links have concrete consequences for Germany and the EU.

„Amerika ist wieder im Aufbruch!“

Bilanz und Ausblick nach 100 Tagen Biden-Regierung

Die Gräben zwischen Republikanern und Demokraten sind immer noch tief. US-Präsident Joe Biden lässt sich davon nicht aufhalten. Im Kampf gegen die Pandemie und für neue ­Arbeitsplätze, beim Klimaschutz und in der Außenpolitik will er zeigen, wozu eine schlagkräftige Demokratie mit moralischem Führungs­anspruch in der Lage ist. Eine Herkulesaufgabe.

Nach der Krise ist vor der Krise

In Tunesien fehlt nach wie vor ein gesellschaftlicher ­Konsens über das Gemeinwesen in der Demokratie

In Tunesien jagt seit zehn Jahren eine Krise die andere. Immer mehr Tunesier verbinden diese Abwärtsspirale mit der parlamentarischen Demokratie. Die Verschlechterung ihrer Situation liegt allerdings vor allem am fehlenden gesellschaftlichen Konsens über das Gemeinwesen und an der ungeklärten Frage, was es bedeutet, auch als Gesellschaft politische Verantwortung zu übernehmen. Eine verstärkte Dezentralisierung könnte helfen, diesen für die Demokratie essenziellen Wert zu schaffen.

Editorial

Power shifts are a fundamental phenomenon underpinning global politics. In 1990, as the bipolar world order finally unravelled, US political scientist Joseph S. Nye wrote: “Just as farmers and meteorologists try to forecast storms, so do leaders and analysts try to understand the dynamics of major changes in the distribution of power among nations.”

“A New and Less Benign Strategic Area”

Australia as a Strategic Power in the Indo-Pacific Region

When Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled his country’s new defence strategy in 2020, he announced a shift towards “a new and less benign strategic area”. With the dawn of a new era, defined by the end of the unchallenged hegemony of the US and the seemingly unstoppable rise of China, Australia is starting to view itself as a regional power and the guardian of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The geoeconomic and geostrategic balance of the Indo-Pacific has perhaps shifted more rapidly and dramatically than in any other region of the world. With its key position in the South West Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean, Australia is taking on a proactive leadership role – together with like-minded partners in the region and around the globe.

A Question of Identity

The EU Needs to Become a Global Player in the Changing World Order

The European Union’s internal structures are currently plagued by division. These rifts all boil down to a question of identity: What is the EU? At the same time, the changing world order is forcing the EU to decide who it wants to be. The answer is clear: It must take steps to become a global player.

Cyber Capabilities as a New Resource of Power

Conflicts in the Digital Sphere

Cyber capabilities are becoming increasingly important in international relations. States with the ability to conduct cyber operations are in a strong position to expand their scope of influence in the international arena. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized countries with few traditional power resources, as cyber capabilities allow them to seriously weaken more powerful states.

It’s Time to Reshape the West!

“America is back!”: With US President Joe Biden, there is now potential for an ambitious transatlantic policy. We should devote all our energy to reforging the alliance between Europe and the US. Anything else would be fatal, as disunity in the West only plays into the hands of our systemic rivals China and Russia. What do we need to do right now?

Of Bridges and Gateways

Turkey’s Regional Power Aspirations

The bridge to Asia. A gateway to the Middle East and Europe. For centuries, Turkey has been considered a country linking the Western and Eastern worlds. Whether that be due to Turkish military bases used by ­NATO as bridgeheads to the Middle East, or the threats made by its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to “open the gates” to Europe for the millions of refugees accommodated by Turkey, ­NATO member and EU candidate Turkey has been increasingly presenting the Western alliance with a fait accompli over recent years.