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Amr Dalsh, Reuters

On the Search for Order in the Middle East and North Africa

Sub-Regional and Sectoral Multilateralism as an Opportunity

To date, multilateralism has failed to establish itself as a model in the Middle East and North Africa, yet the major problems that beset the region cannot be solved by one country acting alone. Some forms of multilateral cooperation have emerged at the sub-regional level and in response to specific issues, such as security in the Persian Gulf, economic cooperation in the Maghreb, and natural gas production in the Eastern Mediterranean. Europe should support such initiatives as they have the potential to bridge the region’s geopolitical divides.

Zohra Bensemra

Tackling Global Challenges

Why We Still Need Rules- and Values-Based International Cooperation

We still need international cooperation because global challenges and problems cannot be solved nationally or regionally. Admittedly, issues such as security, finance architecture, free trade, health, and migration must be worked out at the local and national levels, and in the case of climate change also largely implemented at such levels. Nevertheless, comprehensive solutions can be reached only through international cooperation that produces generally accepted processes, e. g. to preserve – or, where necessary, to promote – peace and security.

Ints Kalnins, Reuters

The End of Certainty

The Transatlantic Alliance Faces Great Challenges

­NATO has multilateralism in its ­DNA. But the principles of multilateralism are currently under pressure. In this difficult environment, the alliance must confront a number of internal and external challenges, from fairer burden-sharing, to strengthening its European pillar, to organising more effective alliance defence.

Eric Thayer, Reuters

The Future of Multilateralism

The Liberal Order under Pressure

The multilateral world order is in deep crisis; indeed, some believe it has reached its end. This belief is based on a number of changes in the political West and power shifts in the inter­national system. What does this mean for the future of multilateralism as we know it? This article addresses this question by examining three trends for future multilateral cooperation.

Pring Samrang, Reuters

The Path into the Community of Destiny with China

Challenges for Multilateralism in Southeast Asia

China and the US have both declared war on multilateralism, albeit with different motivations. For regional associations such as ­ASEAN, this enmity is becoming an existential threat. The coronavirus crisis has given new urgency to the discussion of concepts for pandemic resistance. But the principle of unanimity will have to be jettisoned along the way.

Mike Segar, Reuters

The Relevance of the United Nations

In a New Era of Global Tensions

The United Nations’ effectiveness is being weakened by the gradual erosion of its foundation of liberal democratic values and the increasingly confrontational stance of major states with veto power. In many cases, the conflict between the US and China is paralysing UN diplomacy. Although the importance of the United Nations has once again been highlighted by the ­COVID-19 pandemic, 75 years after its inception it is now time to ask what global leadership should look like. But first and foremost, it is now to call on member states and their the political will to work together.

Lucas Jackson, Reuters

The Trojan Horse of Multilateralism

Why Authoritarian Regimes Favour International Cooperation While Simultaneously Undermining It

Everyone today is talking about multilateralism, and politicians of almost every stripe are averring the importance of multilateral organisations. Nevertheless, the liberal world order, of which multilateral cooperation is an important foundation, is in what may be its most severe crisis. This article will address this crisis and illustrate what must be done to revive the commitment to multilateralism.

Thaier Al-Sudani, Reuters

Youth Revolution or Identity-Forming Movement?

An Anatomy of Mass Protests in Iraq

The emergence of a common Iraqi identity has always been hampered by the great heterogeneity in the population. However, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have united in repeated protests, the largest since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Meanwhile, the elites are attempting to hold on to as much of their power as possible.

Satish Kumar, Reuters

“Hypernationalism”?

The Debate on Identity and Nationalism in the Gulf

Few regions are facing such massive changes to their economic, social, and security situations as the Gulf States. These changes are also leading to the dissolution of factors that previously formed their identity. They are now being replaced by nationalisation projects – attracting accusations that the Gulf States are pursuing an aggressive form of “hypernationalism”.

Daniel Becerril, Reuters

Coronavirus in Latin America

Opportunity or Threat for the Rule of Law?

In Latin America, the impact of the coronavirus on the rule of law will largely depend on how governments in the region exercise their power in this time of crisis. If Latin America’s rulers abuse their authority in order to consolidate power, the future looks bleak for the rule of law in Latin America. Whereas, if they exercise their power with moderation and demonstrate good leadership in bringing their countries out of the crisis, they may be able to win back the trust that was thought to be lost forever. One thing we know for sure is that the coronavirus will change the rules of the political game.

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About this series

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.

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Editor

Dr. Gerhard Wahlers

ISBN

0177-7521

Benjamin Gaul

Benjamin Gaul

Head of the Department International Reports and Communication

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Dr. Sören Soika

Dr

Editor-in-Chief International Reports (Ai)

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Rana Taskoparan

Rana Taskoparan

Referentin Kommunikation und Vermarktung

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Fabian Wagener

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Desk Officer for Multimedia

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