A Just Transition?

Transforming Energy Systems in Africa

German development cooperation with African countries largely centres around the concept of a just (energy) transition towards low-carbon development of industry and infrastructure, as is prominently highlighted in the new Africa Strategy published by the Lead Federal Ministry. Even though creating jobs and boosting economic growth must be a key element of cooperation with Africa while at the same time taking into account environmental protection and biodiversity, it is questionable whether Germany’s approach of a “just transition” adequately does justice to African countries’ development priorities.

Editorial

“Billions to no avail?” – this question was used to headline an article published this year in the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about Germany’s expenditure on develop­ment cooperation, which, the article states, is increasingly being questioned and criticised at home.

Interest-based Policy Rather than a Save-the-World Approach

Why German Development Cooperation with Africa Must Be Reconsidered

Germany’s interests in Africa are self-evident. They range from business and security to political partnership in the context of global systemic rivalry. But is Germany making use of all its options to preserve its interests on the neighbouring continent? The answer to this is: no! Particularly in view of the immense investments that Germany is making in the field of development cooperation, the question must be raised as to whether these investments could not be made in a much more targeted manner – to the benefit of the African partners, but also in our own interest.

Rule of Law Cooperation in Practice

Case Studies from the Western Balkans

The rule of law is elementary for a functioning democracy. This is why its promotion is a key component of German development cooperation. But how do projects in the legal field actually work? What are the challenges involved? And what can be said about the effectiveness of rule of law work? Here we look at some case studies from the Western Balkans.

Total Peace in Colombia?

President Petro’s Agenda between Aspiration and Reality

Since taking office in August 2022, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has pursued the vision of paz total – total or complete peace – and the reform agenda this involves as the linchpin of his government’s agenda. Negotiations with remaining guerrilla organisations and criminal groups create opportunities but involve major challenges, too.

Trapped in the Crisis Mode of the Status Quo

Jordan Is Stable, Not Least thanks to German Support – But a Political Strategy Is Lacking

Jordan has become one of the top recipients of German development funds over the past decade. As a way of supporting an anchor of stability that cooperates with the West in the otherwise so troubled Middle East region, this has certainly been successful. Yet not only does international aid to Jordan risk getting mired down in details. The influx of money from abroad also takes pressure off the elites to reform, and the country is stuck in a cycle of dependency. Instead of continually embarking on new projects, development ­cooperation with Jordan needs a political strategy – and that applies to cooperation between Jordan and Germany, too.

Interest-based Policy Rather than a Save-the-World Approach

Why German Development Cooperation with Africa Must Be Reconsidered

Germany’s interests in Africa are self-evident. They range from business and security to political partnership in the context of global systemic rivalry. But is Germany making use of all its options to preserve its interests on the neighbouring continent? The answer to this is: no! Particularly in view of the immense investments that Germany is making in the field of development cooperation, the question must be raised as to whether these investments could not be made in a much more targeted manner – to the benefit of the African partners, but also in our own interest.

Biegsam, aber unbeugsam

Weshalb sich die Länder Südostasiens in „Bambusdiplomatie“ üben und wie Europa damit umgehen sollte

Südostasien ist eine Region, die sich klassischerweise nicht für eine Seite entscheidet. So auch in den UN-Abstimmungen zum Krieg in der Ukraine oder im geopolitischen Konflikt zwischen China und den ­­USA. Welche Beweggründe haben die ASEAN-Länder und wie können Deutschland und die Europäische Union damit pragmatisch umgehen?

“I Am Pro-myself”

Uganda’s Response to Russia’s War of Aggression against Ukraine

“When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” This is an African proverb frequently heard in Uganda when people talk about Russia’s current war of aggression against Ukraine, in reference to the impact on the African continent. The United States and the West on the one hand and Russia on the other are seen as the big elephants. The political elite in Uganda has officially adopted a neutral stance, while at the same time attempting to use the international situation that has arisen to its own advantage. Against this background, Germany should clearly define its own interests and strengths and bring these into play in a targeted way to our mutual advantage.

“Nobody Wants to Be on the Wrong Side of History”

Systemic Rivalry and Unity in Defence of the UN Charter

In view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, a clear majority of states around the world are demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the neighboring country when called to vote in the United Nations General Assembly. And yet there are considerable differences in their willingness to impose sanctions and in the interpretation of the conflict and its geopolitical background. Many countries see no reason to clearly choose one global political camp. Their UN representatives present various arguments to explain that position – and the West should listen to them.