Asset Publisher

Articles

Asset Publisher

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.

Creaky Concordance System

Parliamentary and Governmental Elections in Switzerland

The cooperation between the traditional ruling parties, which have been in power in a grand coalition since the end of the 1950s, has clearly been thrown into crisis. New parties have entered parliament and the political concordance that has existed for decades has started to creak and shift. However, it appears that these changes have not yet found a permanent footing.

Editorial

One year on, the impressions of the last few weeks are diametrically opposed to those afforded by what became generally referred to as the “Arab Spring”. What began with calls for “freedom”, “dignity” and “justice” has now turned into a process that is not straightforward and certainly not consistent or immune to setbacks.

Asset Publisher

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.

Ordering Information

Our periodical on international politics is published four times a year. We provide you with background information on what is happening in the world – free of charge. Use our registration form and with just a few clicks you can read the digital version of our political journal or order the print version in German or English.

Editor

Dr. Gerhard Wahlers

ISBN

0177-7521

Benjamin Gaul

Benjamin Gaul

Head of the Department International Reports and Communication

benjamin.gaul@kas.de +49 30 26996 3584

Dr. Sören Soika

Dr

Editor-in-Chief International Reports (Ai)

soeren.soika@kas.de +49 30 26996 3388

Rana Taskoparan

Rana Taskoparan

Referentin Kommunikation und Vermarktung

rana.taskoparan@kas.de +49 30 26 996 3623

Fabian Wagener

Fabian Wagener

Desk Officer for Multimedia

fabian.wagener@kas.de +49 30-26996-3943