Articles

How Britain’s Colonial Legacy Continues to Impact Its Politics

Imperial Shadows

Brexit, national self-image and security policy in the Indian Ocean: How the Empire still affects today's politics in the United Kingdom.

Postcolonial Discourse in Brazilian Foreign Policy

Between West and South

From Israel to Ukraine, Brazil's foreign policy has recently irritated some Western partners. What do postcolonial discourses have to do with that?

Postcolonial Narratives as a Basis for Authoritarian Cooperation in and with Latin America

United Against the West

The world can be so simple: There is the "evil", "colonialist" West. Here is its victim, the "Global South" – including the dictatorships in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. How postcolonial discourses legitimise authoritarian regimes in Latin America and their global partners.

Russia as a Colonial Power in the Caucasus

A History of Oppression

Russia often portrays itself as an anti-colonial power. Why this is absurd, yet surprisingly often successful.

The One-Dimensional Colonialism ­Debate between Germany and Tanzania

Between Idealism and Pragmatism

Facing up to its colonial past is a good thing to do for Germany. But what happens if – as in Tanzania – the culture of remembrance of a former colony is not taken into account?

After Postcolonialism

Postcolonial theories are under massive criticism. Is that just right-wing identity politics? And what are the actual flaws of postcolonial thinking?

Trade with Africa

New Old Dependencies?

It is often said that African countries cannot develop economically because they are still trapped in “neo-colonial” dependencies on Western states. But do the facts support that claim?

Costa Rica’s Role in Protecting the Oceans

Land between the Seas

Everyone is familiar with the annual Climate Change Conferences. However, the Ocean Conferences receive far less public attention even though life on the planet depends on intact oceans. Known as a “green oasis” and a “pioneer in sustainability”, Costa Rica is set to co-host the third UN Ocean Conference in 2025. But what opportunities do these international conferences really offer, and what is the true state of ocean and environmental protection in this small Central American country?

Editorial

“Water” is a concise title, but one that covers a vast range of topics in the present issue of International Reports. The opening article highlights the many different dimensions of this theme from a foreign policy perspective: In their analysis of EU water policy, Olaf Wientzek and Nicole Linsenbold reveal how water plays at least three distinct roles that subsequently re-appear throughout this issue – namely the roles of water as an ecosystem, as a resource and as a conflict arena.

Flash Point in the South China Sea

How the Philippines and Vietnam Are Taking a Stand against China

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated significantly in recent months, with China adopting increasingly aggressive tactics against its neighbouring states. How can smaller nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam push back against a dominant power?