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• International Reports 8/2015

  Please download the full PDF here.

• International Reports 8/2015

  Download the epub-Version

  In the current edition of the International Reports we also offer an epub-version. You can download the version via the link on the right side.

• International Reports 8/2015

  Download the mobi-Version

  In the current edition of the International Reports we also offer a mobi-version. You can download the version via the link on the right side.

• Editorial

  The world is complicated and full of contradictions, which occasionally forces people to relinquish supposed certainties and revise old prejudices. There are also prejudices circulating vis-à-vis Africa. Former German President Horst Köhler once referred to this succinctly when he said: "Where Africa is concerned, many people think mainly of words beginning with a "c": crises, conflict, catastrophes, chronic diseases, corruption…". Of course, this is only half the truth.

  by Gerhard Wahlers

• #newactors, #oldproblems

  How the digital sphere changes the information process and the media landscape in Africa

  Blogs and online content contribute significantly to opinion diversity in Africa today. Because of that, they are increasingly monitored by federal agencies, which aim to more strictly define the grey zone between journalism, blog-writing and opinion stating in social media. It is especially against this backdrop that digital opinion makers deserve more attention and support.

  by Christian Echle

• Nicaragua’s dream to build its own canal

  Chinese investor begins mega project – outcome uncertain

  It is questionable whether construction of the Nicaragua canal will ever be finished. The project is disputed with regard to domestic affairs, as it presents a technical challenge and is financially fairly risky. Nevertheless, President Ortega and a Chinese investor attempt to make progress with the project.

  by David Gregosz, Mareike Boll

• Positives and Negatives: Dayton Peace Agreement 20 years on

  20 Jahre Friedensabkommen von Dayton

  Twenty years after Dayton, Bosnia-Herzegovina is still in the process of transitioning from a post-conflict society to a slowly stabilizing society. In the context of the integration process, the EU mainly expects Bosnia-Herzegovina to "speak with one voice".

  by Karsten Dümmel

• Rich in resources – yet still poor

  Senegal’s mining projects as a challenge for government and civil society

  Senegal is a country blessed by nature with resources: gold, iron, marble, phosphate, titanium and petroleum are coveted resources. However, the socially viable extraction of these resources is vital to the social and political stability of the country.

  by Ute Gierczynski-Bocandé

• Clear Election Winners – Uncertain Outlook

  A Review of the General Election in the UK

  Buoyed by his impressive election victory, Cameron may well be able to save the UK from a "Brexit". Should he succeed, the outcome of the election of 7 May would be a good result for Europe.

  by Hans-Hartwig Blomeier