The Olympics in Sochi is far more than a sports competition. It is a prominent symbol of Russia’s return on the world stage, a symbol of the political revitalization of this, the geographically largest country of the world. This is the event Moscow has been waiting for ever since the fall of the Iron Curtain and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Empire – historic developments Vladimir Putin has called “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century”.

by Gerhard Wahlers

An Integration Project under the Microscope

The success of the project is not guaranteed. Firstly, there has to be some evidence that member states will actually benefit economically. There are still many questions about how best to harmonise the national economies of the various member states. Secondly, Russia’s apparent willingness to limit its own powers must be proven to be consistent and long-term. This includes understanding that the process of national identity is now in full swing in the former Soviet republics and there is little appetite to once again relinquish their sovereignty.

by Canan Atilgan, Gabriele Baumann, Alexander Brakel, Claudia Crawford, Jakov Devčić, Amos Helms

„A Study in Frustration?“

While ECOWAS is much more prominent in public debate as a regional economic community recognised by the African Union and as a negotiating partner of the EU in the negotiations over a regional economic partnership agreement, the smaller WAEMU on closer inspection proves to represent a considerably more advanced project of West African integration. The integration endeavours within ECOWAS, on the other hand, which is far more heterogeneous, have repeatedly faltered.

by Franziska Porst

South American Alliances Mercosur and Unasur Face Crisis

Latin American countries have sought partnership and a common approach to economic and foreign policy for two centuries. In spite of this they often pursue differing interests and do not find consensus. Argentinian President Cristina Kirchner presents herself as a modern independence fighter who wants to liberate the country from the U.S. and Europe. This type of Latin Americanisation in Argentina has placed considerable strain on regional cooperation.

by Kristin Wesemann

Honduras after the Elections

Sighs of relief in Honduras: fears that there may be violent unrest on election day in this Central American country, which has the highest murder rate in the world, were not realised. The presidential, congressional and local elections on 24 November 2013 proceeded peacefully, transparently and with an unexpectedly high turnout. The election to the highest public office was won by the candidate from the Christian-democratic, conservative National Party, Juan Orlando Hernández.

by Annette Schwarzbauer

Between Monarchical Stability and Democratic Renewal

The striking pace of the constitutional reform of 2011 was due in part to the fact that the Moroccan kingdom had undergone neither a social revolution nor a violent changeover of power and therefore did not have to overcome a difficult transition phase. Furthermore, the reform was a “royal project”. Ultimately, the purpose of the changes to the constitution was to prepare Morocco’s monarchy for the future and create “stability through reform”. Ellinor Zeino-Mahmalat

by Ellinor Zeino