Country Reports

Egyptian perspectives on the BRICS conference in Brazil

Egypt sees itself as an active partner in the BRICS alliance, but the topic is only discussed to a limited extent in the public debate

Since joining BRICS in January 2024, Egypt has positioned itself as an active partner focused on financial reform and cooperation with the Global South. President Al-Sisi criticized traditional institutions like the UN and emphasized BRICS' role in addressing global crises. Egypt advocates for fairer debt systems and stronger economic sovereignty within the alliance.

Unlocking the Sahel: Morocco’s Advance as Bridge- Builder and Agenda-Setter

Check out now our third report from Morocco Radar!

Romania after the election: A difficult equation to solve

New president, new government, large budget deficit

Romania has experienced turbulent months: A gruelling presidential election campaign, the resignation of the prime minister, and ultimately a fragile coalition government mark a new political beginning. With Nicușor Dan and Ilie Bolojan, two reformers now lead a country plagued by fiscal problems and deep distrust of the political class. But the new government must first prove itself – in a parliament with difficult majorities, facing a disaffected population, and in the shadow of a budget crisis. A new beginning with many unknowns.

How do the Middle East and North Africa view the Israeli-Iranian war?

Perspectives from the region

On 13 June 2025, Israel began a large-scale military operation in Iran – with the declared aim to destroy Iran's nuclear programme. Since then, Iran has retaliated with attacks on civilian targets in Israel. On the night of 22 June, the USA entered the confrontation and conducted attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

Chile: A failed experiment

An outlook to the presidential and parliamentary election in November 2025

After three and a half years in office, President Gabriel Boric's administration is showing clear signs of erosion. When he took office in 2022, the president aimed to radically reshape democratic institutions and replace traditional politics with a young generation of enthusiastic "morally superior" politicians. Numerous corruption scandals involving leading representatives of Boric's ruling party, the Frente Amplio, have emerged. The Boric experiment has failed. 

The 78th World Health Assembly of the WHO 2025

Global Health at the Crossroads of Reform and Rivalry

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) offered a realistic reflection of the state of the global health system: on the one hand, member states’ ever-increasing expectations of the WHO; on the other, structural and financial constraints that threaten to severely limit its capacity for action. The Assembly itself took place against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical tensions and challenges—evident, for instance, in the conspicuous absence of the United States and the ongoing dispute over Taiwan’s status within the organisation. Despite unfavourable circumstances, key health policy initiatives with the potential to benefit future generations were adopted or reaffirmed.

Colombia: Shots fired in the run-up to the elections

After an attack on an opposition politician, a polarized country fears a return to violent times

An assassination attempt on prominent conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay has shaken Colombia less than a year before the presidential elections. While left-wing President Gustavo Petro blames the opposition for the increased social polarization, the opposition accuses Petro of acting outside the constitutional order with his announcement of a referendum. Many Colombians now fear a return to the days of internal armed conflict, when contract killings of politicians were a regular occurrence.

The US strategy in West Africa under Trump

America Engaged or America First?

Following the forced evacuation of the drone base in Niger, the USA is realigning its security strategy in West Africa. Washington now wants to strengthen partnerships with coastal countries such as Benin. However, the inauguration of Donald Trump marks the beginning of a period of uncertainty – is there a threat of a complete withdrawal? Russia, China and Turkey would benefit.

"Plenković is playing chess, everyone else is just playing ‘Ludo’”

The ruling HDZ party emerges surprisingly stronger from the 2025 Croatian local elections

Anyone who thought that the 2025 local elections would be a kind of swan song for Croatia's ruling HDZ party after its disastrous presidential elections at the beginning of the year was sorely disappointed: Not only did the conservative Christian Democrats win more mayoral and county council seats in this election than 2021, they also managed to maintain their position as Croatia's only truly national party with a stable voter base and functioning party structures throughout the country. In contrast, the Social Democrats emerged weakened from the local elections, while the smaller parties once again failed to establish themselves as national political players. The real winner of the local elections is likely to be the HDZ party leader, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. He has proven himself to be a clever strategist and cool-headed power politician, putting his rivals in their place for the time being.

Latvian local elections in June 2025

Voices of the centre, shadows of the fringes – Latvia's political fork in the road?

On 7 June 2025, Latvia held nationwide local elections for new local councils – a date that would normally attract limited international attention. This year's local elections in Latvia's capital Riga became a barometer of sentiment for the entire country: while populist actors such as Ainārs Šlesers made gains, the forces of the democratic centre were able to maintain their position – for the time being. Despite a slight increase in voter turnout, more than half of eligible voters stayed away from the polls – a result that underlines the deeper social tensions in the country. The east of Latvia remains a problem child in terms of security policy – with a view to Moscow. The mayor of Riga, Vilnis Ķirsis, and his pro-European party "New Unity" prevailed despite the difficult starting position and consolidated their role as a stabilizing force in the Latvian capital.