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Asset Publisher

Geneva Barometer

Developments among Geneva-based international organisations from October to December 2023

The ‘Geneva Barometer’ takes an occasional look at selected developments among international organizations based in Geneva.

Nathan Cima / Unsplash

The German Supply Chains Act and the EU's CSDDD: Catalyst or Brake?

An analysis of the implementation and impact of the LkSG and the CSDDD on the Vietnamese economy

Since the beginning of the “China+1” policy, Vietnam has played a key role in the ASEAN region. Vietnam, which has enjoyed unparalleled economic growth of an average of 6-8% for three decades, is particularly interesting for foreign direct investment. German companies want to invest in the with the objective of diversification. Since January 2023 at the latest, with the introduction of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) and now the most recent EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), it is no longer just the economic attractiveness of a country that matters. Rather, binding commitments to compliance with human rights, social standards and environmental protection play a central role for companies. Can the Vietnamese economy meet these requirements?

IMAGO / Pond5 Images

Presidential election 2023 in Liberia

Peaceful change of power and hope for progress.

Opposition candidate Joseph Boakai replaces incumbent President George Weah in office and becomes the new head of state of the Republic of Liberia. Hopes for the new government are high.

The White House

India and the USA

From "alienated democracies" to global shapers?

The partnership between the world's two largest democracies, India and the USA, is one of the most strategically important of the 21st century. Until recently, it was at an all-time high. However, this was not always the case. It was only at the beginning of the 1990s that both countries gradually emerged from the constraints of the bipolar world order. From a relationship of convenience, a promising working relationship has emerged that extends to many strategic areas - from trade and defense to joint space missions. How did this change come about and what potential do Indo-US relations hold for each other and for the preservation of a free and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond?

Reuters / Rodrigo Garrido

Chileans reject a new constitution for the second time

55% of voters again vote against the draft constitution in the plebiscite

More than four years have passed since President Sebastián Piñera's message at the end of 2019, in which he announced the start of the process to draft a new constitution. Since then, Chile has gone through two of these processes, with a total of four elections and two draft constitutions rejected by the citizens - a unique situation by global standards.

IMAGO / Panthermedia

Korea's parties in turmoil

Generation change or carry on as before?

The next regular parliamentary election in South Korea is just under four months away. The conservative People Power Party (PPP) of ruling President Yoon Suk-yeol is hoping to win back the majority from the opposition Minju Party after several years of drought. However, unrest reigns on both sides: resignations, departures and rumours of mergers and new formations. A large proportion of the electorate is still undecided as to who they should vote for on 10 April. The race remains undecided.

Adobe Stock / zimmytws

German Universities in International Comparison

Challenges and Need for Action

The modernisation of teaching and research as well as increased financial support and structural reforms are essential in order to further improve the international competitiveness of Germany as a university location. High-quality education and excellent research play an outstanding role in promoting innovation and creating economic prosperity in Germany and Europe. Investments in this area must therefore be seen as long-term, non-negotiable investments in the future, even in financially difficult times.

Ninni Andersson/Regeringskansliet

Challenges for Sweden one year after forming the government

Government loses support, Sweden Democrats make gains

The Kristersson government has been in office for a year with the support of the right-wing nationalist Sweden Democrats under the Tidö-Agreement.

IMAGO / Zoonar

Preliminary report on the elections in Serbia

Possible changes due to early parliamentary elections

On December 17 Serbia will hold early Parliamentary Elections, Local Elections for 65 municipalities and Regional Elections for the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The elections are a result of societal and political tensions, which were sharpened following two mass shootings in Belgrade and Mladenovac in May 2023 and the intensified tensions with Kosovo. The short and intensive election campaign is marked by increasing polarization. Regardless of the results, Serbia will face great internal and external political challenges in the coming year.

IMAGO / Scanpix

"Swish and Vote" in Estonia

Voting via smartphone soon?

After five years, the European Parliament elections will be held again in 2024. From June 6th to June 9th, 2024, over 448 million Europeans will be asked to cast their votes for various parties. People in Estonia are waiting with anticipation for the next European elections. If the current Estonian government of the Kallas III cabinet (centre-left coalition) is successful, Estonians will be able to cast their votes via smartphone for the first time in this election. Is this the next step in the progressive digitalisation of the country, or a neck-breaking move at the expense of democracy?