Asset Publisher

Further publications

Asset Publisher

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

The UAE – (not) just another BRICS member?

Admission to BRICS strengthens the Emirates’ economic and foreign policy ambitions

Although the UAE seem like an unusual member of BRICS, the Emirates have embraced their admission to join the group in 2024. Being a BRICS-member furthers Abu Dhabi’s agenda to become an economic hub and is part and parcel of its diversified foreign relations. For Europe this should be a wake-up call.

Philipp Dienstbier
July 2, 2025
Country reports
Adobe Stock/ 1xpert

The European Union – stabilized internally, confronted externally

Results of the Panorama Analysis 2025

The Panorama Analysis 2025 provides a comprehensive insight into the current development of the European Union and its environment in a year-on-year comparison. The analysis presents a multithematic assessment of the current situation in the areas of innovation and competitiveness, the attitudes of member states towards the EU, and the global environment. By using qualitative and quantitative indicators, it provides sound insights into current trends and developments.

Philipp Burkhardt, Tim Peter
July 2, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

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.

Steffen Krüger
July 2, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

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.

Katja Christina Plate
June 26, 2025
Country reports
Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

No Fear of Numbers: Why Math Belongs in Early Childhood Education

Strengthening Educational Opportunities Through Early Support

Early math education strengthens logical thinking, STEM skills, and social participation. Even toddlers develop a sense of patterns, quantities, and structures when supported by skilled early childhood educators. Introducing mathematical learning in preschool not only improves future career opportunities but also promotes equity, democratic understanding, and a sense of agency. To achieve this, we need strong structural support, professional development, more qualified staff, and political commitment.

Tobias Ernst
June 26, 2025
Facts and Findings
Titelbild mit der KI Adobe Firefly generiert, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Criminal responsibility limits in Europe: Insights into the legal situation and juvenile delinquency

How European countries deal with criminal responsibility limits and what conclusions can be drawn for the German debate

The discussion about lowering the criminal responsibility threshold in Germany to less than 14 years of age is controversial. Proponents argue that earlier criminal interventions are necessary to prevent criminal careers. Critics warn against stigmatization and point to alternatives such as preventive and educational measures. A comparison of models in countries such as the UK, Sweden and Switzerland shows different approaches and their implications. This analysis sheds light on key challenges and perspectives for Germany.

Annika Schröder
June 26, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency

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.

Dr. Michael Rimmel, Philipp Dienstbier, Dr. Edmund Ratka, Dr. Thomas Volk, Michael Bauer, Dr. Ellinor Zeino, Winfried Weck, Steven Höfner
June 24, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Aton Chile

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. 

Olaf Jacob
June 16, 2025
Country reports
U.S. Mission / Eric Bridiers / flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

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.

Dr. Anja Maria Rittner
June 13, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

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.

Hartmut Rank
June 13, 2025
Country reports

Asset Publisher

Asset Publisher