“Water” is a concise title, but one that covers a vast range of topics in the present issue of International Reports. The opening article highlights the many different dimensions of this theme from a foreign policy perspective: In their analysis of EU water policy, Olaf Wientzek and Nicole Linsenbold reveal how water plays at least three distinct roles that subsequently re-appear throughout this issue – namely the roles of water as an ecosystem, as a resource and as a conflict arena.

by Gerhard Wahlers

Challenges at Home, Opportunities Abroad

Water is a matter of great importance for the European Union, as the new EU Commission has recognised. In order to address challenges such as ensuring the quality of water bodies and the sustainable management of water as a key resource, it will be necessary not only to pursue conservation, but also to balance a wide range of interests – and European Christian Democrats and Conservatives will have a prominent role to play in this connection. Meanwhile, in external EU relations, increased engagement in the field of water and maritime security could yield a geopolitical dividend.

by Olaf Wientzek, Nicole Linsenbold

Lifelines under Threat

Vulnerable and lacking sufficient protection, maritime critical infrastructure is the target of hybrid warfare. The latest incidents involving submarine cables have revealed weak points that highlight an urgent need for action. However, protecting this vital infrastructure alone will not be sufficient to prevent significant disruptions in the future.

by Ferdinand Alexander Gehringer, Matthias Hespe

How the Philippines and Vietnam Are Taking a Stand against China

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated significantly in recent months, with China adopting increasingly aggressive tactics against its neighbouring states. How can smaller nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam push back against a dominant power?

by Daniela Braun, Florian C. Feyerabend

A Safe Haven for Jihadists

Lake Chad’s water levels receded over decades, thereby turning what was once a vast body of water into a landscape of islands and narrow streams – a perfect hideout for jihadists currently expanding their reach in Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon as they thrive on growing poverty and the effects of climate change in this four-country region.

by Ulf Laessing

Between Conflict and Cooperation

One consequence of the brutal escalation in the Middle East conflict since October 2023 has been increased strain on relations between Israel and Jordan. For three decades, the two neighbouring countries have been bound by a peace treaty that also involves joint management of a key resource: water. While basic cooperation has largely held up despite all the political crises, there is still plenty of potential to expand collaboration.

by Edmund Ratka, Michael Rimmel

Land between the Seas

Everyone is familiar with the annual Climate Change Conferences. However, the Ocean Conferences receive far less public attention even though life on the planet depends on intact oceans. Known as a “green oasis” and a “pioneer in sustainability”, Costa Rica is set to co-host the third UN Ocean Conference in 2025. But what opportunities do these international conferences really offer, and what is the true state of ocean and environmental protection in this small Central American country?

by Julia Sandner

The Sun Rises in the Morning, Not in the Evening

The economic hardships facing many media outlets are currently stifling any discussion about these organisations’ own culture of error and the urgent need for humility among journalists. However, journalism can only survive if it gets back to basics by refocusing on its core responsibilities and distancing itself from mere propaganda, activism and sensationalism.

by Christoph Plate