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Water

Ecosystem, resource, conflict arena: there are many ways in which water is relevant to international politics. This issue of International Reports offers you in-depth analyses from Lake Chad to the Jordan river, from the South China Sea to Costa Rica.

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Content

Water

  • Editorial

    “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

  • Water as a Multifaceted Priority for the EU

    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

  • How We Can Make Europe’s Maritime Critical Infrastructure More Resilient

    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

  • Flash Point in the South China Sea

    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

  • Why Lake Chad Offers Ideal Conditions for Islamist Terrorists

    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

  • Israeli-Jordanian Water Management Relations

    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

  • Costa Rica’s Role in Protecting the Oceans

    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

Other Topics

  • On the Self-inflicted Causes of the Crisis in Journalism

    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

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Media library

New episode of “International Reports”

Maritime security: the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ and the protection of critical infrastructure

Foreign policy tensions are also having an impact on the world's oceans. Russia's „shadow fleet“ threatens underwater cables & pipelines. How well prepared is Germany?

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Tensions with the USA - Canada's view towards Europe

Canada's relationship with the USA is becoming more difficult. Prime Minister Mark Carney now wants to realign the country's foreign policy - with a stronger focus on Europe.

New episode of “International Reports”

Why Lake Chad Offers Ideal Conditions for Islamist Terrorists

Lake Chad's shrinkage created islands and streams—ideal terrain for jihadists spreading across Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, fueled by poverty and climate change.

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Ecuador: In the stranglehold of the drug cartels

Ecuador is turning from a tourist destination into a drug hub. Gangs rule Guayaquil, violence is escalating and Europe's cocaine consumption plays a central role.

First episode of “International Reports”

Flashpoint in the South China Sea

KAS has launched "International Reports," its new English-language podcast. The first episode covers geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Maritime security: Russia's „shadow fleet“ and the protection of critical infrastructure in the sea.

Foreign policy tensions are also having an impact on the world's oceans. Russia's „shadow fleet“ threatens underwater cables & pipelines. How well prepared is Germany?

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Regional power Turkey: geopolitical winner in the Middle East?

Turkey, often described as a bridge between Europe and Asia, is a key player in the Middle East. But what are the central lines of Turkish foreign policy?

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Professor of Military History Sönke Neitzel: Is the West at the end?

Is the USA turning its back on Europe and thus breaking up a partnership that for decades was considered essential for European security and freedom?

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

WHO without the USA: A risk for global health?

Trump completes the USA's withdrawal from the WHO. What are the consequences of the withdrawal of the largest donor?

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Escalation in eastern Congo: what happens next?

The Congo conflict escalates: Rebels capture Goma and threaten Kinshasa. Political scientist Jakob Kerstan analyzes the background and the role of Rwanda in the podcast.

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About this series

International Reports (IR) is the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's periodical on international politics. It offers political analyses by our experts in Berlin and from more than 100 offices across all regions of the world. Contributions by named authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial team.

Order details

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Editor

Dr. Gerhard Wahlers

ISBN

0177-7521

Benjamin Gaul

Benjamin Gaul

Head of the Department International Reports and Communication

benjamin.gaul@kas.de +49 30 26996 3584

Dr. Sören Soika

Dr

Editor-in-Chief International Reports (Ai)

soeren.soika@kas.de +49 30 26996 3388

Rana Taskoparan

Rana Taskoparan

Referentin Kommunikation und Vermarktung

rana.taskoparan@kas.de +49 30 26 996 3623

Magdalena Falkner

Magdalena Falkner

Multimedia editor

magdalena.falkner@kas.de +49 30 26996-3585

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