Issues

Towards a New Development Agenda

How many refugees can and should Germany accept? How can an equitable sharing of the burden in Europe be organised? And what will be the consequences of the influx of hundreds of thousands of people on the cohesion of the societies affected? These are just some of the many questions that are currently occupying the minds of politicians, businesspeople and society in Germany and Europe in equal measure. However, there is another aspect that is not receiving much attention and that Chancellor Merkel therefore made a point of emphasising during a speech on the occasion of the UN Development Summit in New York.

International Reports 8/2015

The world is complicated and full of contradictions, which occasionally forces people to relinquish supposed certainties and revise old prejudices. There are also prejudices circulating vis-à-vis Africa. Former German President Horst Köhler once referred to this succinctly when he said: "Where Africa is concerned, many people think mainly of words beginning with a "c": crises, conflict, catastrophes, chronic diseases, corruption…". Of course, this is only half the truth.

Security Policy and Resolution of Crises

Assuming responsibility in the world cannot be limited to the military sphere. Of course Germany must be prepared to fulfil its responsibilities towards its allies and deploy soldiers if the need arises. In light of the international threats, Germany must not abdicate its responsibilities in this area. But assuming responsibility means more than that.

Contemporary Conflicts and Value-Driven Policy

Along its southern and eastern periphery, in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, the European Union is confronted with violent conflicts, which also have implications for the future of Germany and Europe. The situation is reflected not least in the current refugee crisis, which is putting the EU member states severely to the test. The war in Ukraine represents one further situation where solidarity is required. In this context, the European partners are called upon to support the government in Kiev in implementing its political and economic reforms.

Transatlantic Relations

The transatlantic relations are characterized by close political and economic cooperation as well as intense cultural exchange. While a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) would enable us to actively shape the future world economic system in our sense, current political challenges require permanent dialogue between the transatlantic partners.

Germany and Israel. 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

50 years on from the agreement sealing the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel, relations between the two countries are in a state that seems almost a miracle. What started out as tentative political “probing” between Germany and the young State of Israel has developed into a stable foundation. It remains an important task not only to deepen the cooperation, but to open up new fields of bilateral collaboration.

Migration and Refugees

Migration is a ubiquitous process in our globalized world. People are leaving their home countries aiming for better economic perspectives. Others are forced to do so because of political persecution or conflicts. A forward-looking migration policy based on humanitarian principles is in need, which is also appealing to the political responsibilities of decision makers in the countries of origin.

Energy, Ressources and Law

In times of global unrest and crises the aspect of energy supply security becomes more critical. Power politics and territorial interests as well as new extraction technologies may cause controversies between political, economic and civil society actors. With regard to the adjacent security and regulatory challenges, a reliable and climate-friendly energy supply is required. In that respect, intergenerational equity and the integrity of creation serve as key motives.

Auslandsinformationen 2014 (Jahresregister)

25 Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Editorial | 25 Years of German-Hungarian Relations since 1989, the Year the Iron Curtain Fell | Perspectives on Reunified Germany - Impressions from Poland | A Review of (West) Germany's Relations with Developing Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa | The German G7 Presidency. An Opportunity to Assume “New Responsibility” in International Politics | A New Long War? The Challenges Presented by the Islamic Caliphate