Publications

Research - Assessment of Top 500 Vietnamese Private Enterprises

VPE500 - Report 2025

This report, conducted by the National Institute for Economics and Finance (NIEF), Ministry of Finance with support from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Vietnam, examines Vietnam’s 500 largest private enterprises during 2022–2023 as the economy rebounds from COVID-19 and enters a high-growth phase. Rankings are based on employment, assets, and revenue, aiming to assess performance and economic impact rather than mere listing.

7th AU-EU Summit

A fresh start for a partnership on equal terms

The 7th Joint Summit of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) on November 24-25 in the Angolan capital Luanda took place under complex circumstances: On the one hand, the summit marked the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the EU and the AU. On the other hand, the summit took place at a time when relations between the two continents are not free of tensions. In a global environment in which political and economic power is shifting worldwide and fundamental rules of the world order are being questioned and undermined, the summit offered a window of opportunity to restart relations in a way that does justice to the roles and expectations of both sides. Overall, the summit succeeded in sending out initial positive signals for such a fresh start, the sustainability of which will of course depend on the implementation of the promises made. Existing differences and dilemmas – including on the issues of migration and dealing with democratic backsliding – will not disappear overnight, however.

Canada’s Arctic in the geopolitical spotlight: USA vs. China

Read how Canadian Arctic is becoming a geopolitical hotspot where the USA and China are seeking to gain influence using different strategies, written by Ms. Pauline Springer.

The Canadian Arctic is becoming a geopolitical hotspot where the USA and China are seeking to gain influence using different strategies. For Canada, this means growing dependence in terms of security policy and the danger of creeping influence—with direct consequences for sovereignty and indigenous communities in the north.

Enduring Partnership or Ambitious Agenda?

Read the article by Dr. Lilit Klein, Insights into International Order from Canada and the EU’s Security and Defence Partnership.

Take a look at what drives this unprecedented security cooperation between two prominent middle powers, and what insights does it offer into an evolving international order shaped by changing strategic commitments?

Putin visits New Delhi

Between photo shoot and unpleasant topics

On December 4, Russian ruler Putin is expected in New Delhi for the first time since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. India and Russia are linked by a long-standing friendship, but for the Modi administration, this state visit is not a matter of course. As the world's largest democracy and emerging world power, India must be concerned about its international reputation while keeping its own interests in relation to Russia in mind. For Putin, there is an opportunity in India to present himself on the international stage and demonstrate his ability to act

What's next for Morocco after the UN Security Council vote on Resolution 2797 ?

Our seventh Morocco Radar report explores how UN Resolution 2797 marks a decisive turning point in Morocco’s international standing.

Clauspeter Hill in der Stiftung

Im Rahmen eines dreitägigen Arbeitsbesuches in Sofia führte Clauspeter Hill u.a. ein Gespräch in der Deutsch-Bulgarischen Industrie- und Handelskammer (DBIHK) über die Einführung des Euros und die Situation der Wirtschaft in Bulgarien und Deutschland.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency

A Signal for Multilateralism

The South African G20 summit was a prestige boost for the country at the Cape. South Africa proved itself a capable host, a skilful negotiator, and a determined advocate of multilateral solutions. However, the presidency faced the challenge that the United States, in particular, increasingly boycotted the format over the course of 2025 and stayed away from the summit itself. In addition, new developments in the war in Ukraine as well as the sobering outcome of the COP30 negotiations shaped international reporting and overshadowed the summit.

The Nexus Between Climate Change, Labour Migration, And Radicalisation Among Tajik Labour Migrants

RUSI Project Report

This report examines the interplay between climate change, labour migration, and radicalisation among Tajik labour migrants. As Tajikistan grapples with the dual pressures of environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges, understanding these dynamics has never been more critical.

Navigating Multipolarity: Southeast Europe in the EU’s China Strategy

Research paper

by Ana Krstinovska, Plamen Tonchev, Stefan Vladisavljev and Zlatko Simonovski