Publications

Germany’s UNSC Defeat: A Structural Realist Reading from the Global South

In this thought-provoking paper, Dr. Zimkhitha Manyana unpacks the outcome through a Structural Realist lens from the Global South, revealing how power, regional dynamics, and coalition politics shape outcomes at the UN.

Corruption Through a Gender Lens

Feminist Institutional Analysis of Kenya

This paper utilizes feminist institutional theory to analyze corruption in Kenya, framing it as a systematic institutional design rather than isolated individual moral failures. It demonstrates how formal rules and informal norms disproportionately expose women to coercive, non-monetary forms of corruption, specifically sextortion, with everyday public service sectors like healthcare and education. Ultimately, the author argues that traditional anti-corruption frameworks must expand past narrow financial definitions to capture these power-based gendered abuses.

Rewiring Power: Technology and Geopolitics in a Fragmented World

Policy Papers

The publication Policy Papers 2026, which covers the themes of the 23rd International Security Conference at Forte, is available for free download.

Armenia Ahead of a Pivotal Parliamentary Election

Despite a polarized campaign and pressure from Russia, Prime Minister Pashinyan has strong prospects for re-election

Armenia is heading into a pivotal parliamentary election of broader regional significance. Rarely has the international community paid such close attention to a vote in the South Caucasus republic. Trump offers praise, Putin issues warnings, Aliyev makes demands, and the European Union is deploying a new mission to support the country - seen as a democratic frontrunner in an otherwise largely authoritarian neighborhood - in combating disinformation and cyberattacks. Domestically, the country is experiencing a highly polarized campaign marked by fierce political confrontation. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party appear to have a strong chance of securing another mandate.

Women in Kenya's Armed Forces

From Gender Pioneering to the Persisting Glass Ceiling

The study explores how women’s integration into Kenya’s armed forces has progressed significantly but still faces deep-rooted cultural and institutional barriers. Legal frameworks like the 2010 Constitution and the 2017 Ministry of Defence Gender Policy promote equality and aim for at least 30% female representation. A major turning point came with the 1999 disbandment of the Women Service Corps, shifting women from separate auxiliary roles into full military integration. Institutions such as the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) have strengthened gender inclusion through training and leadership programs, contributing to improved representation (rising from 7.6% in 2013 to 11.3% in 2019) and higher participation in peacekeeping missions (about 19%). Prominent female officers demonstrate the impact of these reforms. However, persistent challenges (including patriarchal norms, gender stereotypes, limited access to senior roles, and issues like sexual harassment) continue to hinder full equality. The study recommends stronger political commitment, better enforcement of gender policies, expanded training and mentorship, targeted recruitment and retention strategies, and cultural transformation within the military. Overall, Kenya offers a strong model for gender integration in African militaries, but sustained effort and context-sensitive approaches are needed to achieve meaningful, lasting inclusion.

Burgas Konnektivitätsforum

Connecting Nations

Am 28. Mai 2026 fand das Burgas Connectivity Forum statt. Unter dem Titel “Connecting Nations“ hat sich die Konferenz seit 2023 zu einer bedeutenden überregionalen und internationalen Plattform für den Austausch zwischen Politik, Diplomatie, Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft entwickelt.

Elections in the Northeast of Syria

written by Salah Hijazi

Syria is now one step closer to operating its first post-Assad Parliament. On May 24, 2026, by-elections were held in the districts of Hassakeh, Qamishli, Al-Malikiyah and Ayn al-Arab, in the Northeast of the country.

Christian Life in Israel

Between Protection, Uncertainty, and Participation

Pentecost is one of the most important moments in the Christian year; believers come together to celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Church, as was the case recently on Pentecost Sunday in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is holy to three world religions. Jews, Muslims, and Christians look at the city from different perspectives and from all over the world, closely following what happens there. Above all, the sites sacred to the three religions symbolize the Middle East conflict and the still-unresolved question of whether and how Jews and Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians, can live together and side by side in lasting peace. In the meantime, however, another line of conflict has emerged, as Christians in Israel and East Jerusalem increasingly report attacks, repression, and violence. What is the situation regarding the lives of Christians in Israel?

Migration, Rule of Law, and Social Cohesion in Urban South Africa

South Africa's cities are at a crossroads. Deepening unemployment, overstretched institutions, and contested notions of belonging have created fertile ground for xenophobic mobilisation, with real consequences for social cohesion, the rule of law, and democratic stability.

Surprise in Colombia: Conservative Outsider Wins First Round

Strong performance by Abelardo de la Espriella makes a political shift more likely

Colombian voters have delivered a surprise in the first round of the presidential elections. Contrary to polling predictions, conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella managed to defeat government candidate Iván Cepeda. The two will face each other in a runoff on June 21. The security crisis and the weakness of the political center are reshaping Colombia’s political landscape. While votes were still being counted, the government camp publicly questioned the results, further intensifying political polarization.