The Forgotten Element of Philippine Foreign Policy

Cultural Diplomacy through Music and Television

For the third issue of the Adenauer Young Researcher’s Report, former KAS Philippines intern Lara Estelle Filgueras shows the power of cultural diplomacy to help advance a country’s national interest.

A Just Transition?

Transforming Energy Systems in Africa

German development cooperation with African countries largely centres around the concept of a just (energy) transition towards low-carbon development of industry and infrastructure, as is prominently highlighted in the new Africa Strategy published by the Lead Federal Ministry. Even though creating jobs and boosting economic growth must be a key element of cooperation with Africa while at the same time taking into account environmental protection and biodiversity, it is questionable whether Germany’s approach of a “just transition” adequately does justice to African countries’ development priorities.

Editorial

“Billions to no avail?” – this question was used to headline an article published this year in the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about Germany’s expenditure on develop­ment cooperation, which, the article states, is increasingly being questioned and criticised at home.

Interest-based Policy Rather than a Save-the-World Approach

Why German Development Cooperation with Africa Must Be Reconsidered

Germany’s interests in Africa are self-evident. They range from business and security to political partnership in the context of global systemic rivalry. But is Germany making use of all its options to preserve its interests on the neighbouring continent? The answer to this is: no! Particularly in view of the immense investments that Germany is making in the field of development cooperation, the question must be raised as to whether these investments could not be made in a much more targeted manner – to the benefit of the African partners, but also in our own interest.

Parliamentary elections in New Zealand

The Nationals "Back on Track"

New Zealand has held general elections on 14 October. The National Party led by Christopher Luxon seems to have achieved the most votes. Pending the counting of the “special votes”, they will form New Zealand’s next government.

Rule of Law Cooperation in Practice

Case Studies from the Western Balkans

The rule of law is elementary for a functioning democracy. This is why its promotion is a key component of German development cooperation. But how do projects in the legal field actually work? What are the challenges involved? And what can be said about the effectiveness of rule of law work? Here we look at some case studies from the Western Balkans.

Shift to the Right in Switzerland

SVP Wins on a Broad Front

While climate policy hardly played a role compared to the last Swiss parliamentary election, the SVP scored a clear election victory with its migration policy issue. It is followed by the SP, Die Mitte, the FDP, the Greens and the Green Liberals.

Total Peace in Colombia?

President Petro’s Agenda between Aspiration and Reality

Since taking office in August 2022, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has pursued the vision of paz total – total or complete peace – and the reform agenda this involves as the linchpin of his government’s agenda. Negotiations with remaining guerrilla organisations and criminal groups create opportunities but involve major challenges, too.

Trapped in the Crisis Mode of the Status Quo

Jordan Is Stable, Not Least thanks to German Support – But a Political Strategy Is Lacking

Jordan has become one of the top recipients of German development funds over the past decade. As a way of supporting an anchor of stability that cooperates with the West in the otherwise so troubled Middle East region, this has certainly been successful. Yet not only does international aid to Jordan risk getting mired down in details. The influx of money from abroad also takes pressure off the elites to reform, and the country is stuck in a cycle of dependency. Instead of continually embarking on new projects, development ­cooperation with Jordan needs a political strategy – and that applies to cooperation between Jordan and Germany, too.

A celebration of democracy

Pro-European opposition wins Polish parliamentary elections

Poland's national-conservative government has lost its political majority after eight years in power. After all votes were counted, the democratic opposition parties won the elections to the Polish Sejm and Senate on October 15th: Koalicja Obywatelska (Citizens' Coalition, KO), Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (Polish People's Party, PSL) and Polska 2050 (Poland 2050) - the latter both running together in the electoral alliance Trzecia Droga (Third Way, TD) – and Lewica (Left). Observers describe this result as a historic turning point, which is marked by a record voter turnout of 74.38% - the highest since the political change in 1989. In the coming months, Poland will face important decisions regarding its domestic and foreign policy. 180-degree changes can be expected in European and German policy, in socio-political issues, and in the style and rhetoric of a new government. The economic and institutional environment remains challenging because financial leeway is becoming narrower and powerful veto players have to be taken into account. Furthermore, there are important local and European elections coming up next year, which is why there are fears that the election campaign will simply continue. The PiS in particular will make things anything but easy for the new government and will make every attempt to damage the three-party alliance.