Publications

Stocktaking Ghana’s Democracy: Voter Behaviour and Political Participation

Publication of the Study on the 2024 General Elections

KAS Ghana, in collaboration with its partner, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), is pleased to announce the publication of a comprehensive study on the 2024 general elections. The study examines in detail the many facets of Ghana's political landscape and critically analyses the factors that influence political decisions. The focus is on how these factors affect citizens' political participation and voting behaviour.

Beyond the Tipping Point

Policy Papers

The publication Policy Papers 2025, which accompanies the themes of the XXII Fort International Security Conference, is available for free download.

Judicial Financial Independence in Africa

A Study of Eleven Sub-Saharan Countries

This book, published by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Rule of Law Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, explores the vital yet often underexamined issue of judicial financial independence as a cornerstone of judicial autonomy and the rule of law. Drawing on comparative analysis across eleven African countries, it examines the legal frameworks, budgetary structures, and institutional challenges that shape the judiciary's capacity to operate free from political and financial interference. Against the backdrop of colonial legacies and contemporary governance challenges, the book highlights how executive control over judicial finances continues to undermine the separation of powers and the effective delivery of justice. It offers concrete recommendations to enhance financial independence, bridging the gap between legal commitments and practical implementation. Intended as a resource for policymakers, legal professionals, and advocates, this publication underscores the imperative of protecting judicial autonomy as a foundation for democracy, good governance, and human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Election of judges in Mexico

Between the promise of democracy and the concentration of power

With the constitutional amendment of 2024, the Mexican rule of law is increasingly eroding. The separation of powers and relative independence of the judiciary, which has been in force to date – albeit in need of reform and prone to criticism – will be undermined and undermined by the direct election of judges throughout the country and at all levels, which will be held for the first time on 1 June 2025. The concept behind it, to give the Mexican people the decision-making authority over the selection of their judges, is extremely questionable in view of the selection process and the abrupt dismissal of all judges acting to date. While Bolivia, where this procedure was introduced in 2011, is on the way to reversal due to the poor results, Mexico is starting this experiment, which is ostensibly celebrated by the government as a democratic gain in quality. Political influence, corruption, infiltration of organised crime, legal uncertainty for investors and the population as well as a lack of access to justice are likely to intensify in the foreseeable future as a result of this reform and the associated direct election of judges.

Local elections in Lebanon

Important milestone for the new government and indicator of the political balance in the country

Despite organisational hurdles, political resistance and a still precarious security situation in many places, municipal and mukhtar elections were held across Lebanon in May 2025, after a three-year delay. The elections are an important step towards strengthening the country's state institutions and are a success for the new government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun, which has been in office since the beginning of the year. The elections also offer an initial indication of the country's political balance of power following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, and ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Odyssey of Courage

Nyakueth's Migration Story

The Republic of South Sudan and a significant part of Northern Uganda share a long and tumultuous history of violence. The two regions have borne the brunt of decades-long armed conflicts that have left thousands of the inhabitants displaced. Although the neighbouring governments have brokered peace deals with dissidents, they have also at times supported guerrilla movements fighting against each other.

Political Thought Nr.70

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Institute for Democracy "Societas Civilis" from Skopje would like to present you the 70th issue of the journal “Political Thought”

2025 Dialogue on ASEAN Maritime Security

KAS Philippines is honored to have participated in the recently concluded 2025 Dialogue on ASEAN Maritime Security (DAMS), held from 21-23 May at Conrad Manila.

Parliamentary elections in Portugal

Continuity and turning point

Portugal has voted for the third time in just three years. Although the Portuguese were tired of voting, voter turnout only fell by 1.6%, probably also thanks to repeated appeals from President Rebelo de Sousa for voting. The moderate center-right alliance Aliança Democrática under the leadership of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro won the elections with a relative majority, which makes the continuation of his minority government likely. In this respect, there is continuity. However, the collapse of the Socialist Party PS and the strong rise of the right-wing populist party Chega must be seen as a turning point. Chega even moved into second place. Nevertheless, Portugal will remain a stable political EU partner.

Just How American Is the American Pope?

U.S. Reactions to the Election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.

The election was a surprise: for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, there is a Pope from the USA. Leo XIV was born in Chicago, lived in Peru for a long time and most recently worked in Rome. For Catholics in the USA, his election is a gift - and a challenge.