Conflict Weekly #190, 24 August 2023, Vol. 4, No. 34

An initiative by NIAS-IPRI and the India Office of KAS

Another Conflict in Ethiopia and a Stalemate in Niger

Desarrollo Humano, carreras STEM, elecciones municipales

PolítiKAS en línea julio-agosto 2023

¡Nuevas publicaciones!

En Concepción se realiza tercera jornada de presentación del libro del expresidente Patricio Aylwin sobre el periodo 1970-1973

Los académicos Sergio Micco y Alejandro San Francisco fueron los panelistas encargados de reflexionar sobre este período de la historia de Chile.

Israel's regional foreign and security policy

Between Domestic Volatility, Regional Frictions and External Threats

Just days after Israel's President Isaac Herzog reassured the Biden administration about the state of democracy in Israel and praised the importance of bilateral relations with the US in his speech before the US Congress, the Knesset passed a portion of the controversial judicial reform shortly before its parliamentary summer break in late July. The debates surrounding the reform, which its opponents view as a threat to the democratic nature of the state, along with protests from various groups, have significantly heightened societal polarization in Israel over the past few months.

Additionally, security experts have increasingly warned of risks to Israel's internal and external security. These concerns were seemingly confirmed when, in the course of the last few weeks, more and more reservists declared their refusal to serve - in protest against the government's plans. Fears of a progressive erosion of social cohesion and consequently diminishing national resilience, which is considered by Israelis as an essential component of both internal and external security, are finding their foreign and security policy equivalent in the tense security situation on Israel's northern border, an escalating spiral of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, a more aggressive settlement policy under the current government, as well as closed doors for Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington and in the Arab Gulf.

Israel's Prime Minister, who in the past was attested by supporters and opponents alike to have an excellent sense of foreign and security policy – often referred to as "Mr. Security" – has propelled himself into a predicament in this area as well; his hardline political coalition partners have played a not inconsiderable role in this. An overview of the current regional foreign and security policy developments highlights the various areas of tension.

The Gulf goes BRICS

Gulf states form the core of the latest BRICS expansion

In a surprising expansion, three states from the Gulf region are now part of the BRICS group of states. The inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE is not a watershed event, but follows an already familiar pattern: middle powers in the Gulf and elsewhere strengthen their international position in the context of global great power rivalries. While Riyadh and Abu Dhabi seek to diversify their foreign policy relations, the regime in Tehran is once again trying to break through its international isolation. All three Gulf states are hoping for economic stimulus as well as a gain in power. The traditional BRICS agenda of establishing an alternative global financial and monetary system could also gain new momentum with three important energy exporters as new members.

The Jordanian Paradox

Participation and control

Jordan wants to enable more political participation and strengthen parliamentarism. The legal course has been set. At the same time, the scope for critical expression of opinion is narrowing, most recently as a result of a new law to combat cybercrime. But the country's modernization can only succeed if the state has confidence in its citizens.

Where angels would have feared to tread: Reformists, Revisionists and the 2023 BRICS Summit

Author: Professor van der Westhuizen, Stellenbosch University

What is BRICS for? Is it a bulwark against US-China polarization or a mechanism to counter a "Western hegemonic bloc"? Professor van der Westhuizen unpacks how this questions was navigated at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023.

Podzieleni Polacy, sceptyczni Niemcy

Barometr Polska Niemcy 2023 - część II

Tegoroczne badanie w ramach projektu Barometr Polska-Niemcy pokazuje, że w 2023 roku po raz kolejny pogorszyły się polskie oceny stosunków dwustronnych, a wizerunek Niemiec w Polsce jest coraz bardziej ambiwalentny i zależny od orientacji politycznej badanych. Pomimo tego, polskie opinie na temat Niemiec nadal są bardziej pozytywne niż obraz Polski w Niemczech.

Segundo encuentro del ciclo “La experiencia política de la Unidad Popular. 1970-1973”

En Puerto Montt participaron de este diálogo Joaquín Fermandois, presidente de la Academia Chilena de la Historia y del Instituto de Chile; y Sol Serrano, Premio Nacional de Historia.

Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean: Challenges of Climate Change and Key Opportunities

3rd article of KAS-REMENA Publication Series “Climate Change Mitigation in the Eastern Mediterranean”

Dr. Agis Digkas analyzes Greece's climate change challenges and prospects, highlighting the necessity of strategic adaptation in vital sectors like tourism, agriculture, and energy to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth in the face of ecological and societal impacts.