Publications

The Evolving Role of Think Tanks in Cambodia

Special Report

What exactly is a think tank, what do these organisations actually do, and how do they operate in Cambodia’s current climate? This special report offers a long-overdue, full-spectrum look at the country’s think tank landscape, domestic and foreign alike, by explaining their roles, the constraints they face, and why their work matters for evidence-based policymaking.

Ethiopia's BRICS membership

Between exaggerated expectations and geopolitical rivalry

On 1 January 2024, Ethiopia officially joined the BRICS group — a highly symbolic step that marks the country’s turn away from the traditional West and towards a supposedly more multipolar world order (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024). Addis Ababa presented the accession as a historic success for its foreign policy. It was seen as a sign of a return to geopolitical relevance, opening the door to new economic and diplomatic opportunities. However, this rhetoric conceals an increasingly visible discrepancy between Ethiopia's expectations of BRICS and the group of states' structural and political realities. However, the absence of economic returns to date, coupled with the emergence of new geopolitical tensions among members, calls into question the benefits of accession.

Kenya’s Structural Reckoning

Social Protest or Social Control?

Social protest or social control? Saba Saba, remembered for the historic nationwide protests of July 7, 1990, marked a turning point in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy. Today, Kenyans once again take to the streets—commemorating that legacy and demanding accountability, good governance, and the rule of law. Palpable tensions remain high following the protests on the 25th of Jule 2025, which gained international attention. Coincidentally, this year’s demonstrations commemorated the anniversary of last year’s infamous Finance Bill protests, which lit the flame of demonstrations by proposing largely unpopular and tax hikes. Anger, resentment and uncertainty with the government still lingers, as the country braces itself for the anticipated protests to peak on Monday, the 7th of July, marking the historic 1990 Saba Saba protests for democratic reforms.

The Experiences and Extent of Adopting AI among SMEs in Southeast Asia

This publication gives an overview of AI readiness and adoption in Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on the potential benefits and obstacles for SMEs, followed by a qualitative study that gathers insights on AI adoption among Philippine manufacturing SMEs. It aims to understand general perceptions of AI, identify key factors influencing its adoption and impact, and explore how AI has affected their operations.

China ahead of the BRICS summit in Rio

"Rien ne va plus" or "now more than ever"?

For the first time since assuming office in 2013, Chinese President and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping will not attend a BRICS summit in person. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent the People’s Republic of China at the gathering in Rio de Janeiro. From Beijing’s perspective, the ongoing conflicts — and the direct involvement of fellow BRICS members such as Russia and Iran — have significantly dampened expectations for the summit’s success. Against this backdrop, signs are mounting that China’s enthusiasm for the BRICS format is waning, giving way to growing disillusionment and lowered ambitions.

Kenya and Sudan Fallout

Unpacking the Kenya-Sudan Diplomatic Rift

Kenya and Sudan have shared a symbiotic relationship over the years. However, things have quickly changed recently due to Kenya’s controversial decision to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaders in Nairobi. This decision put Kenya’s impartiality to question. Furthermore, due to this act Sudan has taken some retaliatory measures including calling back their ambassador and imposing a ban on Kenyan imported goods. This text unpacks the fallout between these two countries. It then highlights the impact on Kenya’s reputation due to the RSF engagement such as loss of credibility as a mediator, association to human rights abuse, loss of trust and economic loss. Lastly, the text provides recommendations on how Kenya and Sudan can get back to their previous symbiotic relationship.

Brazil as a Bridge Between BRICS+ and Europe?

Brazil’s BRICS+ Presidency Ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Summit

Brazil is using its BRICS+ presidency in 2025 to promote a more inclusive and sustainable world order as a pragmatic mediator in the so-called ‘Global South’ and to preserve its independence in foreign policy. For Europe, this presents both challenges due to the growing heterogeneity and independence of the BRICS+ group, as well as opportunities for a strategic partnership, for example through the EU-Mercosur agreement and joint projects in the areas of climate, health and technology. It is crucial that Europe recognises Brazil as an equal partner in order to jointly set global standards and actively shape the multipolar world order.

Indonesia's first BRICS summit after accession

Why Indonesia joins BRICS and still remains independent

In January 2025, Indonesia surprisingly joined the BRICS community of states. This raised concerns among Western observers that Indonesia could abandon its traditional foreign policy position of ‘non-alignment’ and move closer to China and Russia. However, the accession is actually part of the Indonesian government's strategy to integrate its own country into the most important multilateral formats. It is therefore not a contradiction for Indonesia to push for its own accession to the OECD at the same time. The Western international community should support Indonesia's integration efforts and make concrete offers of cooperation to the Indonesian government. Indonesia's BRICS accession could then even have a positive effect for the West and strengthen the balance within the BRICS - and thus weaken China's dominant influence in the group.

Egyptian perspectives on the BRICS conference in Brazil

Egypt sees itself as an active partner in the BRICS alliance, but the topic is only discussed to a limited extent in the public debate

Since joining BRICS in January 2024, Egypt has positioned itself as an active partner focused on financial reform and cooperation with the Global South. President Al-Sisi criticized traditional institutions like the UN and emphasized BRICS' role in addressing global crises. Egypt advocates for fairer debt systems and stronger economic sovereignty within the alliance.

The UAE – (not) just another BRICS member?

Admission to BRICS strengthens the Emirates’ economic and foreign policy ambitions

Although the UAE seem like an unusual member of BRICS, the Emirates have embraced their admission to join the group in 2024. Being a BRICS-member furthers Abu Dhabi’s agenda to become an economic hub and is part and parcel of its diversified foreign relations. For Europe this should be a wake-up call.