Publications

Saudi Arabia and the Palestinians

Navigating a Complex Relationship Amid Regional Tensions and Global Shifts

This paper examines Saudi Arabia's evolving role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the ensuing Gaza war. It explores how shifting regional dynamics, renewed U.S. involvement under President Donald Trump, and rising tensions with Iran have reshaped Riyadh’s strategic approach. The analysis focuses on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to balance its traditional support for Palestinian statehood with its broader geopolitical objectives, including potential normalization with Israel, regional stability, and alignment with U.S. interests.

Balances of Weakness: Syria’s Post-Assad Security Sector Governance

by Dr. Abdulla Ibrahim

A deep dive into the post-Assad security landscape and the political dilemmas facing Syria’s new rulers, as armed factions, foreign actors, and structural weaknesses hinder consolidation and governance.

Preliminary reading of Syria’s post-Assad economic trends

by Jihad Yazigi

On March 29, a bit more after their first 100 days in power, the new Syrian authorities, led by transitional president Ahmad Al-Sharaa, named a new government that it is supposed to lead the county towards economic recovery.

Will EU enlargement create new models for the EU-UK relationship?

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is reshaping European politics. One consequence is the new momentum behind EU enlargement. Three years after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine and Moldova have joined Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye in the process of negotiating accession to the EU. Another effect of Russia’s invasion is greater pressure for closer EU-UK cooperation, particularly in defence.

Clear Victory for President Noboa

Ecuador shows the red card to a possible return of Correísmo

Daniel Noboa remains president of Ecuador. With a surprisingly clear result of more than eleven percent ahead, the young head of state was able to win the run-off election for the highest office against his left-wing populist challenger Luisa González. The loser's refusal to acknowledge her defeat once again proves the great polarization in the country. After a peaceful election, this division into two camps, along with the containment of organized crime and the difficult economic situation, are the biggest challenges for the election winner.

Costa Rica’s Role in Protecting the Oceans

Land between the Seas

Everyone is familiar with the annual Climate Change Conferences. However, the Ocean Conferences receive far less public attention even though life on the planet depends on intact oceans. Known as a “green oasis” and a “pioneer in sustainability”, Costa Rica is set to co-host the third UN Ocean Conference in 2025. But what opportunities do these international conferences really offer, and what is the true state of ocean and environmental protection in this small Central American country?

Editorial

“Water” is a concise title, but one that covers a vast range of topics in the present issue of International Reports. The opening article highlights the many different dimensions of this theme from a foreign policy perspective: In their analysis of EU water policy, Olaf Wientzek and Nicole Linsenbold reveal how water plays at least three distinct roles that subsequently re-appear throughout this issue – namely the roles of water as an ecosystem, as a resource and as a conflict arena.

Flash Point in the South China Sea

How the Philippines and Vietnam Are Taking a Stand against China

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated significantly in recent months, with China adopting increasingly aggressive tactics against its neighbouring states. How can smaller nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam push back against a dominant power?

How We Can Make Europe’s Maritime Critical Infrastructure More Resilient

Lifelines under Threat

Vulnerable and lacking sufficient protection, maritime critical infrastructure is the target of hybrid warfare. The latest incidents involving submarine cables have revealed weak points that highlight an urgent need for action. However, protecting this vital infrastructure alone will not be sufficient to prevent significant disruptions in the future.

Israeli-Jordanian Water Management Relations

Between Conflict and Cooperation

One consequence of the brutal escalation in the Middle East conflict since October 2023 has been increased strain on relations between Israel and Jordan. For three decades, the two neighbouring countries have been bound by a peace treaty that also involves joint management of a key resource: water. While basic cooperation has largely held up despite all the political crises, there is still plenty of potential to expand collaboration.