Publications

Lessons from China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Strategic Pathways for the EU’s Global Gateway

by Jacob Mardell

Over a decade since its launch, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) remains widely misunderstood. This report cuts through the noise: the BRI is less a grand strategy, more a decentralised, narrative-driven vehicle for advancing Chinese interests. The report asks what the EU can learn—and what it should avoid—as it shapes its own Global Gateway.

Two years of civil war in Sudan

The latest developments in the crisis region

At the end of March, Sudanese media reported that the presidential palace in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, had been retaken by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The palace, which also serves as the seat of government, had been occupied by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, along with other parts of the capital. The recapture marks a major milestone for the Sudanese army in the ongoing conflict. Several ministry buildings and much of the capital are also back under SAF military control. However, an end to the war is not yet in sight, as RSF rebels still control several strategic areas of the country and fighting continues in other regions. Fighting continues particularly in Western Darfur. An end to the war is a long way off, as various local and international political initiatives remain unsuccessful. In the meantime, the people of Sudan are suffering one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.

Warning! Democracy collapsing!

How do we combat the democratic regression in Romania in the long term?

Consensus amid Chaos

Korean Parliament passes pension reform

On 20 March 2025 the Korean National Assembly passed a pension reform. This historic decision, which was passed by both major parties despite fierce political debate, ushers in a new chapter for the pension system after 18 years. Despite ongoing challenges, the course for solutions in the face of serious demographic developments is set. Above all, it provides a striking contrast to the enormous polarization that otherwise characterizes Korean politics and has led to the current crisis.

Special edition - Country reports with a difference

International comparison of accessibility

This publication provides research, compiled by some of our overseas offices, on the current situation of political participation for people with disabilities, in their respective countries. We hope that their reports will increase awareness of the sadly often persistent inequalities that remain and motivate all of us to pay greater heed to the issue of inclusion.

Hintergrundgespräch zur Bundestagswahl in Deutschland

Deutschland nach der Bundestagswahl. Gibt es einen Politikwechsel?

Die Veranstaltung bot allen Teilnehmern eine wertvolle Möglichkeit, sich über die aktuelle politische Entwicklung in Deutschland und deren globale Auswirkungen auszutauschen.

Rundtischgespräch mit Abgeordneten des Europäischen Parlaments

Zusammenarbeit mit Vertretern der Partnerparteien in Bosnien und Herzegowina

Konstruktives Treffen von Vertretern der EVP-Parteien aus Bosnien und Herzegowina mit Mitgliedern des Ausschusses für Sicherheit und Verteidigung des Europäischen Parlaments (SEDE), organisiert von der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Sarajevo.

IPEF Regulations and their Impact on the Economic Security of the Indo-Pacific Region

KAS SOPAS – ISAS NUS Joint Publication

The publication provides insights into the evolving rules that govern the IPEF and examines their potential to shape the region’s economic landscape.

Voter Fluidity in the 2024 National Elections

Prof Carin Runciman and Prof Marcel Paret

The report focuses on two key dynamics that were influential in the 2024 elections, voter fluidity and voter abstention. The report provides a brief methodological note and examines voter trajectories and voter abstention.

A Front Line Drawn in the Sand: Jihadism Creeps into Northern Benin and Togo

New KAS SIPODI West study reveals how jihadist groups exploit local tensions to expand from the Sahel into the northern regions of Benin and Togo.

This field-based analysis by Mathias Khalfaoui explores the overlooked yet dangerous spread of jihadist violence into coastal West Africa. Despite military resistance and international support, weak governance, community tensions and socio-economic decline are enabling the long-term entrenchment of armed groups.