Publications

Understanding Municipal Elections in Lebanon

by Zeina Sami El-Helou

This paper provides an in-depth look at Lebanon’s municipal elections, their historical trajectory, governance structures, financial constraints, and the pressing need for reform. As the country prepares for May 2025 elections, this resource sheds light on how local governance reflects broader national dynamics and why change is overdue.

KAS and Radio Free Europe discuss cooperation

The fight against disinformation is an important task of our work in Eastern Europe

100 Days of Trump 2.0

A First Look at the New U.S.-Administration's Security Policies in the Indo-Pacific

On January 20, 2025, the new U.S. administration took office. Donald Trump’s second term as President has introduced a mix of new and old hopes and concerns, including particularly the realm of U.S. security policy in the Indo-Pacific. Three months into the administration, the KAS Korea Office presents an interview series with experts based in U.S. partner locations in the region to gather initial impressions of its security and defense policies, as well as any notable changes so far. The series includes perspectives from Australia, Japan, The Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan as well as one interview focused on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

100 days Trump – Perspectives from Asia

Navigation between uncertainty, adaptation and new options

On April 30, 2025, Donald Trump's second presidency will reach the 100-day mark. Rarely have just over three months in office brought about so many changes on a global level. Countries around the world are responding to these changes with great speed and urgency. This also has consequences for Germany and the European Union. The country office directors of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Asia have gathered their impressions of the strategies chosen in the region to cope with the situation. How do the countries assess the new US administration under President Trump? What consequences do they draw for their economic, foreign, and security policy relations with the USA?

EPP-Party Barometer in April 2025

The Situation of the European People’s Party in the EU

The EPP Party Barometer illustrates the strength of the European party families in current opinion polls - with a particular focus on the European People's Party (EPP).

Ecosysteme Startup en Algerie - Une analyse

Etat de lieux, potentiel et perspectives de la startup algerienne

L’écosystème de la start-up et des incubateurs en Algérie est au cœur de la politique de création de richesse en dors des recettes d’exportation des hydrocarbures depuis plusieurs années, ainsi l’objet majeur cette analyse se trouve être double.

Assessing Myanmar’s Earthquake Response

Mechanisms for current and future humanitarian missions

The 2025 earthquake has reflected not only the fragility of Myanmar’s infrastructure but the deep fractures of its political and humanitarian landscape. In a nation where aid is weaponized, civil war fragments the state, and conscription pushes the flight of an entire generation, traditional humanitarian responses fall short. As the military junta continues to manipulate disaster for its own survival, international actors must rethink their approach. While it is an almost impossible task to bypass the military leaders entirely, especially for international agencies like the UN, relying on information from the Myanmar Diaspora and Civil Society Organisations helps: with who to engage on the ground, which funds and networks to support financially (even from abroad) and opening up the possibility of land border for aid delivery, point to alternative means of humanitarian assistance for current and future missions.

Australia is heading to the polls

Between everyday worries and global pressure, Australia is facing important decisions

On March 28, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the federal election would be held on May 3rd, after three years under the government led by the Australian Labor Party (ALP). The Prime Minister is being challenged by Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal-National Coalition, who is currently polling behind in several opinion polls. As of April 23, the ALP held a 55.5 percent to 44.5 percent lead over the Coalition in the two-party preferred polls, favored to again lead the next government. 1

Developing Institutionalised Deliberation for Inclusive Social Protection Systems

Research on Thailand's Social Protection Policy Implementation and Development

The social protection system is a crucial mechanism that promotes equality, reduces poverty, and manages people's risks to ensure inclusive national development. In today's era of increasing inequality, an aging population, and diverse vulnerabilities, comprehensive social protection has become a fundamental pillar in promoting justice and social cohesion. The concept of comprehensive social protection is based on the principle that everyone, regardless of their economic and social status, should have access to mechanisms that help maintain their standard of living and livelihood. This inclusivity is particularly important for marginalised and vulnerable groups who often face structural barriers that hinder their access to assistance.

Les acteurs djiboutiens au coeur de la route migratoire est-africaine

Une gestion à l’épreuve des réalités régionales et de la pression exercée par les bailleurs de fonds et les organisations internationales

Servant de zone de destination et de transit pour la migration d’Érythréens, d’Éthiopiens et de Somaliens vers la Péninsule Arabique, Djibouti s’inscrit pleinement dans la « gouvernance mondiale des migrations ». Dans quelle mesure s’adapte-t-elle aux exigences politiques de cette dernière, tout en préservant sa souveraineté ? Quels intérêts et contraintes émanent de cette adaptation depuis une perspective djiboutienne ?