Globalization and the World's Poor

It has become a politically correct cliché that globalization has its winners and losers. The fast pace of globalization has resulted in a worldwide increase in trade, foreign investments and economic growth. Yet, the global market also confronts the world's poor and the most fragile developing countries with great challenges. On May 16, 2007, the Brookings Institution launched a book dealing with the impact of globalization on the world's poor. (Summary in German)

Angela Merkel – Key Player in Transatlantic Relations

„During this year’s EU-US summit, the German Chancellor impressed the Americans as a „key interlocutor for U.S. presidents in Continental Europe.“ The Wall Street Journal commented that “Germany is returning to the traditional, postwar role it has played from the days of Konrad Adenauer to Helmut Kohl”. According to an op-ed piece in the Washington Times, the summit under Merkel’s leadership “exuded clout.” (Report in German)

The War in Iraq – Staying the Course until Victory?

"It is too soon for a verdict." Those are the words President Bush chose in response to a recent interview question by a prestigious talkshow host about the success of his new Iraq strategy. At the same time, a new think tank report tried to beef up the American security offensive with new recommendations for the next phase of the new Bush strategy. To many in Washington, however, the war in Iraq seems already lost. After months of rangling between the Democratic majority in Congress and the White House, the showdown between the legislative and executive branch of the U.S. government reached a dramatic climax in Washington this week.(Commentary in German)

"The Presidential Elections in France"

The Implications for Europe and Transatlantic Relations

Speech given by Jean-Pascal Picy, Senior Adviser to Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France

Brussels – Rival or Partner?

The Future of US-EU Relations

At an event hosted by the conservative Heritage Foundation three members of European Parliament of the British Conservatives talked about the US-EU relationship. Another discussed topic was the relationship between Great Britain and the European Union. (Event summary in German)

Can Iraq be “Fixed”?

Opinions diverge when it comes to discussing a solution for Iraq. This became apparent once again at a panel discussion hosted by the World Security Institute. The remaining options of the U.S. government were discussed controversially. Moderator Alton Frye, Presidential Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Council on Foreign Relations, pointed out that consensus would not be the aim of the event, since it would be impossible to reach.(Summary in German)

Linking Security and Development in State Building

Recent Lessons from Afghanistan

During a discussion at the Woodrow Wilson Center several experts analyzed the developments in Afghanistan during the last years. The discussion focused mainly on security and civil-military cooperation. (Summary in German)

Speech by Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers

Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia

"Energy: questions of security of supply, dependence and environmental protection" (Speech in German)

South East Europe: Key Challenges on the Road to Sustainable Regional Cooperation

During an event at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced Interantional Studies Dr. Erhard Busek, Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, explained the developments in the region since the foundation of the Stability Pact in 1999. He furthermore addressed the issue of the accession perspective of the states to the European Union. (Summary in German)

Chinese Anti-Satellite Weapons

A Threat to U.S. National Security?

On January 11th, 2007 China tested an anti-satellite weapon by shooting down an old weather satellite. Even though China said it adhered to the peaceful use of space, there were protests across the world. At the Heritage Foundation, Republican Senator Jon Kyl talked about China’s approach and its consequences for the United States. (Summary in German)