Publications

Morocco's religious diplomacy at a crossroads

Policy brief 08

Die Slowakei – ein Land unter dem Einfluss populistischer Kräfte

Das Parteiensystem der Slowakei ist seit vielen Jahren wenig institutionalisiert. Es ist gekennzeichnet durch hohe Volatilität und Fluktuation, eine schwache Verankerung der Parteien in den Regionen und einen starken Einfluss der Führungen auf die Entscheidungsfindung ihrer Parteien.

Mexico after the blow against "El Mencho": Security situation, World Cup risks and trade prospects

In February 2026, Mexican armed forces succeed in arresting and eliminating Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), the leader of the country's most powerful cartel. This is immediately followed by coordinated acts of retaliation and demonstrations of power: roadblocks, arson attacks and armed clashes between security forces and cartel members, claiming around 60 lives. Mexico's precarious security situation is thus temporarily back in the international spotlight. The government is striving to restore stability quickly, not least with a view to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. A sustained escalation would further fuel the debate that has already arisen about possible venue changes. At the same time, the operation strengthens the Mexican government's position vis-à-vis the United States. The elimination of a globally wanted cartel leader is intended to demonstrate Mexico's ability to act in terms of security policy and to refute arguments for US intervention. With a view to the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (T-MEC), this is of considerable importance, as the T-MEC remains Mexico's economic lifeline. The outlook for German and European companies in Mexico in 2026 is generally positive, mainly due to the planned modernisation of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Although the violence is increasing uncertainty in the short term, a renewed nationwide escalation is considered unlikely. If the operation strengthens Mexico's position in the T-MEC negotiations, this would be advantageous for German and European companies based in Mexico.

Beyond the Gender Quota

Increasing Women’s Representation within the Executive Branch andPolitical Parties

This analysis, published in cooperation with the Eduardo Frei Foundation and Democracy Plus examines women’s role within the executive branch, especially in appointed positions wielding greater political power and influence, especially in Kosovo’s context. It is available in English and Albanian.

Municipal Assembly Members Handbook

How to be an active and proactive representative?

This Handbook, published in cooperation with the Eduardo Frei Foundation and Democracy Plus, is designed for Municipal Assembly Members who intend to exercise their mandate in an active, responsible and open manner towards constituents. It provides practical guidance and clear explanations on forms of proactive action, drawing on the best practices of local government in Kosovo. It is available in English and Albanian.

New (minority) government in the Netherlands

Compromise becomes a key issue

On February 23, 2026, the Netherlands will have a new government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The minority government, consisting of the liberal-progressive Democraten 66 (D66), the right-wing liberal Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Christen-Democratisch Appèl (CDA), was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander 117 days after the election. With its coalition agreement “Aan de slag” (“Let's get to work”) , a clearly structured work program, the new government has set itself ambitious goals: domestically, it is reform-oriented and willing to invest in the economy and defense; foreign policy-wise, it is clearly pro-European. Now the “Jetten Cabinet” must prove that it can win majorities for its plans even without its own parliamentary majority in politically polarized times. The Netherlands does not have much experience with minority governments, but the “experiment” at least offers the chance to overcome the political paralysis left behind by right-wing populist Geert Wilders with parties from the political center and to tackle the pressing domestic and foreign policy challenges.

RUSSIA’S EXPANDING PLAYBOOK

KOSOVO – UKRAINE CONNECTION

This report, published in cooperation with the Kosovo Centre for Security Studies, examines the strategies, approaches, and methods that Russia has deployed in Ukraine as part of its hybrid warfare and how these tools are being adapted or amplified in the Western Balkans. By analyzing these dynamics, we aim to illuminate the mechanisms by which Russia exerts influence in the region and the potential implications for regional security and Euro-Atlantic stability. It is available in English and Albanian.

New Edition of Bayan: Quarterly Review of Arab Society in Israel

The new Edition of Bayan, from the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation Israel with the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, taking a look in the Arab Society in an election year.

The current issue of Bayan: Quarterly Review of Arab Society in Israel appears at the beginning of a year in which the elections for the 26th Knesset are expected to take place. It addresses the preparations and the readiness of the Arab political system in Israel for the upcoming elections. The issue contains two articles. Shahin Sarsour’s article examines the Joint List and the circumstances that led to its reestablishment. Rani Hassan’s article provides an in-depth analysis of the electoral considerations of Arab voters in the forthcoming elections.

Why we tell stories – New book by KAS Media South East Europe

17 journalists from twelve countries in South East Europe explain why they are doing what they are doing, despite all odds and constraints.

Czechia's defense and Ukraine policy under the new Babiš government – a first impression

From expansion to stagnation

The security policy environment in which the Czech Republic has found itself since Russia's war against Ukraine has led to a change in defense planning in recent years. Under Petr Fiala's (ODS) government, Czechia was prepared to gradually increase defense spending and left no doubt about its support for Ukraine. However, the new coalition government of Andrej Babiš, formed by the populist ANO party, the right-wing extremist anti-system SPD (Freedom and Direct Democracy) party, and the populist-conservative Motorists' Party, is charting a new course in many areas.