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Science and Innovation: The Israeli Miracle

Visit of Florian Müller, Spokesperson for Science, Research, and Space of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag.

Florian Müller, Spokesperson for Science, Research, and Space of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag, visited Israel from February 8 to 11.

World trade continues even without WTO reform

The EU can shape trade rules with its partners

From 26 to 29 March 2026, the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference will be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Expectations for this highest-ranking world trade body are extremely low. No one seriously believes that the deadlock that has persisted since the 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha can be broken. The fundamental reform of the WTO that has been called for years will not succeed this time either. While this is not good news for the global trade order, it does not mean that the constructive forces within the international community, and in particular the EU, have their hands tied. 

The Hidden Costs of Exclusion: Gender Inequality in ASEAN Policymaking and Its Economic Implications

ASEAN is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, yet persistent gender inequality continues to limit its economic potential. Women play a vital role in powering ASEAN’s economies, but they remain systematically underrepresented in leadership, policymaking, and high-value sectors. This report demonstrates that gender inequality is not only a matter of fairness but also a profound economic inefficiency, costing the region trillions in lost GDP and undermining sustainable development.

Munich as a Stage for Beijing?

China ahead of the Munich Security Conference 2026

At the leading security forum in Munich, Beijing is able to capitalize on the diplomatic self-weakening of the United States, using the opportunities to advance new partnership and its own agenda; yet despite these advantages, China remains unable to position itself as a genuine alternative for the European Union.

EU Climate Policy in an Uncertain World

How Europe should use emissions trading as a geo‑economic tool for partnerships and resilience – and why this requires social acceptance and clear regulatory principles

High costs are putting EU climate policy under pressure as global rules erode. Europe’s response should follow Social Market Economy principles: aligning carbon prices globally and create reliable, rules‑based frameworks. The EU can use its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to incentivize climate clubs and rely on Article 6 for targeted partnerships. This requires strong domestic acceptance: revenues from carbon pricing must be returned transparently, fairly, and visibly – and the EU Emissions Trading System must be strengthened as the central rules‑based instrument of European climate policy.

Thailand vor den Wahlen

Richtungswechsel oder Status Quo?

Am 8. Februar 2026 wird in Thailand eine neue Regierung gewählt, weniger als drei Jahre seit dem letzten regulären Urnengang. Notwendig wurden die vorgezogenen Neuwahlen durch die Amtsenthebung von Premierministerin Paetongtarn Shinawatra im August 2025, in deren Folge eine Minderheitsregierung unter Anutin Charnvirakul, dem dritten Premierminister seit 2023, geschäftsführend und befristet die Geschicke übernahm. Diese Zeit geht nun zu Ende – am 12. Dezember 2025 wurde das Parlament aufgelöst, im Januar der Wahltermin bekannt gegeben. Zudem findet am selben Tag ein Referendum zum Für und Wider einer Verfassungsreform statt, die über die grundsätzliche politische Architektur des Landes langfristig entscheidet. Was steht auf dem Spiel, welche Szenarien zeichnen sich ab und was bedeutet das für die Zukunft des Landes? Ein Überblick.

New Yemen, new Gulf

The war in Yemen and the rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi

In the wake of the dramatic events in the Yemeni civil war at the turn of the year, the cards have been reshuffled between the regional powers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The military offensive by Emirati-backed separatists and the counterattack by the Yemeni government allied with Saudi Arabia are more than just another chapter in the war – they have caused tensions between the two Gulf monarchies to boil over. Not only has the long-simmering animosity between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi fully come to surface, but the conflict also makes another round of confrontations in the Gulf more likely. Moreover, it raises fundamental questions about stability in the Middle East, for which the Gulf states were in fact considered guarantors. In the Gulf, a new phase of politics could be dawning, with two opposing poles of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pursuing conflicting regional visions with the help of different coalition partners. Likewise, the breakdown of the former Saudi-UAE alliance is not without consequences for Europe's foreign policy in the Middle East, which so far relied on both protagonists as anchors of stability.

Mexico Outlook 2026

Mexico under stress: threat of US intervention, erosion of democracy and fragile security

ince the US military intervention in Venezuela, possible US operations in Mexico are no longer considered mere threats. Announcements from Washington are now also perceived in Mexico as a real political risk scenario, presenting President Sheinbaum with a foreign and domestic policy test. At the same time, the country is undergoing a period of profound institutional upheaval. Following the far-reaching weakening of constitutional structures in 2025, the announced electoral reform could also bring the legislature under the de facto control of the ruling party in 2026. If this plan is implemented, it would further substantially damage the already fragile democratic balance. At the same time, the security situation presents a mixed picture. While the number of registered homicides is declining, the number of disappearances continues to rise. At the same time, the population's sense of insecurity remains high.

Local elections in France in 2026

A barometer for the presidential elections

In March 2026, six years after the last election, local representatives will be re-elected in France. As the last nationwide direct elections before the 2027 presidential election, the parties attach particular importance to this vote, even though local election results traditionally only reflect national sentiment to a limited extent. However, given the unstable national political situation in which this year's local elections will take place, this trend could change. Since the dissolution of the National Assembly in 2024, political control at the state level has been weakened, parliamentary majorities remain unstable and confidence in national institutions is under great pressure. It therefore seems that the political significance of the local elections could have a greater impact at the national level this time or be influenced by it. Accordingly, the focus is shifting to the local authorities: in 2026, they will become key touchstones of political credibility, capacity to act and organisation.

Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol XIII

Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure

The monthly newsletter “Monitor Air War Ukraine” provides in-depth analyses of current waves of attacks and long-term developments in Russia’s air war against Ukraine. It is based on a comprehensive database that has been documenting every recorded airstrike on civilian targets since autumn 2022. The aim is to formulate data-driven recommendations for short- and medium-term support for Ukraine. The content is intended for political decision-makers, experts in security and military affairs, as well as specialized journalists. The Monitor is published by the Kyiv Dialogue in cooperation with OSINT and data analyst Marcus Welsch and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.