All publications - Security – Innovation – Democracy
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Asset Publisher
EU-Japan Critical Raw Materials Alliance
How the EU and Japan could benefit from large-scale cooperation in the field of rare earth elements
In the face of growing geopolitical risks, including the use of critical minerals as a tool of economic coercion, the EU and Japan need to deepen their cooperation and promote efforts to reduce their dependency on China. Therefore the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI) propose an ambitious cooperation, including EU-Japan public-private funds, joint procurement and stockpiling, collaboration on environmental measures and technology development, and the establishment of a critical raw materials club.
Dr. Jan Cernicky, Tim Peter, Gunter Rieck Moncayo, Yosuke Ishigami, Hiroyasu Hosoi
November 20, 2024
Single title
Adobe Stock / Dancing Man
Kazakhstan’s Energy Transition
Tackling the Challenges on Kazakhstan’s Path to Carbon Neutrality
Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country to set ambitious targets for renewable energy and carbon neutrality. This makes Kazakhstan a pioneer in the region’s energy transition, but the country faces significant challenges. Despite the progress made so far, there is a need for profound sectoral reforms, effective carbon pricing, and the right balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility to achieve a sustainable and low-carbon future in the long term.
Tatiana Lanshina, Yana Zabanova
November 19, 2024
Sustainability Monitor
Johnny Ryan
Creating the Space for Competitive & Resilient Digital Europe
Streamline Enforcement or Risk Prosperity and Safety
Europe has developed a powerful regulatory toolbox to address digital challenges. For Europe’s SMEs and startups to scale up, it is not enough to invest in our infrastructure and innovation. We must clear space in the market. The effective enforcement of EU law against large, non-European companies is crucial. A taskforce of Chief Enforcement Officers with an overarching commission approach could deploy enforcement instruments strategically and coherently – without the need to further legislate.
Dr Johnny Ryan, Dr Pencho Kuzev, Felix Kartte
November 19, 2024
Monitor
Adobe Stock / Dzmitry
Nigeria’s Energy Transition
Approaches for an efficient and pragmatic energy transition and climate protection
Africa’s largest economy is rich in both fossil fuel and renewable energy resources. Nonetheless, the country is faced with severe energy access deficits, stifling its economic growth, industrialisation, and sustainable development. A just and efficient transition to a sustainable energy system requires a combination of political, technological and financial measures. The goal is to ensure fairness, inclusivity and alignment with national priorities in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Chigozie Chigozie Nweke-Eze
November 18, 2024
Sustainability Monitor
IMAGO / Le Pictorium
Sudan crisis hits Sahel country Chad
An opportunity for Russia?
Chad is increasingly impacted by civil war raging in Sudan. Almost one million Sudanese have fled to eastern Chad, fuelling competition over land with locals who also complain about food prices. More refugees are expected to arrive as the warring parties in Sudan show no signs of willing to lay down arms – Europe is concerned that some will make their way to Libya to catch a boat to Italy. Chad’s President Mahamat Déby meanwhile is diversifying his partnerships by keeping his distance from France, the country’s traditional main partner, while also talking to Russia and working with the United Arab Emirates – the latter stands accused of channelling weapons via Chad to Sudan (Abu Dhabi denies the charges.
Ulf Laessing
November 12, 2024
Country reports
KALUZA+SCHMID Studio GmbH, Berlin
Stress test for Germany's domestic security
Responses to multiple crises and internationally networked actors
In 2024, the Federal Republic of Germany faces various threats in the area of domestic security. International crises not only influence extremist actors in their ideological developments, but also motivate them to commit criminal offences and acts of violence. At the same time, the lines between the individual groups and phenomena are becoming blurred as selective collaborations and structural ideological overlaps are emerging. In addition, the influence of foreign actors is growing and links between Germany and abroad are increasing significantly.
Gohdar Alkaidy, Dr. Jürgen Brandsch, Dr. Marcel Dirsus, Lisa Erlmann, Merlina Herbach, Miriam Katharina Heß, Jannis Jost, Dinah Elisa Kreutz, Felix Neumann, Jamuna Oehlmann, Caspar Schliephack, Tim Segler, Dr. Tamara Zieschang
November 11, 2024
Single title
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Trump 2.0 - The Political Comeback
A Clear Majority of Voters Has Given Donald Trump a Second Chance
According to most pollsters, the election result was expected to be close, but the predicted deadlock did not materialize. Donald Trump won the presidential election on November 5, 2024, surprisingly quickly and decisively. His “Make America Great Again” message resonated with an electorate that is not experiencing the economic upturn, is suffering from high price increases, and is fearful of foreign infiltration. Vice President Kamala Harris failed to convince a majority that she could credibly represent a new beginning despite her disciplined election campaign. The secret of Trump’s unexpected success lies in his ability to attract new voter groups for the Republicans by focusing on issues that are deeply concerning to these groups, as well as his truly unique way of communicating.
Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
November 7, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
France and the US election
"Strategic autonomy" remains France's goal
The outcome of the US election has far-reaching political and economic implications for France, forcing the country, which is itself experiencing a serious political crisis, to define its own role in the world and in Europe. This became clear in the run-up to the elections and was also commented on in initial reactions to the outcome. In the areas of trade and climate protection, but especially in the areas of security and defence, the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States is an incentive for France to strengthen its own and European independence in order to protect French and European interests. The call for European partners to develop a foreign and security policy that strengthens Europe and reduces dependence on America without jeopardising transatlantic cooperation remains the declared goal. Co-operation with Germany in particular is of crucial importance here.
Anja Czymmeck
November 7, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / NurPhoto
GERB wins early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria once again
Difficult government formation expected
Parliamentary elections were last held in Bulgaria on June 9, 2024 at the same time as the European elections for the sixth time in just over three years, from which the EPP party "Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria" (GERB) emerged victorious. Bulgarians have now been called to the polls again on October 27, 2024 to determine the composition of the parliament (Narodno Sabranie), as the parties were unable to agree on a government after the last vote.
Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Borislaw Wankow
November 6, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua
Parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan
Votes for change or continuity?
Parliamentary elections were held in Uzbekistan on 27 October 2024. For the first time, the elections were held according to a new, mixed electoral system that includes elements of both majority and proportional representation.
