The war in Ukraine profoundly affects the future of Germany and Europe. But one thing is certain: there will be a tomorrow. Since war tends to escalate to extremes, it must be politically contained with the aim of ending it as soon as possible and preventing it in the future. This is particularly relevant when, … Read more
The discourse around resilience, particularly in postcolonial contexts, reveals a series of tensions and contradictions in its conceptualization and application. A critical examination of engagements with “local” resilience practitioners in South Sudan highlights two problematic aspects inherent in current practices. First, the role of the “local” researcher or practitioner, ostensibly included to provide culturally specific … Read more
At the end of 2016, as his presidency was coming to an end, Barack Obama made a final trip to Berlin. Over a private dinner, he implored his longtime partner, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to guide his international legacy — and the broader transatlantic partnership of liberal democracies — through the predictable turbulence of a … Read more
Somaliland, a self-proclaimed nation in the Horn of Africa, prides itself on being a democratic state that holds regular elections and maintains stability in a tumultuous region. Subsequent Somaliland governments have intensified their attempts to gain global recognition by consistently emphasizing the region’s beneficial assets and unique position. However, human rights violations in Somaliland could … Read more
The new year begins with another development in the war between Ukraine and Russia, the gas war in Europe. Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was the EU’s largest supplier of natural gas. The EU (and to a lesser extent the wider European bloc) has thus reduced Russia’s share of … Read more
Bangladesh’s Hindu minority experiences a precarious sociopolitical landscape shaped by structural violence and partisan dynamics. While their alignment with the Awami League (AL) demonstrates capacity for action and strategic decision-making, it also exposes them to greater risks in times of political upheaval. For example, a total of 1,068 homes and business establishments belonging to minorities, … Read more
Earlier this year, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali coached a BBC journalist, challenging the developed world’s double standards when asked about Guyana’s oil drilling plans amid a climate crisis. In a show of controlled anger, the president questioned the journalist about his right to lecture a country that has kept vast forests alive, for the benefit … Read more
Since Somaliland unilaterally declared independence in May 1991, the unrecognized state has achieved a democratic record that only a few countries in the developing world can match. On November 13, 2024, Somalilanders voted in two thousand polling stations across the country. Wadani, the largest opposition party led by Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), won a clear … Read more
Donald Trump has claimed he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. He now calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the start of negotiations. However, history shows that what cannot be achieved on the battlefield is unlikely to be achieved at the negotiating table. An immediate … Read more
Concerns about the changing global order have increased as we move from a unipolar world, dominated by the United States since the end of the Cold War, to a more fragmented multipolar landscape. The rise of new powers – including China, India, Turkey and Iran – ushered in what many see as an era of … Read more