Food security in the Middle East and North Africa
Between emergency and pragmatism
Immediately after the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa again became the focus of attention. Food security, a hitherto marginal concept in the literature, became the focus of interest for regional and global actors. Fears arose that Europe would have to address the consequences of a renewed stability crisis in its southern periphery in addition to the challenges of conventional state warfare on its eastern flank. The reality, however, is different. The states of the region were able to respond to the crisis not least because of diplomatic flexibility and neutrality. How has the war affected the region? Have the countries of the region pursued strategies of long-term diversification of their food sources? Where are countries now sourcing their grain supplies? What impact can be expected from the recent end of the grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine? With these questions in mind, this compilation focuses on Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. These countries were considered particularly vulnerable to food crises. Finally, a regional perspective summarizes the trends regionally and identifies possible solutions.
Church tax in Italian
How do churches and religious communities finance themselves south of the Alps?
Even in the land of the popes, more and more pews remain empty at Sunday Mass. The situation in Italy is not yet as dramatic as in Germany, but the trend is rising. However, in contrast to Germany the church tax cannot be the reason many people are leaving the church, since there is no such thing in Italy. How does the Church finance itself in the supposedly most Catholic country in Europe? Would the Italian model also be suitable for Germany? And how Catholic are the Italians still? We explore these questions in this country report.
Worst poll results since 2015: Justin Trudeau becomes a burden for his party
Canada’s Conservatives are riding a mood high
The dissatisfaction of the Canadian population with their governing party and its leader has reached new depths. There seems to be no end in sight to the Liberals’ 15-month slide. The popularity of both the party and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has steadily declined, and the latest results of opinion polls by Canada’s leading institutes are not likely to reassure the Liberals’ worried base. At the same time, the Conservatives (CPC) under their charismatic leader Pierre Poilievre are basking in poll results that currently even suggest that a majority government for the party, which has remained in opposition since 2015, is possible.
What’s next for Zimbabwe?
Economic, domestic and foreign policy consequences of Zimbabwes 2023 elections
Six years after the fall of Mugabe and the beginning of a new foreign policy of rapprochement with Europe and America, this year’s elections show the true extent of reforms – or rather their absence. While the opposition has made small strides against all odds, hopes for an economic turnaround have been largely disappointed.
Stagnation instead of Growth
Why the Bundeswehr is not an attractive employer and how it can become one
The Bundeswehr must grow in terms of personnel in order to be able to meet the demands placed on it. Despite efforts, its goal of 203,000 active soldiers is a long way off. Why has the Bundeswehr so far failed to recruit and retain personnel and how can it become an attractive employer in the future and thus a guarantor of security for Germany and its allies?
South Korea and Vietnam
A comprehensive strategic partnership
An overview of the cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam – from from economy to security policy to culture
How much responsibility does the “Community of responsibility” hold?
Responsibility, but without legal protection in case of separation
According to the coalition agreement (2021-2025), the major reform of family law planned by the Federal government will include the new legal institution of the “Community of responsibility” (“Verantwortungsgemeinschaft”) for an unlimited number of persons. Its main characteristics will be the easy conclusion as well as quick separation. As the planning goes, the Community of responsibility will offer marriage-like tax privileges whilst avoiding any regulations for the period after the separation to protect those individuals who have provided unpaid care or nursing.
50 years of Germany in the UN
The world in transition – Uniting for Peace?
A look at the past 50 years shows that Germany can successfully set a course: as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, through its membership in the Human Rights Council as well as in other UN bodies. The Namibia Initiative, the mediation between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s, participation in peace and stabilization missions, advocacy for the International Criminal Court or support for a special Ukraine-Tribunal, are all important steps to make the future on this planet safer, more peaceful, and sustainable.
Regional normalisation – Syrian perspectives
Turkish and Arab attempts to establish a new foundation for their relationship with Syria are viewed with concern especially in areas outside of the regime’s control.
Both the Arab League and Turkey have initiated a process of normalizing ties with the Syrian regime: While the Arab track, led by Saudi Arabia, has received wide international attention and media coverage, in Syria itself the Turkish efforts are monitored much more closely due to Turkey’s active role in Syrian political and security affairs. Yet, as of now, none of the two initiatives have achieved any significant progress, which can mainly be attribute to the Assad regime’s unwillingness to make any concessions. Nonetheless, non-state actors in Northern Syria remain apprehensive. Furthermore, amidst an ever-worsening economic crisis in Syria, unrest and demonstrations are also flawing up in regime-held territories.
The future of statutory health insurance in Germany
Interview with Dr Jochen Pimpertz – a conversation about the solidarity principle, intergenerational equity and a funded second pillar of financing
The German healthcare system is facing major challenges. Besides the constant medical and technical progress, in particular the aging of society is leading to a widening gap between the revenue base and the expenditure burden of the statutory health insurance system. How can the system be made sustainable for future generations and intergenerational solidarity be preserved?