Nigeria: A Dual Challenge Published: 6 May 2020 Background Nigeria stands at the very brink of its own COVID-19 epidemic. However, the country has been in the grips of serious crisis for weeks: the collapse in oil prices has led to brutal budget cuts and provokes a recession in the country, which depends heavily on oil exports. The timing could not be worse in view of the forthcoming pandemic challenges. Jochen Luckscheiter
The Italian constitutional referendum: a victory for democracy and civil society Published: 6 December 2016 Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi decided to stake everything on the referendum: his personal credibility and his political legitimacy. His failure leads us to the question what kind of change Renzi was actually representing. Armanda Cetrulo
The Battle for Modernity Published: 11 October 2016 Today’s central line of conflict runs between open societies and various forms of Identitarian radicalism. The challenge we face is to reconcile rapid changes in a globalized modern age with our need to belong and our need for security. Ralf Fücks
Zimbabwe: "The socio-economic challenges are huge" Published: 21 July 2016 The political situation in Zimbabwe is getting worse, the population is protesting with a Stay-Away against corruption, bond notes and a lack of payment. Paula Assubuji, from our office in South Africa, has spoken with Kudakwashe Chitsike about the current situation in the country. Paula Assubuji
Dare to Take Charge: The EU, Areas of Conflict in International Politics, and the Case for Assuming Greater Responsibility Published: 20 June 2016 We cannot quarantine ourselves from the instability that reigns south and east of Europe. Europe must strike a new balance between idealistic foreign policy and realism. The opening address of the 17th Annual Foreign Policy Conference. Ralf Fücks
Time to tone down the rhetoric Published: 14 July 2015 In the heated climate of the negotiations between the Eurogroup and Greece, it is not enough to be right or win the argument. The German government in particular should take seriously the inflammatory resurgence of resentment it faces. Charlotte Beck
The grief of Czech politics Published: 31 July 2013 The political crisis in the Czech Republic, which led to the fall of the government, was triggered by police investigation. The prosecution of three former MPs in the country triggered heated debates and reactions. Václav Láska
Dealing with the Financial and Climate Crises Published: 14 November 2008 Policymakers must make sure that the restructuring of the financial system lays the ground for an ecological transformation. This, in turn, will stimulate the economy. To secure its international competitiveness Europe needs to retain its leadership in energy efficiency and green collar industries. Roderick Kefferpütz
