Decarbonization, the Southeast Asian Way Published: 29 September 2021 Background No Single Pathway. Southeast Asian countries’ targets and wish lists toward carbon neutrality are like individual recipes that use different ingredients in various ways, to produce the same dish (hopefully). By Johanna Son
A brief analysis of the German federal election 2021 Published: 29 September 2021 Analyse Germany has voted. The SPD, Greens and FDP come out of the elections as the winners, but take a very different view of the results – depending on their expectations and the pressure they feel upon them to act. By and large, the trend towards a party system in which no single party dominates continues. Constituency seats played a very particular role in these elections. This brief analysis provides an overview of the initial results, with a more comprehensive, empirical analysis to follow in the next few days. By Dr. Stefanie John
The AIIB Fails on Public Access to Information Published: 24 September 2021 Background Starting from October 2021, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will begin using a newly revised but still problematic environmental and social framework. This framework contains the right words and appears to tick all the boxes, but it includes too many loopholes and caveats that undermine early disclosure of environmental and social risks. By Korinna Horta and Wawa Wang
Senegal: “If I don’t know, I ask – if I know, I share.” Published: 22 September 2021 Interview The internet increasingly enables people in Senegal to express their opinions and be part of democracy – this has become clear in digital initiatives such as Sunu 2012 or #FreeSenegal. Senegalese activist Cheikh Fall explains in an interview how important (pan-African) networking is in this context. By Dr Selly Ba and Maria Kind
Zimbabwe: “You are the ones we have been waiting for” Published: 21 September 2021 Interview In the face of political oppression and persecution, the digital space offers many people in Zimbabwe the only lasting opportunity to exchange ideas and organise. We spoke with Fungai Machirori about the potentials and shortcomings of the internet, feminist digital activism in Zimbabwe, and the hopes placed in each new generation. By Maria Kind
Nigeria: “Continue to innovate and build alliances” Published: 22 September 2021 Interview The internet can open up spaces for marginalised groups to strengthen their identities, exchange ideas, form communities, and organise themselves. In Nigeria, however, freedom of communication and information is increasingly being restricted. We spoke with queer security expert Azeenarh Mohammed about LGBTIQ rights, risk profiles, and the Twitter blackout. By Maria Kind
War: Conflicts feed hunger, hunger feeds conflict Published: 15 September 2021 Analysis Warring parties drive people off their land, kill livestock and damage crops. They destroy infrastructure and transport networks, disrupt markets and push food prices up. Conflicts are one of the main causes of hunger. But a lack of access to food can also be a cause of war.
Crises: A future without hunger Published: 15 September 2021 Analysis Since 2017, the number of hungry people around the world has been rising again. Poverty, war and natural disasters threaten food security especially in Africa and south Asia.
Food poverty: You might not choose the food you eat Published: 15 September 2021 Analysis In a wealthy country like Germany, can everyone get enough healthy food? It’s not that simple. Income, education and employment are closely linked to health.
Power: Food business, big business Published: 15 September 2021 Analysis From land ownership to seed supply to food retailing: food value chains are marked by their concentration in a few hands. The imbalance of power between large companies, smallholders and consumers results in malnutrition.