Georgia: »This Law Targets Anyone Mobilizing for Democratic Change« Published: 16 May 2024 Interview The Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence hinders Georgian accession to the EU and has drawn massive protests by Georgian society. In this context we asked three questions to Dr. Sonja Schiffers, Director of our South Caucasus office in Tbilisi, on how she views the latest developments.
A Quarter Century since the NATO Bombing Began: Twenty-five Years Devoured by Villains Published: 11 April 2024 Commentary Serbian memory politics obscures the reasons for the NATO intervention, which strengthens Vučić's power. He presents himself as a defender of the fatherland, despite contradictions with reality.
COP29: Azerbaijan’s Quest for International Legitimacy and Funding Published: 11 March 2024 Analysis As the host country of the COP29 climate conference, authoritarian Azerbaijan wants to improve its international reputation. How should democratic states and international civil society approach the next COP? By Dr. Sonja Katharina Schiffers
Lessons from the Kosovo war: no time for European complacency Published: 28 February 2024 Analysis The Kosovo war of 25 years ago serves as a reminder that frozen conflicts and bilateral disputes cannot be swept under the rug for long. In the current geopolitical environment, they will blow up in Europe’s face. By Agon Maliqi
From Climate Action to Feminist Justice Published: 12 February 2024 Report This article discusses the potential of a feminist approach to climate justice and feminist foreign and development policy. The authors, Gina Cortés Valderrama and Katy Wiese, argue that feminist perspectives are unabdingbar in addressing economic rights, energy transition, and climate-related damages and losses. By Miriam Mona Mukalazi
Snap Elections in Azerbaijan's Political Quagmire Published: 6 February 2024 Analysis In December 2023, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev surprisingly announced snap presidential elections. Accordingly, Azerbaijani voters will go to the polls on February 7th. These elections signal one thing: the consolidation of authoritarian power. By Hamida Giyasbayli
Southeast Europe: Plundering the Western Balkans Published: 23 January 2024 Analysis Corrupt politicians have been systematically plundering public budgets and natural resources in the Western Balkans for years. Increasingly, international actors are also discovering an El Dorado for dubious investments in these countries. By Marion Kraske
European Media Freedom Act will do little to keep up independent journalism in Hungary Published: 13 December 2023 Analysis Under the umbrella of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), thirteen journalists, press freedom, and civil society organizations are calling the EU institutes and the governments of member states to impose greater transparency on the media and their relations with political decision-makers and economic players.
Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia: Policy Options for Germany and the EU Published: 29 September 2023 Analysis Over 50,000 Armenians have already fled Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia following Azerbaijan's recent military offensive. Despite ongoing negotiations, further escalations could follow. What options do Germany and the EU have? By Walter Kaufmann and Dr. Sonja Katharina Schiffers
"Elections in Slovakia: Fico is dangerous, but he knows the power of social protest" Published: 26 September 2023 Interview With the return of former Prime Minister Fico, old authoritarian patterns could resurface in the upcoming elections. However, progressives also have a chance to win. By Jan Philipp Albrecht , Adéla Jurečková and Zuzana Kepplová