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International Reports

Around the world with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation 11 Folgen Aug 10, 2026

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation is one of the world's leading think tanks and maintains more than 100 offices abroad. In this podcast, its experts explain international politics and provide background information on current developments and events. Each episode offers analysis and context from the foundation's global network.

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If Not Now, When? Europe’s Lithium Opportunity in Bolivia Aug 10, 2026 1325 Europe needs lithium for its energy transition and electric mobility. But its dependence on China for critical raw materials and processing has become a growing strategic vulnerability. Bolivia could offer an alternative. Following a major political shift, the country is opening up to new international partners, creating an opportunity for Germany and Europe to strengthen their access to one of th

South Africa between Polarisation and Populism Mai 29, 2026 1452 Three decades after the end of apartheid, South Africa’s young democracy faces profound challenges. Persistent inequality, political polarization, and the legacy of racial segregation continue to shape the country’s future. Following the 2024 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) lost significant support and entered a Government of National Unity with several other parties. At the same ti

Latin America’s Party Landscape Shifts to the Right Apr 20, 2026 1521 Latin America is once again in political transition—this time tilting to the right. In this episode, Henning Suhr, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Regional Programme Party Dialogue and Democracy in Latin America, and Olaf Jacob, Head of KAS in Chile, discuss the decline of the “pink tide” and the rise of leaders like Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele. Driven by a younger, less ideological ele

Backing with Side Effects: Israel’s View of Trump 2.0 Feb 27, 2026 1413 This episode examines how the second administration of Donald Trump marks a return to a clearly pro-Israel but increasingly unilateral Middle East policy. Aid to Israel expanded while support for the Palestinian Authority froze. Joint strikes against Iran and disputes over Gaza reveal widening gaps, fueling debate in Israel over strategic risks and growing dependence on partisan US backing. In thi

Asia’s relations with the United States under Trump 2.0 Jan 28, 2026 1414 In this episode, we explore how Asia — and especially Vietnam — are navigating a new and unsettled era in their ties with Washington. We trace Vietnam’s rise since 1975, its ambitious doi moi reforms, and the recent peak in relations under Biden’s 2023 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Now, with tariffs initially set at 46 per cent and later reduced to 20 per cent, and with key USAID programmes

Rethinking German Development Cooperation Dez 10, 2025 1353 German development cooperation should be more closely aligned with economic priorities and take a more strategic approach to strengthen public support at home and to facilitate access for German companies to developing and emerging economies. Partner countries often view an open and transparent acknowledgement of Germany’s own interests as respectful and legitimate, while paternalistic approaches

New Old Dependencies? Trade with Africa Okt 10, 2025 1615 Africa’s economy is changing. Trade with Europe and the US is no longer the main focus — today, countries like China play a leading role. The old idea that Africa is still dependent on the West doesn’t tell the full story. With new trade deals and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), many nations are taking their future into their own hands. This episode examines these developments an

A History of Oppression: Russia as a Colonial Power in the Caucasus Aug 29, 2025 1038 Although Russia has pursued an imperial policy in its Eurasian neighbourhood since the early 19th century, the country is not perceived as a colonial power in much of postcolonial discourse - yet its impact is still deeply felt. The Tsarist and later Soviet expansion into Central Asia and especially the South Caucasus continues to shape the region today. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan remain stra

Maritime security: the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ and the protection of critical infrastructure Jul 11, 2025 1186 As global tensions rise, the world’s oceans are becoming the new frontline of foreign policy. From undersea cables to critical pipelines, maritime infrastructure is increasingly under threat. In this episode, we speak with Ferdinand Gehringer, policy advisor on homeland and cybersecurity issues at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, about Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and the growing challenges in

Why Lake Chad Offers Ideal Conditions for Islamist Terrorists Jun 2, 2025 1145 Lake Chad, once the sixth-largest lake in the world, is now a shrinking, lawless zone at the heart of Africa’s Sahel region. Ulf Laessing, Head of Sahel Program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, speaks about how climate change, weak governance, and armed jihadists are turning the lake into a humanitarian and security crisis zone and why the world should be paying attention.

Flashpoint in the South China Sea Mai 2, 2025 2174 Few places reveal the fault lines of global power like the South China Sea. As China asserts sweeping territorial claims, the Philippines and Vietnam respond -boldly, but in strikingly different ways. What drives their strategies? And what is at stake for the region and the world? With on-the-ground insights from Daniela Braun, Head of the Philippines Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and