The German economy is characterized by a very high degree of international openness – much more so than in other European countries such as France. Its economic success hence largely depends on the intensity with which it trades with the rest of the world, and in particular the United States who play a crucial role. Against this backdrop, it would seem logical that Berlin would welcome signing a free-trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union.

For more than half a century, Cuba captured America’s attention as a symbol of anti-Americanism right in its own backyard. As normalized relations between the United States and Cuba bring these iconic hostilities to a close, many wonder if Castro’s Cold War rhetoric is finally dead. Borne primarily by Venezuela and Ecuador, Latin America's anti-Americanism has in fact merely transformed into an equally aggravating but less consequential trend today. Economic dependency tempers this new thorn in the United States’ side.

The federal elections in Canada will take place this coming October 19^th, 2015. This ballot could be a turning point in the political life of the country, because it already appears as a referendum to assess the "Harper decade".

With the Syrian crisis entering its fifth year, the changing security context in Syria and Iraq since the summer of 2014 has highlighted the increasingly important role played by the Kurds as a fighting force against Islamic State (IS). In a more general context of renewed Russian influence in the Middle East since the late 2000s, the development of Russo-Kurdish relations has entered a new phase since the beginning of the current decade.

As the Ukrainian crisis continues, it is now clear that Europe is facing a new strategic environment and needs to adapt.

A report released by Insight_E, the European energy consortium specialised on energy policy research and analysis
Lead author: Joris Dehler (KIT). Authoring team: Dogan Keles (KIT), Thomas Telsnig (IER), Benjamin Fleischer (IER), Manuel Baumann (KIT), David Fraboulet (KIC-IE/CEA), Aurélie Faure (IFRI), Wolf Fichtner (KIT). Reviewer: Paul Deane (UCC), Volker Stelzer (KIT)

At the end of the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s federal congress held in Port Elizabeth on Sunday 10th May 2015, Helen Zille was replaced by Mmusi Maimane after eight years as leader of South Africa’s largest opposition party. This passing of the baton had a significant impact both nationally and internationally because of the colour of Mmusi Maimane’s skin: for the first time, the party will actually be led by a black man. More than 20 years after the end of apartheid it may seem surprising that this event has excited people’s curiosity and interest, but it demonstrates that until now South African politics have often been polarized along race lines.

A report released by Insight_e,  the European energy consortium specialised on energy policy research and analysis.
Lead author: Paul Deane (UCC). Authoring team: Sean Collins, Brian O'Gallachoir (UCC), Cherrelle Eid (Ifri), Rupert Hartel, Dogan Keles, Wolf Fichtner (KIT). Reviewer: Alberto Ceña (Kic)