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)
 

Korea is the world’s 14th largest economy but the 8th largest emitter of CO2 as of 2013, due largely to an energy-intensive industry structure. Although it has continuously reduced its dependency on petroleum since it introduced the Energy Master Plan in 2008, the relative portion of non-fossil fuel sources, such as renewable energy, is still marginal at best (representing less than 10 percent of the total energy portfolio). In particular, it is difficult for Korea to increase the portion of renewables for various reasons. In this context, Korea has tried to find an adequate role in fighting against climate change.

From Al Qaeda to Islamic state, the international jihadist movement understands how to adapt to the web’s evolution, which it is using as an operating platform.