Political Systems
At the end of the Cold War, the idea spread that liberal democracy was going to take over the world. In reality, authoritarian regimes have resisted, and political systems remain varied.
Will Angela Merkel have to pursue a major policy shift?
What political future for the German Chancellor Angela Merkel after a year characterised by the New Years incident in Cologne and the attack in Berlin?
Europe and Refugees in 2015: A Crisis of Memory?
Contrary to other immigration societies such as the United States, Canada or Australia, migrations is not a core element of European narratives on shared identity. Each country maintains a very particular understanding of his migratory past and on the extent to which it should become part of the national narrative. The question of a European memory of migration therefore struggles to emerge.
Angola awaits successor to long-ruling leader Dos Santos
Angola is expected to formally announce the end of President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos' controversial 37-year rule Saturday, and name a successor to lead the ailing African oil-producing country.
Angela Merkel, ready for a fourth mandate?
The chancellor has launched the battle for the legislative elections. In front of the 1000 delegates of her party (CDU), Angela Merkel was firm on immigration in order to counter the populist right.
The Mediterranean: a Sea of Crises?
The Mediterranean is currently an intersection of upheavals and crises. Destabilization on its southern shores, uncontrolled migrations, simmering hostilities in the east surrounding exploitation of energy resources, military presence of all the great world powers (from Washington to Beijing, and Moscow of course), and increasing assertion of regional powers…
India’s Act East policy: strategic implications for the Indian Ocean
Since the Modi government came to power in June 2014, it has invested diplomatic capital in announcing the transformation of India’s ‘Look East’ policy into a new ‘Act East’ policy.
A fourth term would also make Merkel longest governing chancellor in Germany
In view of the Brexit and Donald Trump, Angela Merkel announced her candidacy for a 4th mandate to the Chancellery Sunday November 20th. What are her chances? What support can be expected from the German population and parties? Would she be a bulwark against the right-wing populist AfD?
Political scientist Barbara Kunz reacts to the announcement of Angela Merkel.
Political scientist Barbara Kunz invited to Heute journal
Primary elections of the French conservative party "Les Républicains": analysis by Barbara Kunz.
South African Local Elections 2016. From One Party Dominance to Effective Plural Democracy
The South African political landscape experienced a shock from an unlikely source; the country’s local government elections on August 3, 2016 representing the last tier of government and often overlooked in favour of national and provincial polls.
Calais: French asylum system out of gas or failure of the European asylum policy?
The Calais’ camp demolition operation that has begun on October 24th 2016 is the most significant ever conducted. It follows numerous failed or aborted attempts to dismantle the shanty town and relocalize its inhabitants.
The 2016 German White Paper. The consolidation of the “Munich consensus” and persisting questions
The 2016 White Paper on security policy and the future of the Bundeswehr is testament to Berlin’s declared will to play a more active role internationally, to assume more responsibility and to provide leadership in close concertation with its partners in Europe and the world.
Germany - between 'welcome culture' and the outbursts of xenophobia
The 3rd of October is a national holiday celebrating German unity since 1990. What has the mass arrival of migrants these past years revealed about German society?
Will Germany be ungovernable after the elections in 2017?
One year before the general elections and even if Angela Merkel remains a favourite, the political scene in Germany seems more fragmented than ever.
Germany: populists weaken Angela Merkel
The party Alternative für Deutschland founded only three years ago against the Euro unites Germans against Berlin's open-door policy. And on the eve of new elections, more and more of those that normally don't vote are joining them.
"Angela Merkel betrayed German traditional values according to some conservatives"
Will Angela Merkel still be chancellor in a years' time? Hans Stark gives an overview over the German political landscape. According to him, the rise of the right wing populists and eurosceptics will continue, but won’t hinder the forming of a government coalition.
Is Germany becoming just like the other European countries?
After the recent electoral setbacks for Angela Merkel which saw the party Alternative for Germany (AfD) enter yet another two regional parliaments (Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), is there a possiblity for Germany to become just like the other European countries?
E-mobility: European Energy and Transport Policies at Crossroads
European clean transport policy envisages the development of charging infrastructures for electric vehicles within a European e-mobility framework. After the downturns of the Volkswagen scandal and the prevailing low European carbon price, the EU is bringing forward car passenger transport electrification. This requires new business models based on interoperability.
Juncker, the optimist
The president of the European Commission about security, investment and assistance in Africa. According to Hans Stark, Jean-Claude Juncker didn't beat around the bush and instead of going too far in self-chastisement he tried to give hope to European citizens.
RAMSES 2017. A Fragmented World
RAMSES 2017. A Fragmented World, prepared by IFRI’s research team and selected external experts, offers an in-depth and up to date analysis of global geopolitics.
This 35th edition focuses on three key issues: the spread of jihadist terrorism, the Middle East’s disintegration, and doubts about the European project. With the world’s balance of power and economic foundations shifting, the next few months are likely to be decisive for our future. The growing diversity and complexity of our world is startling, which is why it is important to rethink our analyses and means of action.
Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2026, Ifri partners with over 90 French and international companies and organizations.
