International Reports

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 the world’s most important lithium resources.
But securing raw materials is only part of the challenge. Can Europe compete with China’s speed and investment power while offering greater transparency, local participation and long-term economic development? And can new partnerships also...

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 time, populist movements and identity-based politics are reshaping the political landscape, making consensus and stable governance increasingly difficult. In this episode, we explore with Gregor Jaecke, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s South Africa Office, and Doctor Holger Dix, Head of the Konrad- Adenauer...

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 electorate, the shift reflects demands for stability, growth, and accountability. But is this a durable realignment—or another turn in the region’s political cycle?

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 this episode, we speak with Michael Rimmel, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Jerusalem, and Thomas Volk, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department. They offer firsthand insights into Israel’s shifting political landscape and the regional implications...