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71. Rebooting the Franco-German engine: Two post-election scenarios

Author:
Fabrizio Tassinari and Sebastian Tetzlaff
Publication Date:
06-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
The election of pro-European Emmanuel Macron as president of France has reignited hopes that the so-called Franco-German engine, providing political impetus to European integration in the past decades, might be revived. While Macron’s election proved a rebuke to the populist challenge, it remains to be seen whether and how it will manage to rebalance the partnership with Berlin, which is overwhelmingly premised on Germany’s growing strength and clout at the European level. While pronouncing herself supportive of the new course in Paris, Chancellor Angela Merkel, like the rest of Europe, remains in a wait-and-see position regarding the ability of President Macron to fulfil his ambitious pro-EU agenda.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe

72. Approaching the German Federal election: The traditional parties break the trend and stay in front

Author:
Fabrizzio Tassinari and Sebastian Tetzlaff
Publication Date:
05-2017
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
From being a historical bridge-builder among different sensibilities in Europe, Germany has gradually assumed a more assertive posture on key issues from the refugee crisis to Brexit negotiations. As a result, the federal election in September will be consequential not just for Germany, but also for the rest of Europe.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe

73. Public Sector Strengths in Development Deserve Attention

Author:
Erik Lundsgaarde
Publication Date:
03-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
This policy brief argues that the expertise, networks, and convening role of governments are key assets in efforts to expand business involvement to promote sustainable development goals. In addition, development cooperation providers have the potential to adopt a systemic perspective that can contribute to improving the framework conditions in partner countries. These public sector advantages should provide a point of departure for partnership development approaches.
Topic:
International Political Economy and International Development
Political Geography:
Global Focus

74. Myanmar: Justice sector reform must include local dispute resolution

Author:
Helene Maria Kyed
Publication Date:
03-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
In Myanmar, ordinary citizens prefer to have crimes and disputes resolved within their village or neighborhood. There is a clear preference for avoiding conflict escalation, rather than punishing perpetrators. The official courts are seen as places to avoid whenever possible. They are mistrusted, associated with high costs, and many feel intimidated by them due to fear of authority and formality. Reforming the official judiciary is important in Myanmar, but even if the courts functioned according to international standards, there would still be a demand for local forms of dispute resolution focused on reconciliation and negotiated settlements. This is due to culturally and religiously informed perceptions of problems and injustices, related to shame, fate and Buddhist beliefs in past life deeds. This policy brief by Helene Maria Kyed argues that any support to justice sector reform in Myanmar should include already existing local dispute resolution mechanisms and take local perceptions of justice serious, rather than alone focus on the official judiciary and international rule of law principles. It is important to base programming on inclusive dialogues about justice at the local level, and invest in building trust and gaining context-specific knowledge.
Topic:
Human Rights and International Security
Political Geography:
Myanmar

75. Europe Must Play a Part in Filling the Power Vacuum in the Sahel

Author:
Rasmus Alenius Boserup and Luis Martinez
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
Experiencing the consequences of an unstable Sahel, the EU and its member states will sooner or later be forced to fill the security and stability void left behind by the weakness of the states in the Sahel and the lack of willingness of North and East Africa’s regional powers to become involved.
Topic:
Humanitarian Aid, International Affairs, and Foreign Aid
Political Geography:
Africa

76. Policing Practices in a Global Perspective

Author:
Peter Albrecht
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
Policing in the global North and the global South is becoming more alike. An increasingly common characteristic is the blurring of boundaries between rule-based and more personalized policing styles. Reasons for this approximation include a growing focus on fighting or preventing radicalisation globally, and a general debureaucratisation of policing that has occurred in the global North.
Topic:
Defense Policy and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

77. Africa Needs more Roads To Progress, Not Less

Author:
Hans Lucht
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
With no credible state in Libya, the EU is focused on putting the brakes on transit migration in the Sahelian countries. But closing the important Niger–Libya corridor through increased militarisation is detrimental to progress in this impoverished region.
Topic:
International Affairs and International Development
Political Geography:
Africa

78. Refugees in Turkey struggle as border walls grow higher

Author:
Ida Vammen and Hans Lucht
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
Since the EU and Turkey sealed a migration deal in 2016, millions of refugees have been living on the fringes in Turkey. Without long-term solutions, they will continue to risk their lives by embarking on new, dangerous routes to Europe.
Topic:
International Affairs and Refugee Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe and Turkey

79. The Weaponisation of Information

Author:
Flemming Splidsboel Hansen
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
“The weaponization of information” alerts us to the thinking about the very conscious use of information to achieve various goals. Moreover, it reminds us of the new opportunities offered by modern information technology.
Topic:
International Affairs and Information Age
Political Geography:
Global Focus

80. From Pirate ports to special economic zones: Violence, Regulation and port-making in the Somali peninsular

Author:
Jatin Dua
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies
Abstract:
Much of the existing scholarship on the Somali peninsula is informed by territorialized assumptions focusing on pastoralism or overland trading. In this working paper Jaitin Dua, an anthropologist and assistant professor at the University of Michigan, proposes a ‘maritime’ view on the Somali economy that highlights the role of ships, ports and seas. Comparing the three port cities of Benderbeyla, Bosaso and Djibouti the author provides insights into the nexus between violent capture, regulation and sovereignty across the Somali territories. What emerges are different modes of port-making that are closely related to global circulation. By bringing the sea back into Somali studies and contemporary anthropology, Dua offers an innovative interpretation of state formation dynamics. This DIIS Working Paper is part of the GOVSEA PAPER SERIES (Governing Economic Hubs and Flows in Somali East Africa)
Topic:
Corruption and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Somalia