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Publication type: Discussion Paper

Between Stability and Change

This paper examines Chad’s 2022 National Dialogue (Dialogue National Inclusif et Souverain, DNIS) as a case study of the use of so-called “National Dialogues” during political transitions. After providing an analytical overview, the study finds that Chad’s dialogue largely served to legitimize the existing military-led regime rather than to effect genuine systemic change. The convened …

Grasping the Nettle – Deepening Chinese-Russian Ties and the EU’s Need to Respond

The China-Russia partnership post-2022 has not only seen a quantitative increase in trade volumes, but also a qualitative shift towards a more sophisticated partnership in new technologies, innovation, and research and development (R&D) in domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), green hydrogen energy, e-commerce, etc. This may introduce new strategic, economic and security risks for …

Chinese and other foreign investments in Africa’s development

Africa has become a focal point of foreign investments, particularly from China whose economic engagement with the continent has surged in recent years. However, the disproportionate focus of these investments on resource extraction raises concerns about long­-term benefits for Africa. This paper examines the development implications of Chinese investments, with a focus on employment. The …

Strategic Identity Narratives Through Time

This paper illustrates how studying the evolution of strategic narratives – stories that states tell in their diplomatic communication to convince publics at home and abroad to frame their views and actions – can provide valuable insights into diplomatic developments. Rhetorical shifts often precede political shifts and can help identify opportunities to influence foreign policy. …

Religion, War, and International Relations

How does the field of study of International Relations (IR) engage with questions of religion and war? This paper addresses the long neglect the field experienced in terms of including religion in its research agenda and presents the increase of interest and approaches which has emerged in the last two decades. By including work from …

Women in Foreign Affairs

In this discussion paper, I introduce a new methodological approach in the form of a framework for assessing women’s empowerment in foreign affairs. This framework aims to provide new theoretical and methodological pathways for evaluating the impact of women’s increased presence in foreign policy institutions on the content and implementation of foreign policy. The proposed …