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This GIGA Talk explores how people and politicians across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East view today’s major conflicts — perspectives often missing from European media. Our panelists discuss how history, regional dynamics, and strategic priorities shape these diverse interpretations of events.

How does state censorship contribute to self-censorship in Chinese universities and in turn affect academic output? Using interviews and analysis of over 5,000 hand-coded publications of scholars in the US and China from 1985 to 2022, this talk addresses the consequences of self-censorship for knowledge production. 

Converging economic interests provide the foundations for EU–Latin America strategic alignment but must translate into tangible outcomes beyond summit diplomacy. Genuine strategic partnership requires an expanded bi-regional agenda, including closer cooperation in the fields of defence and security.

The GIGA seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) Development Economics Applications are invited for a full-time position, with an initial contract of three years and the possibility of another three years after successful evaluation and depending on the availability of funds.

One year after Germany’s significant – and controversial – cannabis reform, leading experts draw on experiences of marijuana legalisation elsewhere to discuss the intended and unintended outcomes, the opportunities for improvement, and the uncertain outlook for the country’s new cannabis policy.

Democratic decline is neither a given nor set in stone once occurring. Many countries have recovered and strengthened civic rights, even after acute episodes of autocratisation and amid a global crisis of democracy. Recognising these successes calls for the support of pro-democracy actors worldwide.

Digital technology promises to fix sub-Saharan Africa’s electoral flaws. Instead, breakdowns, opaque procurement deals, and courtroom battles reveal how the turn to technology is actually reinforcing old problems rather than delivering integrity. These solvable issues are examined in detail.

Bolivia’s presidential elections mark a watershed moment: After two decades of single-party dominance, two liberal opposition contenders in the 19 October runoff. Whoever wins must balance urgent economic adjustments with social protection to avoid renewed conflict.

Once hailed as the “Turkish model” for its successful merging of Islam and democracy, Turkey has morphed into a global cocaine hub. Turkish students and holidaymakers are denied Schengen visas, yet the country’s mafias and narcotics cross Europe’s borders with ease.

The Horn of Africa is in flux: new alignments, regional rivalries, and global involvement are reshaping prospects for peace and stability. What do these shifts mean for Germany, the EU, and their role in the region?

Never before has so much cocaine been in circulation worldwide, while other drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and Captagon are similarly prevalent in different parts of the globe, and European ports like Hamburg have become key hubs for drug trafficking. What can be done? GIGA researchers share insights into current findings and policy approaches. 

On 13 June 2025, Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran, two days before the sixth round of US–Iran nuclear talks were due to begin in Oman. Analysis is provided of how the war has transformed Iranian politics domestically, regionally, and internationally.

This dashboard examines how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced executive personalization in 32 countries. Each bubble represents a country and its number of personalization events. Select one or two, then use the buttons to explore the events and their underlying mechanisms.

In a historic verdict on 11 September, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal convicted former president Jair Bolsonaro, sentencing him to more than 27 years in prison. GIGA expert Prof. Dr. Mariana Llanos explains in an interview why this trial is so important and to what extent it could serve as a model for protecting democracy worldwide. 

Indonesia has recently seen intense nationwide protests, with a number of people dying and thousands more arrested. What is happening in the country? Who is protesting, and why? GIGA researcher Adhiraaj Anand puts these events in context. 

What went wrong with two decades of EU aid in Afghanistan and what must change? The Study Commission and Committee of Inquiry highlighted key failures. Drawing on interviews and multilayered Afghan perspectives, new insights and concrete policy recommendations for future aid intervention are given.

Germany is facing important foreign policy decisions: How can the new government best interact with the Global South between democratic crisis, power competition, and ongoing economic interests? In this GIGA Forum, experts analyse challenges, opportunities, and possible strategies here.