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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.

Das GIGA bietet zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt eine Position als Direktionsassistent:in (m/w/d) in unserem Regionalinstitut GIGA Institut für Afrika-Studien (IAA). Der oder die Kandidat:in ist gleichzeitig Teammitglied im Konferenzmanagement-Team des GIGA. Es handelt sich um eine unbefristete Stelle in Teilzeit (50 %), Entgeltgruppe 8 TV-AVH / TVöD.

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. 

The recent diversification of external actors present in Africa has served to increase the agency of its governments but may also bolster poor governance and fuel conflict in the long run. Western powers must clarify their priorities regarding goals and partners, as well as examine own biases here.