The Konrad Adenauer Foundation is one of the world's leading think tanks and maintains more than 100 offices abroad. Their experts explain international politics and provide background information on current developments and events.
Publisher
Around the world with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation
Europe Rethinks It's Alliances – The EU’s New Partnership Playbook
The EU is rethinking its place in a world shaped by Russia’s war against Ukraine, growing competition with China and uncertainty in its relationship with the United States. What does that mean for the countries Europe wants to work with?
In this episode of International Reports, Dr. Olaf Wientzek and Sven Nicolay from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Multinational Development Policy Dialogue in Brussels speak about the EU’s changing partnership policy. They discuss Canada, the Global Gateway investment initiative, critical raw materials and the growing demand for partnerships on more equal terms.
How can the EU pursue its economic and security interests while remaining committed to democracy and human rights?
10 Aug 2026
If Not Now, When? Europe’s Lithium Opportunity in Bolivia
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 build processing capacity outside China?
29 May 2026
South Africa between Polarisation and Populism
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 Foundation’s Regional Programme Political Dialogue Sub-Saharan Africa, the fragmentation of South Africa’s party system, the challenges facing its democracy, and the prospects for reform, social justice, and political stability.
20 Apr 2026
Latin America’s Party Landscape Shifts to the Right
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?
27 Feb 2026
Backing with Side Effects: Israel’s View of Trump 2.0
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 of Trump’s second term.
28 Jan 2026
Asia’s relations with the United States under Trump 2.0
In this episode, we explore how Asia — and especially Vietnam — are navigating a new and unsettled era in their ties with Washington. We trace Vietnam’s rise since 1975, its ambitious doi moi reforms, and the recent peak in relations under Biden’s 2023 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Now, with tariffs initially set at 46 per cent and later reduced to 20 per cent, and with key USAID programmes suspended, Hanoi leans on its trademark “bamboo diplomacy” to maintain stability. While Lewe Paul, Head of the Vietnam Country Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, offers insights into Vietnam’s position, Christian Echle, Head of the Department Asia and Pacific of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, explains how countries across Asia are recalibrating their relations with the United States in this new era of strategic uncertainty.
10 Dec 2025
Rethinking German Development Cooperation
German development cooperation should be more closely aligned with economic priorities and take a more strategic approach to strengthen public support at home and to facilitate access for German companies to developing and emerging economies. Partner countries often view an open and transparent acknowledgement of Germany’s own interests as respectful and legitimate, while paternalistic approaches shaped by socio-political debate in Germany weaken support both domestically and in partner countries. We trace the contours of a more pragmatic and transparent development policy — in conversation with Dr. Olaf Wientzek, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundations Multinational Development Policy Dialogue in Brussels, and Dr. Susanne Conrad, Policy Adviser for Rule of Law and Security in Africa and for Anglophone West Africa at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
10 Oct 2025
New Old Dependencies? Trade with Africa
Africa’s economy is changing. Trade with Europe and the US is no longer the main focus — today, countries like China play a leading role. The old idea that Africa is still dependent on the West doesn’t tell the full story.
With new trade deals and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), many nations are taking their future into their own hands.
This episode examines these developments and their global impact together with Anja Beretta and Gunter Rieck Moncayo from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
29 Aug 2025
A History of Oppression: Russia as a Colonial Power in the Caucasus
Although Russia has pursued an imperial policy in its Eurasian neighbourhood since the early 19th century, the country is not perceived as a colonial power in much of postcolonial discourse - yet its impact is still deeply felt.
The Tsarist and later Soviet expansion into Central Asia and especially the South Caucasus continues to shape the region today. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan remain strategically contested spaces. This episode examines how Moscow’s colonial past drives current conflicts, with insights from Stephan Malerius and Florian Binder of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
11 Jul 2025
Maritime security: the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ and the protection of critical infrastructure
As global tensions rise, the world’s oceans are becoming the new frontline of foreign policy. From undersea cables to critical pipelines, maritime infrastructure is increasingly under threat. In this episode, we speak with Ferdinand Gehringer, policy advisor on homeland and cybersecurity issues at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, about Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and the growing challenges in securing the seas. What risks are we facing, and how prepared is Germany to respond?
2 Jun 2025
Why Lake Chad Offers Ideal Conditions for Islamist Terrorists
Ulf Laessing explains how climate change and terrorism transform Lake Chad into a crisis zone, highlighting the urgent need for global attention in this interview.
2 May 2025
Flashpoint in the South China Sea
Few places reveal the fault lines of global power like the South China Sea. As China asserts sweeping territorial claims, the Philippines and Vietnam respond -boldly, but in strikingly different ways. What drives their strategies? And what is at stake for the region and the world? With on-the-ground insights from Daniela Braun, Head of the Philippines Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Florian Feyerabend, Head of the Vietnam Office, this episode examines the political and security dynamics shaping the region.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact International Reports
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of International Reports?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
