https://hdl.handle.net/10419/252365 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:38:10 GMT 2026-09-22T21:38:10Z http://econstor.eu:80/retrieve/ff1d4a53-343e-493b-b79f-fe24f20e940a/SWP_Logo_RGB_en.jpg https://hdl.handle.net/10419/252365 https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335926 Title: Reclaiming Iraqi agency: Post-election dynamics and challenges Authors: Azizi, Hamidreza; Werenfels, Isabelle Abstract: The higher turnout in Iraq's recent parliamentary elections reflects advances over the past four years, notably in infrastructure development, security, and political stability. The election's outcome and ensuing coalition-building dynamics underscore trends and challenges that will shape Iraq's domestic and foreign policies. The yet-to-be-formed government will have to balance between the United States and Iran, facing US demands for disarmament of Iraq's armed groups, managing repercussions of potential instability in Iran, and resisting being drawn into any new confrontation between Iran and either Israel or the United States. It will also have to deal with substantial domestic challenges, including strained relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the potential for renewed Sunni alienation from the state, the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces, financial fragility, and consequences of climate change. European actors have limited influence over the geopolitical dynamics, but can offer support on national development and climate challenges, and should back Baghdad's striving for stronger agency and sovereignty. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335926 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335919 Title: European autonomy in space: Space systems as a pillar of European defence Authors: Süß, Juliana Abstract: Space capabilities are a core element of any modern defence arsenal. In Europe, however, military space capabilities are limited and dependence on the United States remains high. Europe must develop its capabilities in order to reduce dependencies and enhance its capacity to act on its own, thereby fostering European autonomy. To ensure that European space capabilities are developed efficiently, it is necessary to identify which dependencies on the US are particularly critical and which obstacles would hinder the development of such capabilities. Priority should be given to space situational awareness, military reconnaissance, navigation resilience and missile early warning. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335919 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335917 Title: The Tropical Forest Forever Facility and its role in international forest finance Authors: Tenkhoff, Leona; Voigt, Lisa Abstract: As climate negotiators gathered in Belém for the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), the surrounding rainforest was in the spotlight, with COP30 being dubbed a "forest COP". As one of its key projects, the Brazilian government launched the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). The fund for the conservation and restoration of standing rainforestsaims to serve as a successful and innovative initiative in multilateral cooperation through blended finance. However, there remains a gap between current forest finance and what is needed to reach the Rio Convention targets. Germany and a few other European states have pledged investments into the fund and could shape its implementation. Additional financing mechanisms for forest restoration play a complementary role and should be enhanced. Still, not all success lies in finance. Forest finance mechanisms must reconcile targets of increasing carbon sequestration and storage in forests along with biodiversity and sustainability targets, while upholding the rights of local populations. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335917 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339642 Title: Bangladesh's political realignment after the parliamentary elections: Hope for stability, concerns about democratic pluralism Authors: Scholz, Tobias; Wigger, Leo Abstract: The parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh on 12 February 2026 marked a turning point in the country's recent history. In August 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had served for a total of 20 years, with one interruption, was removed from office. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus subsequently took power. Following two years of political uncertainty, it succeeded in organising elections that were procedurally sound. Bangladesh's political system has thus demonstrated a considerable degree of institutional resilience. At the same time, the election outcome raises new questions regarding the future of democratic pluralism in the country. The decisive election victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) means that one of the country's two historic political family dynasties will remain at the helm of government. The Muslim fundamentalist camp gained vote share, which could negatively impact the role of women in society as well as complicate Bangladesh's renewed rapprochement with neighbouring India. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339642 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z