Global Issues

The "Global Issues" research division focusses on globalisation, transnationalisation, and internationalisation trends. What are the risks and challenges of such trends? Which strategies could German and European policymakers pursue to deal with global challenges? To answer these central issues we analyse governmental, intergovernmental, and non-state actors as well as their interactions and their roles in global governance. Our researchers’ backgrounds include political science, economics, and international law,

Energy System Transformation and Geopolitics

Focusing on the transformation of energy systems in the Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, this project aims to explore the potential geopolitical impact these transformations may have on the European Union and its relations with important partner countries and regions, as well as to sound out the political options for action for Germany and the EU.

Global Health

Health, mainly the fight against infectious diseases and the development of resilient health systems, is gaining importance in international and security affairs worldwide. In a pilot project, SWP aims at strengthening health issues in the international and security affairs debate in Germany. Primarily, we will identify core research needs and connect existing expertise.

Forced Displacement, Migration, and Development

The research project »Forced Displacement, Migration and Development« examines fundamental and practical questions of development cooperation in the area of forced displacement and migration at the global, regional and national levels. In addition to developing recommendations for political action, the project also serves to coordinate a number of current research initiatives in this area.

High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)

This research project investigates the debate around the reforms that the UN member states are negotiating for the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in 2019/2020; these reforms are expected to be implemented in 2021. The empirical research strives to identify options for reform and, on that basis, will inform recommendations for action.

SFB 700/D1: Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Areas of Limited Statehood (compl.)

The SFB 700/D1 project explores the conditions for the success of transnational partnerships for sustainable development in fragile areas. The current funding phase focuses on analyzing relevant actors’ perspectives of the impact of these partnerships and their respective suggestions for the future meta-governance of these partnerships.

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Germany)

Founded in 2012, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) connects scientists around the world to develop solutions for sustainable development. The SDSN Germany combines knowledge and capacity within Germany to promote sustainable development within the country as well as promoting the German commitment for sustainable development worldwide.

The Future of International Order (compl.)

The process of globalization and the global shift of the centers of economic and political gravity from the North and the West to the (Far) East and the South causes fundamental changes in the international order. An interdisciplinary working group reflects on and analyzes the causes, perspectives and possible implications of those changes.

European External Energy Governance (compl.)

The international, interdisciplinary research project »Challenges of European External Energy Governance with Emerging Powers« examines the phenomenon of emerging powers as cooperation partners in energy supply questions, and the challenges that presents for EU external energy policy.

Forced displacement and development cooperation (compl.)

The research project »Forced Displacement and Development Cooperation« investigates in what ways German and European development cooperation can address the challenges of (protracted) refugee situations. Apart from developing policy recommendations the project also serves as a coordinating body for a number of other initiatives in this emerging research area.

Youth Bulge (compl.)

The Youth Bulge project investigates the consequences of a disproportionately large young population – currently found mainly in developing and emerging economies – for questions of security and development policy, and derives lessons for German and international development cooperation.

Making the international trade system work for climate change (compl.)

The project investigates potential synergies between the international trade regime and the climate regime (i.a. WTO, Paris-Agreement). The focus is on analyzing the role of trade policy measures in achieving international climate protection targets.

SWP Comments

Nadine Biehler, David Kipp

Alternatives to Refugee Camps

Cities Need International Support for Receiving Forcibly Displaced People

Laura von Daniels, Susanne Dröge, Alexandra Bögner

Ways Out of the WTO’s December Crisis

How to Prevent the Open Global Trade Order from Unravelling

SWP Research Papers

Bettina Rudloff

A Stable Countryside for a Stable Country?

The Effects of a DCFTA with the EU on Tunisian Agriculture

Daniel Voelsen

Cracks in the Internet’s Foundation

The Future of the Internet’s Infrastructure and Global Internet Governance