© picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | John Minchillo
© picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | John Minchillo
The consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as sanctions and counter-sanctions, can be observed internationally. Within Ukraine, as well as in its European neighbourhood, millions of people are fleeing from the consequences of the war. Short-term humanitarian aid is as much a challenge as long-term admission and support of Ukrainian refugees in immediate neighbouring states, other EU states, and, in some cases, more distant countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
The war also has potentially drastic implications for regional and global food supplies: Ukraine as well as Russia and Belarus are among the most important exporters of grain, vegetable oil and fertilizers, which for various reasons now do not export or export only marginally. This leads to huge price increases, food shortages, increases in hunger, and risks social destabilization in countries with high import dependence. Moreover, the war has implications for global governance issues. This concerns the systemic competition between Western liberal democracies and authoritarian systems as well as the power constellation between Russia, China and the USA.
Eastern Europe, Eurasia (Head of Research Division)
phone:+49 30 88007- 256
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, policy-makers have increasingly viewed Western interests as being challenged by rival actors, including in Africa. This obscures Africa’s growing autonomy in the international order. Redefining European relations with Africa through the prism of strategic competition disproportionately focuses on challenges rather than opportunities.
doi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB13
Council on Pause, Research on Ice and Russia Frozen Out
doi:10.18449/2022C39
doi:10.18449/2022C35
India, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa have been invited to join the G7 summit in June as guest countries by the German presidency. In Lars Brozus’ view, this provides an opportunity to strengthen international solidarity with Kyiv and discuss the upcoming G20 summit in Bali.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, we have been witness to a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Black Sea region. At the same time, another one is already looming on the horizon in many African countries. The loss of grain and food imports means that it will be more difficult for Africans to obtain these goods and, above all, pay for them. We spoke to agricultural economist Bettina Rudloff (SWP) about why food security in Africa is often dependent on imports and what options for action exist for African and international actors. She argues that we already have valuable initiatives and tools at our disposal, but we lack a strategic approach. Cooperation with so-called non-traditional humanitarian donors such as China is also an option.
