Why it is worth to support and protect democracy worldwide
Criticism of democracy has become fashionable, citizens feel only moderately represented, nationalist populists are being elected. This special offers answers with insights from democratisation research and consultation with partners worldwide.
Read more
Stabilization and development in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena)
The latest political and social shifts in the Middle East and North Africa are raising the question, in which way Germany and Europe can cooperate with the different countries in the region.
Setting the course for a new German development policy
The German Federal Government is reorganising its relations with actors in the Global South. IDOS is involved in shaping foreign policies and international cooperation for sustainable development with debates, scientific analyses and recommendations for action.
Opinion pieces and media contributions
Democracy is the firewall against abuse
Examples from Asia show that cyber security measures can become tools of repression unless grounded in democratic institutions and politics.
Read moreForeign Aid, Power, and Geopolitics: Reflections on Development Cooperaton in a More Fragmented World
Recent development debates have largely centered on the steep reduction in financial resources triggered by the Trump administration. However, what remains insufficiently acknowledged is the extent to which these disruptions have undermined the conceptual foundations of international cooperation, say Stephan Klingebiel and Andy Sumner. 3 August 2025
Read moreEvents
Berlin, 03.11.2025
Online, 04.11.2025
Online, 06.11.2025
Current publications
Prosecuting the powerful: prosecuting political leaders for crimes is healthy for democracies
Gunitsky, Seva / Semuhi Sinanoglu / Sahib Jafarov (2025)
Do free healthcare policies play a role in expanding national health insurance enrollment among informal sector workers? The case of the Afya Care pilot program in Kenya
Wamalwa, Phidelis / Christoph Strupat / Edmund Yeboah / MaryBennah N. Kuloba / Boniface Mbuthia / Manuela De Allegri (2025)
Democracy promotion in times of autocratization: a conceptual note
Grimm, Sonja / Brigitte Weiffen / Karina Mross (2025)
Newsletter
Sign up here for our monthly newsletter and stay informed about all the important news from the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS). The newsletter provides you with information on new publications, research projects, events and job vacancies.
IDOS-Newsletter September 2025
Subscribe now