Political Systems
At the end of the Cold War, the idea spread that liberal democracy was going to take over the world. In reality, authoritarian regimes have resisted, and political systems remain varied.
Dreams and Nightmares: Australia's Past, Present and Future in Asia
This paper argues that Australian governments of both political stripes have responded pragmatically and effectively to the rise of China, the relative decline of the United States and the increased assertiveness of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). When they have made mistakes, the Howard, Rudd and Gillard governments have worked hard to improve relations.
Kanal Istanbul: Pipedream or Politics ?
This paper examines Kanal Istanbul, a plan proposed by recently re-elected Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to bypass the Bosphorus Strait by creating a canal west of Istabul.
Economic Policies Following the Great East Japan Earthquake
Ifri and the Canon Institute for Global Studies are launching a series of policy papers presenting the analyses of senior Japanese researchers on how the triple disasters that hit the archipelago last March have impacted Japan's economic, environmental and energy policies as well as country's crisis management system.
This first paper deals with a number of the economic challenges that have arisen following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, and considers the direction that future economic policies in Japan should take.
Economic Constraint and Ukraine's Security Policy
Since winning the 2010 presidential elections in Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych has worked hard to repair Kyiv's relationship with Moscow.
Franco-Turkish visions of a Republic. Interview with Baskin ORAN
For a long time, the Turkish Republic created by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was regarded by France's elites and political class as a sister republic: secular and Jacobin, the concrete embodiment of the universalism of the shared values of the French Revolution. However, the political change that has occurred since the AKP has come to office has questioned these classical republican convictions.
Renewables in Transport: Directive 2009/28/EC - Devils in its Details
This Actuelle precedes a longer and more exhaustive paper on Electric Vehicles, under the title "The Electric Vehicle in the Climate Change Race: Tortoise, Hare or both?" by Maïté de Boncourt.
As part of the 3*20 targets reached in December 2008, the EC decided that the EU should, by 2020, source 20% of its Final Energy Consumption (FEC) renewably.
Les camps de réfugiés et la guerre : Du sanctuaire à l'enfermement humanitaire ?
Refugee and IDP camps, intended to protect civilians affected by conflicts and natural disasters, have an undeniable strategic importance, and their management can be critical for the resolution of crises.
Migrations et développement : l'enjeu environnemental et l'avenir des politiques migratoires
This paper analyzes the future of migrations related to climate changes and environment degradations.
The G20 and the Challenge of International Financial Re-regulation
The crisis, it is now widely accepted, means that markets failed. Meeting for the first time in Washington in November 2008, the G20 embarked in a ride of re-regulation. Months of negotiations later, it dramatically appears different to agree on principles and broad objectives, and to write and enforce rules and commitments.
How the Chinese See Russia
This essay examines Chinese attitudes toward Russia as a great power, neighbor, partner and competitor.
Migrations and Developpement: A Need for Coherent Policies Adapted to Reality
Migration is a universal phenomenon rising complex issues in sending countries as in receiving or transit countries. Yet, issues and stakes linked to the migratory phenomenon are often simplified by public debates as in public policies supposed to solve this “problem”.
Migrations, Remittances and Development - Comparing Experiences from Mexico and Maghreb
The potential synergy between development and migration has become a key feature of most international migration politics. However, this relationship is far from evident.
Ampo at 50: The Faltering US-Japan Relationship
For the last 50 years the governance of the US-Japan alliance has often been characterized by secret diplomacy and discretionary choices. In the post-war period Japan's strategic choices have given overall priority to sustaining a strong security alliance with the United States.
Understanding the Issue of U.S. Military Bases in Okinawa
The failure of Prime Minister Hatoyama to transfer the dangerous U.S. military base of Futenma out of Okinawa hastened his resignation, announced on June 2nd.
Internet et politique aux Etats-Unis
The growing use of the internet by citizens (blogs, social networks, on-line donations, etc...) certainly impacts the way politics are done in the United States. However, the internet may not be as democratizing a political tool as it seems. The author, François Vergniolle de Chantal, is a lecturer at the University of Burgundy and the co-editor-in-chief of the review Politique Américaine.
A Shadow over the Himalayas: India's Tibet Problem
This article explains the central role of the Tibetan issue in complicating Sino-Indian relations.
Towards A New Type of Regime In Sub-Saharan Africa: Democratic Transitions but no Democracy
Sub-Saharan African hopes of democratization raised by the end of the cold war and the decline in the number of single party states are giving way to disillusionment. Today, even countries such as Senegal and South Africa, reputed for their democratic nature, are threatening to veer towards authoritarianism.
From Kunming to Mandalay: The New "Burma Road". Developments along the Sino-Myanmar border since 1988
The present paper aims to describe the vitality and complexity of bilateral trade along the Sino-Myanmar border.
The Appointment of Vale de Almeida: A symbol of the Commission's predominance of the EEAS?
The recent appointment of João Vale de Almeida to be the head of the EU’s delegation in Washington D.C. sparked waves of controversy among the Member States. Why has this manoeuvre of Catherine Ashton become so polemical? What does it tell us about the institutional posturing of the new European External Action Service (EEAS)?
Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2026, Ifri partners with over 90 French and international companies and organizations.
