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BTI Transformation Insights

March 2021

Analysis and research on governance, political regimes and economic policies from the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI).

Analysis

UN Human Rights Council: As the US Returns, it will have to deal with China and its Friends

As the Human Rights Council (HRC), the United Nations’ highest body for human rights, convenes this month for its first 2021 session, the perennial doubts resurface about its membership and effectiveness as a multilateral actor for upholding fundamental rights. Some recent developments, however, may merit a more serious look at the opportunities for reform as it marks its 15th anniversary. read more

MENA

Ten Years of Arab Spring: Challenging Some Autocratic Myths

Ten years ago, Tahrir Square in the center of the metropolis of Cairo became a symbolic place of liberation from despotism. Mass rallies and demonstrations led to the fall of President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled the country autocratically for almost thirty years. At the time, many people believed in a sweeping democratic awakening in the Arab world, but this hope has been dashed. read more

Mexico

Vulnerable in Lockdown: Violence Against Women Rises Amid Coronavirus Restrictions

Increasing numbers of women in Mexico are seeking help and refuge as domestic violence rises during corona-era lockdowns and quarantines. Amid a nation-wide surge in the numbers of arms circulating, the number of femicide cases looks set to climb even higher. read more

Mali

Protracted Crises, (In)Securities, and a Glimmer of Hope

A donor darling and a beacon of hope for democracy in the region for a long time, Mali has been heavily scarred by political challenges and conflict in recent years. After a military coup in 2020, the current transitional government is beset with its own difficulties. Civil society, however, gives reason for hope. read more

Nepal

Government Crisis: Political Transformation at the Crossroads?

Political instability is back in Kathmandu. At the end of December, Prime Minister Oli unexpectedly had the parliament dissolved in a power struggle within his ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) that had been simmering for months. This move, that many observers describe as unconstitutional, has now led to the breakup of the ruling party. read more

Mozambique

Multiple Crises: The Terror of Cabo Delgado and its Consequences

The terror in the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique has already uprooted half a million people. The government in Maputo appears helpless in the face of violence from radical Islamists. From the local conflict accrues a problem for the entire region. read more

Outlook

In our next Newsletter

One year after the Corona pandemic reached West Africa, we take stock of crisis management in the region. We look to the elections in Peru and the consequences of Raúl Castro's expected retirement from being the First Secretary of Cuba's Communist Party.

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The BTI Team is looking forward to your questions, feedback and ideas:

Sabine Donner, Hauke Hartmann and Sebastian Plate

Bertelsmann Stiftung

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33311 Gütersloh

Phone: +49 5241-8181507

Email: bti@bertelsmann-stiftung.de

The Bertelsmann Stiftung, based in Gütersloh, Germany, is a nonprofit, private

operating foundation in accordance with Section 1 of North Rhine-Westphalia's Foundation Law.

The district government of Detmold serves as its supervisory authority.

Founder: Reinhard Mohn

Chairman of the Board of Trustees: Prof. Dr. Werner J. Bauer

Executive Board: Dr. Ralph Heck (Chairman), Dr. Brigitte Mohn, Prof. Dr. Daniela Schwarzer