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The document examines how ethno-national diasporas influence civil wars through financial contributions, military and political involvement, and international advocacy. It analyzes the dual nature of this influence, noting that while diaspora resources can prolong conflict by sustaining armed groups and hardening political stances, they also offer significant potential for peace through post-conflict reconstruction, the provision of skilled personnel for new institutions, and the promotion of human rights discourses.

The research paper analyzes the strategic motivations for terrorism in civil wars using a new dataset linking the Uppsala/PRIO Armed Conflict Data and the Global Terrorism Database. It argues that terrorism serves to coerce governments and communicate resolve, particularly for militarily weaker groups. The study finds that the frequency of attacks increases with government repression and press freedom. Furthermore, it identifies a correlation between group ideology and targeting: groups with universalist ideologies (e.g., Marxist-socialist) predominantly target 'hard' official targets, while those with sectarian or religious ideologies are more likely to target 'soft' civilian targets due to stronger 'othering' of out-groups.

The research argues that the expansion of jihadist groups in central Mali is fueled by a 'predatory and corrupt state' and a development model that ignores pastoral priorities. By analyzing land-use conflicts in the Mopti region, the authors find that pastoralists support jihadist groups because they offer an anti-elite discourse and a perceived alternative to a state that extracts rent through corrupt courts and a paramilitary Forest Service. The study concludes that recruitment is largely a strategic response to material interests and political exclusion.

The report details Austria's limited historical and economic ties with Africa, noting that while North Africa maintains stronger diplomatic relations, trade and development assistance are focused on specific priority countries in East and Southern Africa. It highlights South Africa as Austria's primary African trading partner and discusses Austria's commitments to EU-Africa strategies during its 2006 EU Council presidency.

The document outlines Italy's strategic focus on the Horn of Africa, driven by colonial history and security concerns, and its role in regional peace processes. It details Italy's development aid trends, noting a decline in real terms despite government commitments, and examines Italy's trade and investment ties across Africa, particularly with Tunisia, Libya, and South Africa.

The document analyzes the macroeconomic resilience of Kenya and Tanzania from 2000 to 2022, examining the impacts of climate-related shocks, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It finds that while both countries used prudent monetary and fiscal policies, Tanzania exhibited less volatility in GDP per capita growth and maintained higher gross savings. The paper recommends simplifying tax systems, reducing non-concessional borrowing, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance resilience.

The report highlights that without proactive efficiency measures, the adoption of cooling appliances in households at risk could require over 240 TWh of annual electricity by 2030. It argues that implementing best-available technologies (BAT) and stringent building energy codes can offset this demand, potentially saving 18–35 TWh through improved building envelopes alone.

In 2021, at least 3.43 billion people across 54 high-impact countries faced cooling access challenges. The rural poor population at high risk grew to 355 million, driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on poverty, with India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh having the highest numbers. The urban poor population increased to 732 million, with China and India accounting for 36% of that growth. Additionally, the lower-middle income segment grew to 2.34 billion people, a group at risk of adopting inefficient cooling devices that could increase greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, the middle-income population decreased by approximately 140 million people, primarily driven by declines in China and India.

The document argues that carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) may be essential for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050. It identifies key technical and regulatory challenges—such as permanence, MRV, and liability—that UNFCCC Parties must address to ensure safe and transparent CCS deployment.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) analysis reveals that a significant portion of the world's shale resources are located in water-stressed or arid regions, posing risks to energy development and local water security. The report highlights that 38% of shale resources are in areas of high water stress or aridity, and 386 million people live above these plays. It provides specific assessments for 11 countries and recommends that companies and governments implement water risk assessments, increase transparency, and adopt corporate water stewardship to mitigate conflicts with other water users, particularly in irrigated agriculture.