19 January 2026
“The Centre of Conflict Itself”
In late November, the German Ministry of Defense and the German Foreign Office jointly published the first-ever “Space Safety and Security Strategy”. Its most remarkable aspect is the straightforward recognition of Outer Space “increasingly [as] the centre of conflict itself”. In the absence of a comprehensive multilateral treaty, the specific application of international law’s principles to the military uses of Outer Space is currently under development. Given significant divisions among spacefaring states, this legal order will most likely crystallize through a non-linear, heterogeneous process of individual statements, actions, and reactions. Germany’s strategy chimes into this debate and sets the tone for a much-anticipated Federal Space Law. Continue reading >>
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02 May 2022
Nicaragua’s OAS Raid and the Inter-American System
On 24 April 2022, Nicaraguan National Police officers raided the premises of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Managua. After confiscating all documents at the premises, Nicaragua’s foreign secretary called the OAS a “diabolic instrument” on live TV and announced Nicaragua’s immediate and definitive withdrawal from all OAS organs. The raid was a blatant violation of international law. Continue reading >>
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01 November 2021
Struggling for Democratic Elections
Ahead of the elections on 7 November 2021, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States sends a final warning to Nicaragua. On 20 October, it adopted resolution 1182 and clarified that holding elections is not enough if these elections violate democratic principles. The OAS – like other regional organizations – faces persisting challenges when addressing member states that systematically disregard their core obligations in the fields of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. And yet, it is in a position to make a difference in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nicaragua. Continue reading >>09 June 2021
Nicaragua’s Electoral Counter-Reform
On 4 May 2021, the Nicaraguan National Assembly adopted an electoral reform. Alongside other legislative acts that limit civil society’s operating space, the electoral reform not only sets a gloomy outlook for presidential elections scheduled in Nicaragua for November this year. The reform also violates Inter-American democratic standards as it severely restricts the independence of political parties and leaves the Supreme Electoral Council under significant influence of Nicaragua’s governing party and president. Continue reading >>
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