Dr. Karoline Eickhoff

• Karoline Eickhoff
• Paul Bochtler
• Hesbon Hansen Owilla

Communicating Strategically about What? Europe and China in the Kenyan Media

European actors are increasingly relying on strategic communication tools in their external relations, especially in key partner countries like Kenya. Based on a large-scale media screening and interviews with media experts, this paper examines which issues related to the EU/Europe and China have received the most media coverage in Kenya over the past decade (2013–2023). The paper finds, among other things, that European actors involved in communication efforts increasingly need to communicate about the EU’s role in global affairs and the impact of European decisions, products, and standards on African markets, without resorting to a “West versus China” framing.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB27

• Download (PDF) | 827 KB

• Karoline Eickhoff

Ahead of the FOCAC 2024: How to Deal with China in Africa?

• German

In the run-up to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024, many eyes are on China's growing influence in Africa. “What is the European dilemma in dealing with China in Africa?” asks Karoline Eickhoff in this Spotlight, which offers suggestions for dealing with competitive dynamics.

• Karoline Eickhoff
• Denis M. Tull

Where are Europe and Africa headed? Looking out to 2030

• German

Europe is about to elect a new parliament. Relations with Africa barely played a role in the election campaigns, even though they are crucial for making progress in important policy areas such as climate change and the shortage of skilled labour in Europe. Our strategic foresight process highlights trends that will shape relations between the two continents in the near future. In this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight, Karoline Eickhoff and Denis M. Tull report on where the journey is headed.

• Karoline Eickhoff
• Denis M. Tull

Mapping the Future of Europe-Africa Relations

Exploring Europe-Africa relations for 2030, the Megatrends Afrika project analyzes emerging trends, including political instability in Europe and African contestation of Eurocentric policies. This strategic examination highlights underappreciated dynamics in politics, social issues, and beyond, offering policymakers insights into potential future developments.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-WP13

• Download (PDF) | 730 KB

• Karoline Eickhoff

Kenya: Winning Hearts and Minds Abroad or at Home?

Kenya's diplomatic strides in a multipolar world, balancing East and West ties, increasingly face scrutiny at home. This policy brief analyzes the divergent views on President Ruto's foreign policy domestically as well as abroad. What role for non-alignment in an environment of global division?

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB24

• Download (PDF) | 501 KB

• Daouda Cissé
• Karoline Eickhoff
• Julia Fath
• Christine Hackenesch
• Rainer Thiele

China's Footprint in Africa

African countries share deep economic, political, and social ties with China. To better understand Beijing’s activities and impact, we need more robust empirical data. Future research should strengthen the link between empirical data and theoretical debates on status, power, and influence.

doi:10.18449/2023MTA-WP05

• Download (PDF) | 611 KB