Volker Perthes
@perthes.bsky.social
Scholar-Speaker-Advisor. Visiting Fellow and former CEO (2005-2020) Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
Former UN Under-Secretary-General (2021-March 2024), SRSG for Sudan (2021-2023).
Former UN Under-Secretary-General (2021-March 2024), SRSG for Sudan (2021-2023).
Radio interview on Sudan this morning n Germany‘s „Deutschlandfunk“. Fighting will not stop as long as the RSF (as well as the Army) receive enough material support from outside to continue their war.
www.deutschlandfunk.de/gibt-es-ausw...
www.deutschlandfunk.de/gibt-es-ausw...
Konflikt im Sudan - Früherer UN-Beauftragter beklagt schwere Menschenrechtsverstöße
www.deutschlandfunk.de
October 31, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Radio interview on Sudan this morning n Germany‘s „Deutschlandfunk“. Fighting will not stop as long as the RSF (as well as the Army) receive enough material support from outside to continue their war.
www.deutschlandfunk.de/gibt-es-ausw...
www.deutschlandfunk.de/gibt-es-ausw...
Today‘s interview on Sudan in Germany‘s Süddeutsche Zeitung. One side is a murderous militia. The other expels the head of the World Food Program in Sudan when aid is more needed than anytime. This, and why the international community is not there, and who helps, and what needs to be done …
October 30, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Today‘s interview on Sudan in Germany‘s Süddeutsche Zeitung. One side is a murderous militia. The other expels the head of the World Food Program in Sudan when aid is more needed than anytime. This, and why the international community is not there, and who helps, and what needs to be done …
We need to see the challenges of the Gaza ceasefire and ”peace plan”, but make it work nonetheless. Don’t expect everybody just being compliant and cooperative after two years of war.
My interview in Aargauer Zeitung and some other Swiss papers:
My interview in Aargauer Zeitung and some other Swiss papers:
October 25, 2025 at 8:09 AM
We need to see the challenges of the Gaza ceasefire and ”peace plan”, but make it work nonetheless. Don’t expect everybody just being compliant and cooperative after two years of war.
My interview in Aargauer Zeitung and some other Swiss papers:
My interview in Aargauer Zeitung and some other Swiss papers:
Thanks to stars - for Leaders of the Next Generation for inviting me to a quick half hour on international challenges and uncertainties.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_bp...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_bp...
Complexity is Destiny – Orientation in Times of No Direction with Volker PERTHES
YouTube video by stars - for Leaders of the Next Generation
www.youtube.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Thanks to stars - for Leaders of the Next Generation for inviting me to a quick half hour on international challenges and uncertainties.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_bp...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_bp...
Syria holds indirect parliamentary elections this week. Despite a lot of domestic and external challenges, the country has a real chance to stabilize and take off again. Longer interview in Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau:
www.fr.de/politik/expe...
www.fr.de/politik/expe...
Experte Volker Perthes sieht „Chance, dass Syrien sich stabilisiert“
Politikwissenschaftler Volker Perthes über die Herausforderungen bei Syriens Wiederaufbau und wie wichtig die Inklusion auch von Minderheiten für das Gelingen ist.
www.fr.de
September 15, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Syria holds indirect parliamentary elections this week. Despite a lot of domestic and external challenges, the country has a real chance to stabilize and take off again. Longer interview in Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau:
www.fr.de/politik/expe...
www.fr.de/politik/expe...
Radio Interview (in German) on the political and geopolitical nature of Israel’s cabinet decision to build the “E1” settlement in the West Bank:
www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:...
www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:...
Podcast: Israels Siedlungspläne: Friedensprozess gezielt blockiert?
Israels neue Siedlungspläne im Westjordanland sorgen international für Kritik. Politologe Volker Perthes sieht darin eine bewusste Blockade für die Gründung eines Palästinenserstaats.
www.ardaudiothek.de
August 21, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Radio Interview (in German) on the political and geopolitical nature of Israel’s cabinet decision to build the “E1” settlement in the West Bank:
www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:...
www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:...
Rather unusual article in Germany’s main tabloid on hunger in Sudan.
And some quotes from me on the human-made nature of the hunger catastrophe, hunger as a weapon, and the rather symbolic nature of airdrops (in Sudan as well as Gaza).
www.bild.de/politik/ausl...
And some quotes from me on the human-made nature of the hunger catastrophe, hunger as a weapon, and the rather symbolic nature of airdrops (in Sudan as well as Gaza).
www.bild.de/politik/ausl...
Sudan: Diese Hungersnot hat die Welt vergessen
Seit April 2023 herrscht Bürgerkrieg im Sudan. Millionen leiden unter Hunger. Besonders dramatisch ist die Situation in Darfur.
www.bild.de
August 13, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Rather unusual article in Germany’s main tabloid on hunger in Sudan.
And some quotes from me on the human-made nature of the hunger catastrophe, hunger as a weapon, and the rather symbolic nature of airdrops (in Sudan as well as Gaza).
www.bild.de/politik/ausl...
And some quotes from me on the human-made nature of the hunger catastrophe, hunger as a weapon, and the rather symbolic nature of airdrops (in Sudan as well as Gaza).
www.bild.de/politik/ausl...
Here is a rather long interview (print and video) I gave to Al Majalla on Sudan as well as on developments in the Middle East. It was recorded before the so-called “12 days war” between Israel and Iran, but only published on 12 July.
en.majalla.com/node/326421/...
en.majalla.com/node/326421/...
Volker Perthes: fragmentation and stalemate awaits Sudan
In a wide-ranging interview, the German scholar and former UN envoy offers a sobering assessment of the conflict's trajectory.
en.majalla.com
July 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Here is a rather long interview (print and video) I gave to Al Majalla on Sudan as well as on developments in the Middle East. It was recorded before the so-called “12 days war” between Israel and Iran, but only published on 12 July.
en.majalla.com/node/326421/...
en.majalla.com/node/326421/...
Was macht gute wissenschaftliche Beratung für die Außenpolitik aus? Talkshowauftritte sicher nicht, Unabhängigkeit und Relevanz schon. Und dass Politik den Rat erhält, den sie braucht, nicht den, den sie sich wünscht.
Mein Essay in internationalepolitik.de
internationalepolitik.de/de/wegweiser...
Mein Essay in internationalepolitik.de
internationalepolitik.de/de/wegweiser...
Wegweiser für die Weltbühne
Unabhängig forschen, praxisorientiert denken, transparent kommunizieren: Was wissen
schaftliche Außenpolitikberatung ist, was sie kann und wofür sie gebraucht wird.
internationalepolitik.de
July 1, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Was macht gute wissenschaftliche Beratung für die Außenpolitik aus? Talkshowauftritte sicher nicht, Unabhängigkeit und Relevanz schon. Und dass Politik den Rat erhält, den sie braucht, nicht den, den sie sich wünscht.
Mein Essay in internationalepolitik.de
internationalepolitik.de/de/wegweiser...
Mein Essay in internationalepolitik.de
internationalepolitik.de/de/wegweiser...
Virtual, imagined reality now shaping real politics more than physical reality. It’s no longer important whether Iran’s nuclear program was “totally obliterated” or just “set back” for a few months. We don’t know. But as long as all agree it is “severely damaged”, all can maintain the ceasefire.
June 26, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Virtual, imagined reality now shaping real politics more than physical reality. It’s no longer important whether Iran’s nuclear program was “totally obliterated” or just “set back” for a few months. We don’t know. But as long as all agree it is “severely damaged”, all can maintain the ceasefire.
Some thoughts on Iran, the forgetfulness of policy-makers who phantasize about regime change, and the advantages of diplomacy. In a German-language interview with IPG Journal:
www.ipg-journal.de/interviews/a...
www.ipg-journal.de/interviews/a...
„Wir machen einen Crashkurs in Realpolitik“
Volker Perthes über den US-Angriff auf Irans Atomanlagen, europäische Diplomatie und die Erosion des Völkerrechts.
www.ipg-journal.de
June 24, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Some thoughts on Iran, the forgetfulness of policy-makers who phantasize about regime change, and the advantages of diplomacy. In a German-language interview with IPG Journal:
www.ipg-journal.de/interviews/a...
www.ipg-journal.de/interviews/a...
It seems we find ourselves in a spiral of insanity. Of course further escalation between Iran, Israel and the US can still be stopped. This would need a heroic decision from Iran not to seek retaliation, and from Washington to call it a victory and move to diplomacy again.
June 22, 2025 at 2:18 AM
It seems we find ourselves in a spiral of insanity. Of course further escalation between Iran, Israel and the US can still be stopped. This would need a heroic decision from Iran not to seek retaliation, and from Washington to call it a victory and move to diplomacy again.
Some thoughts on the current war between Israel and Iran. And why there would be a good opportunity to end it today. On my @LinkedIn account:
June 16, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Some thoughts on the current war between Israel and Iran. And why there would be a good opportunity to end it today. On my @LinkedIn account:
Interview with DLF-Kultur (in German, from minute 4.50) on Israel’s attack on Iran and Iran’s reaction. Israel attacked because it could: because Iran is weak & to prevent a US-Iran deal. Not a “pre-emptive” strike. No need for any side to escalate.
www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/nach-angriff...
www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/nach-angriff...
Nach Angriff Israels auf Iran: droht Flächenbrand in Nahost?
www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de
June 14, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Interview with DLF-Kultur (in German, from minute 4.50) on Israel’s attack on Iran and Iran’s reaction. Israel attacked because it could: because Iran is weak & to prevent a US-Iran deal. Not a “pre-emptive” strike. No need for any side to escalate.
www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/nach-angriff...
www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/nach-angriff...
When Germany's Chancellor criticizes Israel publicly and its Commissioner for fighting antisemitism (rightly) says: "starving the Palestinians ... has nothing to do with safeguarding Israel’s right to exist", Israel's government has definitely driven its country into isolation. EU more aligned now.
May 27, 2025 at 6:40 AM
When Germany's Chancellor criticizes Israel publicly and its Commissioner for fighting antisemitism (rightly) says: "starving the Palestinians ... has nothing to do with safeguarding Israel’s right to exist", Israel's government has definitely driven its country into isolation. EU more aligned now.
Good that the EU eventually decided to lift economic sanctions on #Syria. Could have been done months earlier. It is a shame that the EU only followed the Trump administration rather than going ahead. This is about the EU’s neighborhood, and its strategic autonomy.
May 21, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Good that the EU eventually decided to lift economic sanctions on #Syria. Could have been done months earlier. It is a shame that the EU only followed the Trump administration rather than going ahead. This is about the EU’s neighborhood, and its strategic autonomy.
Pleasure to participate in Delphi Slemani (Sulaymaniyah) Forum
and speak on Iraq in a changing geopolitical environment. The meeting certainly helped to bring Iraqi Kurdistan on the map of (mainly) Greek and European businesspeople. Also brought thinkers and doers across regions together.
and speak on Iraq in a changing geopolitical environment. The meeting certainly helped to bring Iraqi Kurdistan on the map of (mainly) Greek and European businesspeople. Also brought thinkers and doers across regions together.
May 20, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Pleasure to participate in Delphi Slemani (Sulaymaniyah) Forum
and speak on Iraq in a changing geopolitical environment. The meeting certainly helped to bring Iraqi Kurdistan on the map of (mainly) Greek and European businesspeople. Also brought thinkers and doers across regions together.
and speak on Iraq in a changing geopolitical environment. The meeting certainly helped to bring Iraqi Kurdistan on the map of (mainly) Greek and European businesspeople. Also brought thinkers and doers across regions together.
“Teach them love”: Mural from Sulaimani, Kurdistan Iraq.
May 17, 2025 at 11:36 AM
“Teach them love”: Mural from Sulaimani, Kurdistan Iraq.
Concern that Germany's new government is weakened because Merz needed a second round of voting were clearly overblown. It’s a democratic parliament; it was an election, not a rubber stamp vote. New government will be as strong as it wants to be: they have an agenda, they need to pursue it together.
May 8, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Concern that Germany's new government is weakened because Merz needed a second round of voting were clearly overblown. It’s a democratic parliament; it was an election, not a rubber stamp vote. New government will be as strong as it wants to be: they have an agenda, they need to pursue it together.
Glückwunsch an Katherina Reiche, die gerade als Wirtschaftsministerin nominiert worden ist.
Hier ist ein Artikel, den wir vor 15 Jahren zu einer effizienz- und nachhaltigkeitsorientierten Rohstoffstrategie veröffentlicht haben (FAZ, 20.20.2010). Er ließe sich - fast - so wieder veröffentlichen.
Hier ist ein Artikel, den wir vor 15 Jahren zu einer effizienz- und nachhaltigkeitsorientierten Rohstoffstrategie veröffentlicht haben (FAZ, 20.20.2010). Er ließe sich - fast - so wieder veröffentlichen.
April 28, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Glückwunsch an Katherina Reiche, die gerade als Wirtschaftsministerin nominiert worden ist.
Hier ist ein Artikel, den wir vor 15 Jahren zu einer effizienz- und nachhaltigkeitsorientierten Rohstoffstrategie veröffentlicht haben (FAZ, 20.20.2010). Er ließe sich - fast - so wieder veröffentlichen.
Hier ist ein Artikel, den wir vor 15 Jahren zu einer effizienz- und nachhaltigkeitsorientierten Rohstoffstrategie veröffentlicht haben (FAZ, 20.20.2010). Er ließe sich - fast - so wieder veröffentlichen.
European Strategic Autonomy: mission impossible? No, but we need to define it realistically. And we need to plan and act European. Very useful discussion at the Delphi Forum, including myself, @kajsaollongren.bsky.social, Nik Gowing as moderator. Video now online.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=arZQ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=arZQ...
DEF X - European Strategic Autonomy – Mission (Im)Possible?
YouTube video by Delphi Economic Forum
www.youtube.com
April 26, 2025 at 8:03 AM
European Strategic Autonomy: mission impossible? No, but we need to define it realistically. And we need to plan and act European. Very useful discussion at the Delphi Forum, including myself, @kajsaollongren.bsky.social, Nik Gowing as moderator. Video now online.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=arZQ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=arZQ...
Video recording of our discussion on #Syria and the #MidEast at the Delphi Forum, 11 April 2025. With Anja Wehler-Schoeck as moderator, Greece’s national security advisor Thonos Dokos, Lina Khatib from Chatham House and myself. youtu.be/fEhFRhM1_vI?fe…
DEF X - After Assad: Middle East and the New Security Architecture
YouTube video by Delphi Economic Forum
https://youtu.be/fEhFRhM1_vI?fe…
April 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Video recording of our discussion on #Syria and the #MidEast at the Delphi Forum, 11 April 2025. With Anja Wehler-Schoeck as moderator, Greece’s national security advisor Thonos Dokos, Lina Khatib from Chatham House and myself. youtu.be/fEhFRhM1_vI?fe…
In #Darfur, the Rapid Support Forces have overrun & occupied ZamZam IDP camp after laying siege on it for months, causing malnutrition and famine. In this article, we analyse the causes of hunger in #Sudan, and lay out what needs to be done to end the war.
www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-...
www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-...
Hunger in Sudan: A Human-Made Catastrophe
Looting, arson, blockades - the warring parties use hunger as a weapon and caused the food system to collapse. In the past two years, the greatest humanitarian crisis the world is experiencing at pres...
www.welthungerhilfe.org
April 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM
In #Darfur, the Rapid Support Forces have overrun & occupied ZamZam IDP camp after laying siege on it for months, causing malnutrition and famine. In this article, we analyse the causes of hunger in #Sudan, and lay out what needs to be done to end the war.
www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-...
www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-...