The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) is an independent social science institute committed to excellence in research and consistently implementing the Leibniz motto ‘theoria cum praxi’: science for the benefit of society. GIGA analyses political, economic and social developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, as well as global issues and their regional and local implications. Based on its research, the institute engages in regular knowledge exchange with policymakers, practitioners and the general public.