German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)

The GIGA is an independent social science institute committed to research excellence and rigorously upholding the Leibniz motto of “theoria cum praxi”: science for the benefit of society. The GIGA analyses political, economic, and social developments in and across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as global issues and their regional and local repercussions. Based on its research, the Institute engages in regular knowledge-exchange activities with policymakers, practitioners, and the wider public.

The GIGA’s Latin America scholars research, among other topics, the quality of democratic institutions and participation; challenges posed by violence and crime; the interaction between inequality and politics; social, health, and gender policies; immigration and emigration; and regional integration.