AIA NRW
The Academy of International Affairs NRW, based in the federal city of Bonn, is dedicated to the global challenges and structural changes in international politics in the 21st century. The Academy’s fellowship programme focuses on promoting academic excellence and international and interdisciplinary networking.
Consul General Preeti V. Shah, U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf, welcomed our Fellows Chisomo Banda, Chiung-Chiu Huang, Chelsea Haramia, Inna Supac, and Anna Shpakovskaya, for an in-depth exchange focused on international research cooperation and the value of shared global standards. The meeting fostered a rich interdisciplinary dialogue on timely global issues, including the shifting dynamics …
Professor Chih-yu Shih from Tongji University in Shanghai visited the AIA and discussed new perspectives on international relations with the Fellows over coffee and cake. For some time now, scholars from the Global South have been providing an impetus for a critical reflection on the canon of classical theories developed primarily by Western researchers. Implicit …
What role do cities play in regulating migration, and how can migrants counter-act discrimination? Researcher Philipp Lottholz from Marburg University presented case studies from Duisburg and Plovdiv (Bulgaria), where groups of disenfranchised migrants self-organise by demonstrating, establishing small-scale charity projects and drawing attention to unequal conditions. The talk addressed how precarious living and working conditions …
On July 3rd and 4th, Manuel Becker, Head of the Scientific Program at the AIA, took part in the “Trilateral Seminar Transatlantic Security Architecture: Developments and Perspectives” in Paris.
A group of Master’s and PhD students from the Bonn International Model United Nations (BIMUN) recently visited the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of International Affairs. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange between future practitioners and current researchers engaged in international affairs. Following an introduction to the Academy’s mission and fellowship programme, the main …
The emerging Global South consciousness calls for critical reflections on current theories of international relations, particularly those rooted in the Westphalian system. Most of these theories emerge from the historical interactions between former European colonial states, which share a common background stemming from the Religious Wars, their resulting claims of sovereignty, as well as from wars of expansion and colonialism.
To the eventPolitical and social sciences, and social movement studies in particular, have produced a growing body of research on migrant, refugee and ethnic minority activism and political mobilization. While these various mobilizations are increasingly visible in the public, they still appear disconnected from each other both in practice and in existing academic analyses. This presentation will survey these disparate academic and practical/political fields and outline a research agenda of ‘minority counter-politics’. Building on empirical insights from transnational migrant struggles in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and in the Ruhr region, it shows how ‘minority counter-politics’ is often, though not exclusively, situated outside of established political frameworks. On the other hand, the analysis will reflect critically on the implications of such positions and practices on the political system, and particularly on issues of advocacy, social justice, and disconnection and fragmentation communication spheres along linguistic and other divides.
To the eventThe Summer Academy has become a valued tradition at AIA NRW. Over three and a half days, a diverse group of academics, diplomats, experts, and practitioners in the field of subnational diplomacy came together, forming a close-knit community and developing a shared repertoire of knowledge and approaches.
To the eventThe Ruhr region in Germany and the so-called Rust Belt in the United States have undergone profound transformations in recent decades. Both regions, long defined by coal, steel, and heavy industry, have experienced the economic, social, and political consequences of deindustrialization. Yet despite structural similarities, the paths they have taken in responding to these changes differ—and offer important lessons for each other. Which economic and political strategies have been pursued in response to the challenges posed by industrial decline? To what extent have these measures succeeded in ensuring economic security and social stability—and where have they fallen short? How have processes of regional transformation influenced public trust in democratic institutions and party preferences among working class voters? What can both regions learn from one another to create viable futures for their populations and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity?
To the eventHow can we bring a decolonial and inclusive lens to the research and projects we are developing during our time in Germany?
To the eventThis two-part workshop aims to provide both theoretical and practical insights into the mechanics of dialogue and silencing focusing on how the analytical concepts can be defined, assessed, and applied in real-world settings. While the first session will deal with silencing in foreign policy on a theoretical level (why and how are issues silenced in foreign policy?), the second will conceptually address the ‘politics of silencing’ by making use of two real world examples. The third session will explore different theories and models of dialogue—covering concepts, approaches to defining “dialogue,” and even ways to measure its effectiveness. Drawing on case studies from diverse contexts, participants will engage in a structured debate about dialogue’s power to bridge divides and transform conflict dynamics. The fourth shifts to hands-on practice: experienced practitioners will demonstrate methods to foster and sustain dialogue across polarized communities. Participants will have the opportunity to test these dialogue tools in breakout exercises, offering their perspectives and insights that could inform recommendations for a potential national dialogue process in Ukraine once the current war ends. The overarching aim is to illustrate how dialogue can serve as a cornerstone for reconciliation, nation-building, and long-term peace. Programme
To the eventWestern media often describe the relationship between Russia and China as a close friendship between two ‘autocracies’ against the ‘Western community of values’. Xi and Putin speak of a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ that aims to establish a ‘multipolar world order’. But who should be the poles in a post-American world order? Is there a threat of a new ‘Cold War’ with global bloc formation? How stable is the alliance between Moscow and Beijing really?
To the eventAt a time of growing geopolitical tensions, protectionism is experiencing a global renaissance. Numerous countries are threatening each other with punitive tariffs and trade restrictions. Aggressive economic policies are putting increasing pressure on global trade relations. In these geopolitical areas of tension, questions of sustainability and global justice are falling by the wayside.
To the eventThis workshop is aimed at scientists, university staff and communication managers from our network (and Friends) who want to improve their social media strategies in a targeted manner. The focus is on science communication and student marketing through digital channels.
To the eventThe links between regional and urban history and international relations are manifold, but rarely obvious at first glance. Municipalities, regional self-government and (federal) states often did not and do not act exclusively in a national context. Their actions were and are closely intertwined with supranational and international problems and the repercussions of major political events.
To the eventThis issue explores pressing global dynamics across outer space governance, climate transformation, and conflict resolution. Articles examine the urgent need for security frameworks in space, Europe’s autonomy in orbit, and environmental perspectives beyond Earth. Simultaneously, it addresses structural change, geopolitical energy shifts, democratic engagement, and innovative approaches to diplomacy and peacebuilding from Ukraine to the …
DetailsIrrespective of a community’s or region’s size and historic economic and social composition, there are diverse paths that are being found for economic renewal in similarly situated older industrial and transitioning communities. These paths for new prosperity must be built on whatever local assets and identity the community has to work with, and be locally …
DetailsThis paper examines Chad’s 2022 National Dialogue (Dialogue National Inclusif et Souverain, DNIS) as a case study of the use of so-called “National Dialogues” during political transitions. After providing an analytical overview, the study finds that Chad’s dialogue largely served to legitimize the existing military-led regime rather than to effect genuine systemic change. The convened …
DetailsHierarchy is conceptualised as based on a monolithic pyramid-like distribution of power with lower-ranked actors subjected to the regulation of top-ranked units. Empirically, the optimum performance of hierarchical systems is defined by high levels of compliance by lowly ranked units. In what may count as an analytical self-fulfilling prophecy resulting in a theoretical cul-de-sac, the …
DetailsThe China-Russia partnership post-2022 has not only seen a quantitative increase in trade volumes, but also a qualitative shift towards a more sophisticated partnership in new technologies, innovation, and research and development (R&D) in domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), green hydrogen energy, e-commerce, etc. This may introduce new strategic, economic and security risks for …
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Youth Perspectives on International Migration Policies
The research will explore the nuanced experiences and views of young people in relation to existing international migration policies. It will further identify the unique challenges they face, such as disrupted education and social exclusion, and to offer recommendations for more inclusive and effective migration frameworks that are in favour of young people. The ultimate goal is provide valuable insights for improving policies to better address the needs of young migrants.
The Academy’s new video format
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Outer space technologies, including rockets, satellites, and their supporting infrastructure, are vital to modern societies. They…
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