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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.
John Horack, Vice President for Research and inaugural holder of the Neil Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy at Ohio State University, visited the Academy to discuss the future of transatlantic cooperation in space. In his keynote speech, he reviewed the history of space travel, focusing in particular on the contribution made by German engineers. He …
The Academy of International Affairs NRW was once again represented with a stand at the United Nations Day organized by the City of Bonn. It was once again a great pleasure for us to exchange ideas with our partner institutions and the many institutions of international Bonn: Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Entwicklungsdienste e.V., Auswärtiges Amt, BFIO – …
By Martin Wein, General-Anzeiger Bonn, 28 September 2025 In an interview with journalist Martin Wein, John Austin, Fellow at the Academy for Foreign Affairs in Bonn, argues that Germany must assume greater leadership in defending liberal democracy. The American political scientist contends that the United States has relinquished its traditional global role under Donald Trump’s …
As part of a hybrid event, AIA Fellow John Austin brought together innovation leaders and ecosystem builders from the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe to discuss the development of university-based innovation ecosystems in transatlantic cooperation. The discussion focused on why Europe, compared to the US, has long been unable to create the ideal conditions …
Tamara Ehs presented her project at the AIA Colloquium, which deals with the democratic theoretical potential of cities to strengthen liberal democracy. Based on the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) known from the UN context, she plans to develop “DDGs,” i.e., democratic development goals. Since the literature repeatedly refers to an autocratic playbook that can be …
The role of culture for the prestige and relative status of countries is well-known. While that kind of soft power remains difficult to measure in terms of its actual influence on international politics, cultural diplomacy is an established instrument of states’ foreign policy. The dominance of Western culture has long been contested, as Indian cinema, Japanese kawaii culture and the Korean Wave, to name but a few, have gained traction, not only in Asia but also in other parts of the world, including the West. This has boosted the visibility of some key states and elevated their global status. With the return of the Korean mega group BTS to the stage in the near future, for example, another economic boost is expected, and South Korea is projected to experience gains in tourism and investment. Thus is has notably benefitted from its soft power. Studying select cases such as South Korea and as well as discussing insights from culture diplomacy actors of European countries like Germany and Great Britain and others, the experts at this event will debate the potential of cultural diplomacy in influencing foreign policy and draw on the idea of soft power to explore strategies for the future. The experts include Dr Dongho Han (Korea Institute for National Unification, Seoul), who will talk about the role of public diplomacy regarding Korean reunification, Dr Natalia Grincheva (Lasalle University, Singapore), who will present her data that forecasts the impact of the Korean Wave, and many other experts in the field of soft power and cultural diplomacy. From data-based projections of soft power to traditional approaches of cultural diplomacy, the lessons that can be learned have interesting implications for diplomacy and foreign policy more generally. The event is open to students, academics, policymakers, cultural and economic stakeholders, and the wider public interested in contemporary approaches to soft power and culture politics.
To the eventOn 12 November, AIA Fellow Stuart MacDonald organizes a workshop for academics and practitioners, examining the state of soft power in 2025. Drawing on findings from a recent comprehensive comparative study of 24 countries and the EU, and the unique empirical data generated for the research, the event will advance both theoretical understanding and practical application of soft power trends, mechanisms, and impacts in the current international context. There will also be a focus on innovative methodologies for measuring the impact of soft power activities. The workshop will be an opportunity for participants to feedback on both the current state of play and on the uses of data-led approaches to measuring the impact of this crucial area of international relations.
To the eventThis year’s International Security Forum Bonn (ISFB) brings together top experts and practitioners to tackle pressing questions about transatlantic relations and the future of European security. Under the patronage of Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs and Media and Head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia, the forum—organized by CASSIS with partners like AIA NRW and the Institut Français NRW—will run from October 29–31. Highlights include high-level discussions on “Ruptures Waiting for Responses” and a Bonn Future Lab exploring the security, economic, and governance dimensions of space. The event blends expert panels with hands-on workshops, aiming to generate forward-looking strategies for Europe and Germany.
To the eventSpace exploration has been a global endeavor since its inception in the 1950s. Since this time, incredible progress has been made through international – and especially transatlantic – partnerships. Europe has contributed to signature Astrophysics programs such as Hubble, Gamma Ray Observatory, and also launched the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA’s Orion spacecraft has circumnavigated the Moon, powered by the European Service Module. Perhaps no contribution has been greater than the international Space Station, in which the transatlantic partnership between NASA and ESA plays a leading role. The coming retirement of the ISS and the rise of commercial space stations, the future of Artemis, and our ability to continue exploring the Cosmos all depend strongly on the continuation and enrichment of these partnerships. This discussion will focus on the future opportunities and challenges in the landscape of transatlantic partnerships in space. We are looking forward to a keynote speech by Professor John Horack followed by a discussion with Dr. Raúl González Muñoz hosted by journalist Martin Wein.
To the eventThe city of Bonn is hosting its annual United Nations Day on Saturday, October 11, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Bonn’s market square. Not only will the work of the United Nations be presented here, but many organizations, clubs, and associations from the international community in Bonn will also introduce themselves. Since 1996, Bonn has celebrated United Nations Day every October to commemorate the ratification of the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. At this event on Bonn’s market square, numerous UN organizations based in the city, as well as other associations and groups, will present themselves in a tent city and provide information on a common theme, which since 2015 has focused on the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to presentations and information stands, there will be a colorful stage program for the whole family, bringing the work of the UN in Bonn closer to the people. Once again this year, AIA NRW will be represented with a booth where we will provide information about our work. Come visit us, we look forward to talking with you! You can find us here (tent 7):
To the eventA challenge for most all advanced democracies including Canada, UK, Germany and the rest of Europe is to jump-start a more dynamic high-growth and high-tech economy, flagged as a top priority for Europe by 2024’s Draghi report. This task became doubly urgent when the US–under the new Trump Administration–began an international economic order- upending mercantilist policy, alongside demands that US tech companies have unfettered access to the EU and other markets. The nurturing of robust innovation ecosystems in former industrial capitals like Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and manufacturing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina in the US demonstrate dynamic, innovation ecosystems aren’t confined to Silicon Valley, but can be purposefully built. Innovation leaders and ecosystem builders in the US, Canada, UK and Europe have much to share other in terms of essential building blocks, strategies, practices and policies that help drive this dynamic, as well as much learn as well. Join a transatlantic discussion with select University and business innovation leaders to share insights into how to effectively do this work, and discuss avenues to further learn and assist each other.
To the eventIn its fourth year, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine remains one of the central security challenges of our time. Donald Trump’s rapprochement with Russia has fundamentally changed the starting position for possible negotiations on a ceasefire or peace agreement. Key Russian demands, such as territorial concessions and the exclusion of a Ukrainian NATO membership, are already under consideration in parts of the Western debate. Ukraine has been clear, however, that such issues will never be agreed by external actors and can only be discussed directly between Ukraine and Russia. This poses difficult challenges not only for Ukraine, but also for European states, especially as it remains unclear whether the EU will be involved in future negotiations formats at all. The outcome of these talks is likely to permanently alter Europe’s security architecture. The consequences are difficult to foresee, particularly for the EU’s eastern member states that directly border the Russian zone of influence. If the transatlantic partnership continues to weaken, how can the EU guarantee protection from Russian expansionism? What role can and should it play in shaping an independent European security framework—not only against Russia, but potentially with Russia in the longer term? Finally, what message will the outcome of this war send for other geopolitical conflicts? The stakes go far beyond Ukraine, touching the future of international order and Europe’s global role in it. The event is part of the Bonn Symposium organised by the Development and Peace Foundation (sef).
To the eventThis workshop examines how tokenism can appear in youth engagement and inclusion efforts, and explores ways to foster genuine participation. It includes concept framing, real-life examples, research insights, personal experiences, and group discussions. Participants will reflect on subtle and systemic forms of tokenism and contribute to the development of a Meaningful Youth Engagement Charter/Checklist. The session provides space for reflection and dialogue, connecting to ongoing research at AIA NRW on youth perspectives in migration policy. Insights may inform future discussions and publications on youth engagement. This workshop is orgnaized by our Fellow Chisomo Banda in cooperation with Ruhrpott for Europe, a youth-led organization in NRW working to empower young people in the Ruhr region to actively shape the future of Europe. In cooperation with: Info: Chisomo Banda Fellow AIA NRW Profile
To the eventThe global order has changed dramatically over the past decade. Some of these changes have been disruptive, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine or the escalation of violence in the Middle East. Other changes have taken place more gradually and outside of the spotlight of public attention, such as the quantitative decline of liberal democracies, the parallel increase in autocratic regimes, and the intensifying geopolitical tensions and rivalries between the United States, China, and Russia. At the same time, the international community is under ever-greater pressure to tackle challenges such as climate change, global health crises, and ongoing migration movements, which are placing heavy demands on countries on both sides of the Atlantic and triggering a transformation of national party systems. With Donald Trump serving a second term as president, the United States’ role in the world and as a partner for Europe must be reassessed after a long period of relative stability. In the current geopolitical climate, Europe in particular has a duty to ensure security and stability—in close cooperation with the US, but also with a clear understanding of its own interests and values. The question of how transatlantic relations are changing amidst great power competition and global responsibility is more important than ever and shapes the political debates and decisions of our time. In this context, we will examine the future of international cooperation and the challenges and opportunities that Europe faces in this dynamically changing world order.
To the eventThe 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 eventThe most recent national elections in two of the world’s leading economic powers and democratic stalwarts—Germany and the US—saw ethnonationalist parties closing in on taking power. The recent rapid rise in support for Germany’s radical right AfD party; and the success of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement now threaten to bring the institutional pillars and norms …
DetailsThis paper presents a postmortem analysis of the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) pipeline project, examining its political, economic, and security implications within the Baltic Sea Re-gion (BSR) and the broader European Union (EU). Initially framed as an essential part of Ger-many’s energy transition, NS2 evolved into a symbol of geopolitical miscalculation and intra-EU discord. The …
DetailsThe Midwestern Leaders Study Tour 2025 brought US Midwest leaders Steve Patterson, Anne Mervenne, Kent Smith, Ryan Sorenson, and Martina Guzmán together with German counterparts to tackle industrial and climate transitions. Led by John Austin, Fellow at the Academy of International Affairs NRW, the delegation launched at the Summer Academy in Bonn. Through subnational diplomacy, …
DetailsPromoting urban and subnational diplomacy within a coordinated and synergetic multi-level governance framework is an important way to address global interconnected risks and challenges. Given the different nature, interests and positions of cities, subnational regions, national states and international organizations, their visions and ideas can substantially diverge from each other in some points. In a …
DetailsThis 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 …
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The Changing Logic of China’s Strategic Subnational Diplomacy: The Case of the Sino-German City Partnership in NRW
This project explores the evolving strategies of Chinese subnational diplomacy, with a particular focus on city partnerships between Chinese cities and those in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. By analysing the driving forces, key actors, practices, and intercity dynamics within China’s urban clusters (城市群), the study highlights the interplay between domestic priorities and international imperatives in shaping China’s global diplomatic agenda. The study emphasises that these city-to-city partnerships function as microcosms of broader geopolitical and socio-economic trends, exerting influence on EU-China relations and contributing to the reconfiguration of global governance frameworks. By situating city diplomacy within the context of China’s global rise, this project illuminates how subnational cooperation complements and enhances China’s state-led diplomatic efforts, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of local and global political processes.
The Academy’s new video format
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China’s investment in Africa has sparked debate, driving economic growth while raising concerns about debt dependency…
In our latest edition of the Impulse series Dr. Raúl González Muñoz, lecturer at the University…
Outer space technologies, including rockets, satellites, and their supporting infrastructure, are vital to modern societies. They…
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