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.
Application is now open until June 13, 2025 for a 3- to 10-month long fellowship programme at the Academy of International Affairs NRW in Bonn.
Addressing Economic Inequalities to Strengthen Democracies As part of the AIA Fellow Colloquium, John Austin gave insights into the work of his Heartlands Transformation Network. At its core, John and his colleagues are grappling with two questions: What is behind the rise of polarizing anti-system and ethno-nationalist movements that threaten our democracies? What can be …
Together with AIA Fellow John Austin, Senior Fellow at the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, the Academy was a guest of the NRW-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Düsseldorf State Parliament. After a brief introduction by our Director Mayssoun Zein Al Din, the members of parliament, moderated by Chair Angela Freimuth, discussed with John Austin …
Tâmara Andrade, German Chancellor Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Guest researcher at IDOS visited the Academy to engage with the Fellows on the cross-cutting theme of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). In a very interactive session, she first addressed theoretical and conceptual foundations, and shared some insights from her current project …
Together with a delegation of Fellows and AIA employees, we visited IDOS with our Fellow Mariia Levchenko. Mariia gave valuable insights into her research on structured dialogue processes during a brown bag lunch. She gave an overview of the theoretical foundations and empirical effectiveness of dialogue-based interventions. She critically examined the question of how social …
Transformations of gender roles and practices in a transnational migration context Over coffee and cake, sociologist and anthropologist Rustam Samadov gave a talk on “Masculinities of Tajik labor migrants: Transformations of gender roles and practices in a transnational migration context”. He presented the extensive field research he conducted in Russia and Tajikistan as part of …
Political 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 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 eventThe intensifying techno-geopolitical competition between China and the US has exposed Europe’s vulnerability to digital dependencies.
To the event“Do not praise my merits from the past, but use my experience for the future.” This phrase concludes the memoirs of the second German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard, recorded by speechwriter Johnny Klein and edited by our Academic Board member Ulrich Schlie. Ludwig Erhard was granted this wish during a panel discussion on the consequences of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Europe and the world.
To the eventOuter space has emerged as a distinct arena of political and economic interactions that can benefit humankind. With rising commercial interest and the engagement of states, outer space has become a zone in need of regulation and of cooperative agreements to avoid severe risks. This also raises the central question of responsibility in different ways, such as accountability, appropriate behaviour and the consideration of future generations.
To the eventThe 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 …
DetailsEven as the most unsettling threat to European democracies appears to be coming from across the Atlantic, within the continent there has been for almost a decade the growing specter of right-wing nationalists gaining control of power in once stable democracies. While analysts offer numerous explanations for the growth in internal support for what often …
DetailsTo effectively counter economic competition, global security threats, and assaults on the rules-based global order from authoritarian nations, democratic allies must work together to build support and push the adoption and integration of two core national strategies: 1) building stronger domestic economies and strengthening democracy within nations- through large-scale inward place-based investments in people, innovation …
DetailsAmong its Central Asian neighbours, Tajikistan’s history textbooks still most closely resemble official accounts from the Soviet era. They stress the evils of the Russian Empire’s expansion to the region. At the same time, they also remain fairly positive about Tajikistan’s Soviet experience, underlining the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic’s contribution to the Soviet state. Perhaps …
DetailsWorldwide, feminist politics is increasingly marginalised and faces resistance from governments and societies. In post-socialist Eurasia, gender discourses are dominated by international donors promoting a neoliberal approach, as well as states mobilising patriarchal norms for nation building. Focusing on three grassroots feminist initiatives in Eurasia, this article explores alternative gender visions emerging from the ground …
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Spreading Opportunity – Strengthening Democracy
During my tenure at the NRW Academy of International Affairs, I will build out Heartlands Transformation Network, conduct and deliver additional original research and insights into effective economic regeneration of heartland regions, and address key issues confronting policy makers and economic development and structural change managers in countries of North America and Europe. All designed to spread economic opportunity and strengthen democracies and our transatlantic alliance.
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…
The vastness of space has always been a source of fascination, but as humanity’s reach expands…
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Foto: Tobias Vollmer
Bewerben Sie sich noch bis zum 14. Februar 2022 für ein 1 bis 10-monatiges Fellowship-Programm in der Academy of International Affairs NRW in Bonn.
Foto: Tobias Vollmer
Bewerben Sie sich noch bis zum 14. Februar 2022 für ein 1 bis 10-monatiges Fellowship-Programm in der Academy of International Affairs NRW in Bonn.
Bewerben Sie sich noch bis zum 14. Februar 2022 für ein 1 bis 10-monatiges Fellowship-Programm in der Academy of International Affairs NRW in Bonn.
Bewerben Sie sich noch bis zum 14. Februar 2022 für ein 1 bis 10-monatiges Fellowship-Programm in der Academy of International Affairs NRW in Bonn.
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