The world is completely out of joint and most of us haven't even noticed. However there are some people who are only too well aware of this predicament: terrorists and heads of state. They are taking advantage of the cracks in failing states for their own gain-and the number of failed and ...

Established author Michael Köhlmeier has written and held numerous speeches over the years which always refl ect his deeply humanistic approach to all topics, both in literature and in politics. In May 2018 he spoke to a large group of high-ranking politicians. "Do not expect me to feign ...

What is freedom, are we born free or is freedom conveyed to us by others? Can it be taken away? Is freedom only an absence of fear and constraint or does it not rather imply the need to take part in the political and social discourse? Th is essay by Hannah Arendt was fi rst published in German by ...

A crucial plea for an ethic of debate instead of an ethic of personal opinions

Germany has a tradition of enlightenment ideals - and another of inhumane behavior. The Allies brought us democracy, freedom of opinion, and plurality. It is time to become deliberately aware of these ...

This voice has been missing from the racism debate

The refugee crisis has reawakened fears and concerns in Germany about "foreign influences." At the same time, debates about political correctness and racism are getting more heated. The Corona pandemic with its ...

"To the Germans, I was a foreigner, to the Muslims a Jew, and to the Jews a juvenile delinquent."

Arye Sharuz Shalicar was born in Germany, the son of Jewish immigrants from Iran. His background wasn't an issue for him until his family moved to Wedding, a Berlin neighbourhood with ...

"The fire of the Chinese dragon will put the heat on us."

China extends its influence like a new colonial power: Chinese businesses are being managed in an authoritarian model, just like the Communist party.
In Hong Kong, an authoritarian regime clashes with a ...

The dramatic report of our global crisis

What started in late December 2019 as warnings from an eye doctor in Wuhan rapidly turned into a global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a dangerous virus, easily transmitted and deadly, but Covid-19 has become an even greater catalyst for a global ...

What does it mean to be German - to be European - in a period in which the world order is controlled less and less by the West and by a white minority? The challenges related to immigrant societies and the cultural shifts occurring around the world will result in one single outcome: Europe will ...

From preaching hate to promoting enlightenment
Kamouss is one of the most well-known imams in Germany, where he was once considered the "popstar of the Salafist scene." Since then, his perspective on Islam has fundamentally changed. This book presents his self-critical ...

Digital manipulation

The public forum has been fundamentally changed. That which begins as a Tweet or a post practically leads to violence, and has a direct influence on voting results. A veritable information war has started, one that is dividing our society and throwing into ...

To the exclusion of the public

Beyond the reach of parliaments, transnational groups and networks of groups are working together to set global standards and norms. Public obligations and decision-making mechanisms are privatized in the process, resulting in the gutting of ...