Forum for International Cultural Relations
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FOCUS

The Forum for International Cultural Relationes places current research topics in a broader context. In a dialogue between science, culture, politics and the media, it provides food for thought and attempts to link topics, questions and opinions. The main topics include cultural relations in Europe, migration, art and cultural exchange, human rights.

Businessman and businesswoman shaking hands with poles over a column.

South Caucasus: Struggle for Peace

By Ira Peter

For decades, Armenia and Azerbaijan fought over Nagorno-Karabakh. In September 2023, Azerbaijan conquered the region. Since then, the neighbours have been struggling to reach a peace treaty. What do the two countries need for lasting peace? And how can the EU support them?

Essay
You can see an illustration by Lea Dohle. It shows a hand with a magnifying glass in which the world can be seen.

Russian Cultural Actors in the Southern Caucasus

Interview with Tigran Amiryan

#SouthernCaucasus
#CulturalArtists
#Research

Podcast
Busy motorway at night

“We Should Understand Digital Infrastructure as a Public Good”

Interview with Adriana Groh

Adriana Groh travelled to Barcelona for the German government’s lecture programme. In this interview, she provides an insight into the Sovereign Tech Fund, which she co-founded, and explains why state funding of open source software is important.

Interview

On Reconciliation

By Dragan Velikić

At the beginning of this year, the Serbian opposition politician Nikola Sandulović was picked up by the Serbian secret service and severely mistreated. He had apologized for Serbian crimes in Kosovo. How can true peace and reconciliation be established in former Yugoslavia?

Essay

Kosovo is Coming

By Beqë Cufaj

While citizens from Serbia, Montenegro or North Macedonia have been allowed to travel to the EU without a visa for years, this has not been the case for Kosovars until now. From 1 January 2024, they will also be able to travel to Europe without a visa. "An injustice has come to an end", says our author.

Essay
Wall with pins and threads tied over it to form a network.

Empowering Women in Tech: Encounters and Perspectives in Barcelona

By Sophia Tran

As part of the German government’s lecture programme, Sophia Tran travelled to Barcelona to speak with representatives from the Spanish start-up scene and motivate pupils to take up a profession in the tech field.

Report

The EU Could Have Done More to Promote Recon­ciliation

By Augustin Palokaj

Nothing more than the real prospect for EU membership will help the West Balkan region to overcome atrocities and divisions from the past. Restoring trust on the EU enlargement process can also lead to greater confidence within the region.

Essay
Globe with chess pieces as a symbol of geopolitics.

New Geopolitics, Soft Power and International Cultural Relations

At this event held on 14 December 2023, the soft power strategies and activities of eight leading world powers were compared and discussed in the context of changing economic and security policy considerations.

Video
Illustration of a running birdcage.

A Suitcase of Anxiety

By Slavenka Drakulić

Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, or former Yugoslavia: Every war kills civilians and produces refugees. “In that respect all wars are the same, wherever they happen,” says the Croatian writer Slavenka Drakulić.

Essay
Illustration with map of the countries of the Western Balkans sewn together with needle and thread by the EU

How to Solve the Balkan Puzzle?

By Šeki Radončić

The new escalation in the smouldering Kosovo conflict in September 2023 illustrates the explosive political situation in the Western Balkans. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to restore the lost trust between people and states. The author relies on journalists and the media. And on the European Union (EU).

Specialist Article
Abstract pattern in yellow and green

A ‚New Silk Road‘ of Culture? China’s Cultural Policy Engagement in Latin America and Africa

Two ifa studies analyse China's foreign cultural policy in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. The country has been investing in infrastructure projects on both continents for years and uses culture as an instrument for its claim to global hegemony. Panel discussion on 24 October 2023.

Video

China's Cultural Diplomacy in a New Era of Multilateralism

Interview with Ximena Zapata

#China
#CulturalDiplomacy
#LatinAmerica

Podcast