Forum for International Cultural Relations

FOCUS

The Forum for International Cultural Relations focuses on the latest research topics. Through dialogue between science, culture, politics and the media, it encourages consideration of issues and opinions in a broader context, providing food for thought. Key topics include cultural relations in Europe, migration, artistic and cultural exchange, and human rights.

The illustration shows a figure of a reporter behind a live TV and behind her an AI robot that takes over her role.

Africa’s Media in the Crosshairs of AI

By Karen Allen

Artificial intelligence is being weaponized. Fake avatars and ghost reporters impersonate journalists to spread disinformation. This erodes public trust, destabilizes fragile democracies, and poses a serious threat to the future of journalism.
Essay
The illustration shows the Western Balkans with an academic leaving it and two tourists with rucksacks entering it

More Than Just Crises: Rethinking the Western Balkans

By Beqë Cufaj

The Western Balkans lie at the heart of Europe, yet they are barely recognised in many places. Why do we know so little about this region, which is so important for the future of Europe? This article sheds light on knowledge gaps, migration, and digitalisation, and explores ways to foster an equal European neighbourhood.
Essay
The illustration shows a woman with a thought bubble with a dove and a peace sign floating above her head. Destroyed buildings can be seen behind her

“To Write Is Already to Choose”

By Boualem Sansal

In his powerful speech, Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who is now imprisoned, describes his country's painful history of war and dictatorship, and its desire for freedom. It is a powerful appeal to memory, courage, and the transformative power of language in the struggle for dignity and self-determination.
Keynote
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Freedom and the Sea of Stories

By Salman Rushdie

What can ancient fables tell us about our modern world? In his talk, Salman Rushdie takes us on a journey from cunning jackals to threatened freedoms – and shows why, in times of lies, censorship and war, stories often say more about truth, power and peace than any news programme.
Keynote
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A Great Democratic Asset – A Globally Contested Right

By Thomas Hasel

From Socrates to the present day, freedom of expression has always been a contentious issue – often life-threatening in authoritarian regimes and increasingly controversial in democracies. What are its limits? And how do we distinguish between legitimate criticism, disinformation and discrimination?
Essay
The illustration shows a lighted newspaper folded into a paper aeroplane

Fact or Fiction: Disinformation in India

By Pradip Thomas

Misinformation laws in India often protect power, not the people. Selective enforcement fuels censorship and stifles free speech: to protect democracy, fake news must be defined – and disarmed, the author argues.
Essay
The illustration shows a theatre mask with a happy and sad face above a ballot box. Behind it you can see theatre chairs

No Democracy Without Culture

By Bernd Reiter

From Aeschylus to Brecht, political theatre has a long tradition. In times of polarization and populism, a revival would make sense: as a place for dialogue and political reflection.
Essay
The illustration shows several cars stuck in a traffic jam and labelled with the Russian flag, NATO and the EU

Stagnation as a Strategy

By Beqë Cufaj

“Since the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the Western Balkans have been Europe's geopolitical no-man's land”, is Beqë Cufaj's gloomy analysis. Stuck between Brussels and Washington, the region only makes the international headlines when frozen conflicts threaten to escalate.
Essay
The illustration shows a hand holding a smartphone, surrounded by the text ‘Fake News’ and a snake

Swelling Chorus of Disinformation in Africa

By Kyle Hiebert

China's influence in Africa is facing challenges: As Beijing seeks strategic partnerships, new players such as Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are pushing their way onto the continent. They are using disinformation and digital manipulation to shape political realities – and threaten democracy. Who controls Africa's future?
Essay
The illustration shows Sverre Pedersen

Silencing Creativity – Self-Censorship in the Arts

Interview with Sverre Pedersen

#SelfCensorship
#ArtisticFreedom
#Art
Podcast
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EU and Africa: Response to Trump's Protectionism

By Ronak Gopaldas

Trump's protectionism and China's dominance are putting Europe under pressure. But instead of falling back into old patterns, there is a new opportunity: a strong partnership with Africa. Shared interests, economic opportunities and geopolitical necessities are bringing the two continents closer together. Can Europe chart the right course?
Essay
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Balkans: Europe's Gateway to Turkey

By Beqë Cufaj

As a young student in the 1990s, he fled to Germany to escape the civil war. As a mature writer, Beqë Cufaj returned to his old homeland ten years ago - and discovered a light version of neo-colonialism.
Essay