UK Pen Pal: A Candid Correspondence on Brexit

In this third exchange of ideas on Brexit between two young Europeans, our pen pals argue how Germany on top benefits from European economic integration and whether the UK will be isolated in this globalised world after leaving the EU.

A Correspondence between James Hall and Ulrich Czeranka

Weiterlesen …

Halbzeitzeugnis für Trump: Was bedeuten die Midterm Elections für Deutschland & Europa?

Die bevorstehenden Halbzeitwahlen zum US-amerikanischen Kongress dienen traditionell als Stimmungstest der amtierenden Administration, werden jedoch auch für Deutschland und Europa weitreichende Folgen haben. Denn auf dem Prüfstand stehen neben der innenpolitischen Agenda auch zahlreiche Kurswechsel auf der außenpolitischen Bühne. Ein Verlust von Senat oder Abgeordnetenhaus würde Präsident Trump in Zukunft zu weitreichenden Zugeständnissen zwingen.

Ein Beitrag von Robert Fisher

Weiterlesen …

“Wir sind heute in einer Phase des Übergangs”

Am 23. Juni veranstaltet Polis180 fünf Workshops in Berlin und Frankfurt am Main zur deutsch-französischen Beziehung in und für Europa. Eine zentrale Frage wird dabei sein, wie Deutschland und Frankreich gemeinsam die Erneuerung der EU vorantreiben können.

Ein Interview mit Claire Saillour & Dr. Andreas Marchetti

Weiterlesen …

The End of EULEX Kosovo: What Remains from the CSDP’s Litmus Test?

On 14 June 2018, EULEX Kosovo the largest EU civilian mission to date officially came to an end. With the stakes set high, the failure to protect civilian lives in Bosnia still painfully looming in the background, EULEX severely put to test the principles agreed upon in the CSDP. Looking ahead, however, 2018 has brought a new momentum for the cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans region as very concrete strategies and flagship initiatives emerge.

A Comment by Frauke Seebass

Weiterlesen …

Putin’s “direct line” with the Russian People: 4.5 Hours in Limbo

Last Thursday at noon sharp the annual spectacle of “direct” communication between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and his subjects took place once again. The most impressive thing about the 4.5 h Q&A was the massive deja-vu effect it caused as it hardly differed from the similar events of the last 17 years.

An Opinion by Anastasia Vishnevskaya

Weiterlesen …

Saving the UN Security Council Resolution 2231

“The worst deal ever” or “a historic accomplishment”? The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in Vienna in 2015 is as controversial as Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to withdraw from it. He on his behalf diminishes the deal entirely, while the rest of the signatories praise the nuclear agreement as a diplomatic victory.

An Interview with Anne-Kathrin Glück and Benedikt van den Woldenberg

Weiterlesen …

Allez l’Europe! Polis180 startet deutsch-französische Zukunftswerkstatt

Im Juni veranstalten wir eine Workshopreihe zur Zukunft der deutsch-französischen Beziehungen in und für Europa. Im Rahmen von sechs Workshops in Berlin, Paris und Frankfurt werden junge deutsche und französische EuropäerInnen eingeladen, gemeinsam über die Herausforderungen Europas zu diskutieren, Lösungsvorschläge zu entwickeln und auszutesten.

Ein Beitrag von Claire Saillour

Weiterlesen …

Why Armenians Call for a Velvet Revolution

For almost a week now, huge rallies have shaken the Armenian capital of Yerevan, where Nikol Pashinyan, one of the leaders of the movement, called for a “velvet revolution”. But will the protesters this time successfully press for democratic accountability?

An Interview with Olya Azatyan and Sonja Schiffers

Weiterlesen …

Humanitäre Hilfe für den Krieg

Über zwei Milliarden Dollar hat die UN-Geberkonferenz in Genf erneut für den Jemen zugesagt, um die seit 2015 anhaltende humanitäre Krise zu bewältigen. Es sind rund eine Milliarde mehr als im vorigen Jahr. Aber was bringt das viele Geld, wenn nach wie vor Bomben auf Zivilisten fallen?

Ein Interview mit Anne-Kathrin Glück und Benedikt van den Woldenberg

Weiterlesen …

UN Peacekeeping Budget Cuts Force Us to Think More Creatively

In a global political climate where critics of multilateralism grow in numbers and conflicts become increasingly complex, peacekeeping missions are facing major challenges. Enhanced coordination, sustainable training and innovative thinking are therefore crucial in overcoming those obstacles.

An Interview with Benedikt van den Woldenberg and Diego Salama

Weiterlesen …

Super Election Year in Latin America: Peace, Polls & Populism

2018 marks a decisive year for Latin America with six presidential elections that will reshape the political landscape for the foreseeable future. As the continent shifts to the right and female political leaders depart, the backlash against gender equality and LGBTQ rights becomes inevitable.

A Comment by Lena Riemer

Weiterlesen …

The Colombian Transformation Process: Why Gender is Key

The end of the Colombian civil war in 2016 and the transformation of the FARC guerrilla into a political party has been met with international praise, especially with regards to the inclusive process focusing on women’s perspectives. While their role is crucial, consequent political events threaten to put this ambitious project in jeopardy.

A Comment by Frauke Seebass

Weiterlesen …

Russia’s Opposition Drama: Drop the Boycott or Drop the Ballot

A unified democratic opposition could send an important message to the ruling elites in Russia. However, the opposition is deeply divided over the question whether to boycott the elections or go to the ballot. While there is no correct answer to this question, splitting the already tiny democratic camp is definitely the wrong one.

A Comment by Anastasia Vishnevskaya

Weiterlesen …

“Young People Want to Move Around Europe Freely”

The impact of a hard Brexit on Scotland’s youth and the public in general could shape the country’s future. The lack of clarity within the Brexit negotiations is leading to a battle between Westminster and Holyrood, only worsened by Scotland’s missing seat at the negotiating table.

An Interview with Joan McAlpine and Rhianna Mallia

Weiterlesen …

Talking Think Tanks and Beyond

What think tanks across the world do is analyse, discuss and inform policy. At the same time, they face many, in some respects increasing, challenges to their core activities. So how should think tanks adapt to a changing world? In which areas is improvement indispensable? And why are think tank directors usually male?

An Interview with Enrique Mendizabal and Sonja Schiffers

Weiterlesen …

Foreign Policy Review: Polis180 kommentiert neuen Koalitionsvertrag

Bisher hat sich die junge Generation noch nicht öffentlich zu den außenpolitischen Zielen der (möglichen) Großen Koalition geäußert. Dabei bestimmen die Entscheidungen von heute die Realität der Jugend von morgen. Polis180 hat den neuen Koalitionsvertrag mal genauer unter die Lupe genommen und die Vereinbarungen in Sachen Außenpolitik fleißig analysiert.

Politische Statements von Polis-Mitgliedern

Weiterlesen …

Civil Society Can Do More Than Promote Gender Equality

After Germany held the G20 presidency in 2017, it is now on Argentina to promote female empowerment and civil society engagement. Last December, during the 11th WTO Ministerial meeting, numerous civil society experts were blocked from entering the country. Thus, it remains to be seen how Argentina’s G20 presidency will deal with the fundamental role of civil society.

An Interview with Barbara Fürst, Charlotte Becker and Miriam Meier

Weiterlesen …

UK Pen Pal: A Candid Correspondence on Brexit

For the second episode of our UK-pen-pal project, where young Europeans can share their view on Brexit, we teamed up with a political science student from France and a language professional from Britain. The vague prospects of Brexit were at the center of part I. This time, our pen pals discuss the benefits, disadvantages and prejudices of a united Europe.

A Correspondence between Camille Duserre and Patrick von Gehm

Weiterlesen …

UK Pen Pal: A Candid Correspondence on Brexit

This project was born from the idea to bring young people together from across Europe and let them exchange letters, where they can discuss Brexit and share their feelings and concerns about it. We want to couple a pal from the UK with a pal from one of the remaining 27 EU member states and try to connect Brexit supporters with Brexit opponents.

A Correspondence between Rowan Emslie and Saúl Paiz

Weiterlesen …

How Women in Tech Fight for Development and Good Governance

Georgia has undergone major political and economic reforms since the 2003 Rose Revolution. After years of rapid transformation, the recent decrease in speed seems only natural. Still, many problems are left to tackle. At this stage, donors and investors should keep a close eye on young, tech-savvy social entrepreneurs, whose engagement can inspire change in Georgia and abroad.

A Comment by Sonja Schiffers

Weiterlesen …

The Chances and Challenges of Georgia’s EU Association Process

After a Soviet-dominated 20th Century, Georgia is trying hard to make the 21st a European one. By signing the Association Agreement in 2014, the South Caucasus country has significantly deepened its integration into the EU. What are the benefits and challenges for Georgia? And how can potential risks be mitigated?

An Interview with Kakha Gogolashvili and Sonja Schiffers

Weiterlesen …

Die Grünen und das Internationale

Die Vorhaben einer Regierung werden durch den Koalitionsvertrag geregelt. Den Charakter einer Regierung bestimmt die Zusammensetzung des Kabinetts und die Frage, welche Partei welche Ministerien erhält. Bündnis 90/Die Grünen sollten nach dem Auswärtigen Amt streben. Warum? Weil das Internationale zu ihrer DNA gehört.

Ein Kommentar von Michael Knoll

Weiterlesen …

What I Have Learned from Travelling Through Post-2014 Ukraine

I left Berlin for Ukraine in autumn 2016 with the aim of analysing post-Euromaidan civil society organisations and their support for internally displaced people. I travelled through different parts of the country and interviewed several people in Kiev, Dnipro and Kharkiv. Here is what I have learned about the power of civil society.

A Travel Report by Sophie Falsini

Weiterlesen …