Upcoming events

The public event "The Sino-Russian alliance and the return of the power blocs: Mao's and Stalin's long shadows?" explores the relationship between Russia and China beyond the common narrative of their alliance against the West. Historical tensions, ideological differences and asymmetric perceptions continue to shape their partnership today. Is this alliance merely a tactical convenience or a stable strategic cooperation? What geopolitical implications arise, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine and a possible second Trump presidency? These questions will be at the center of the discussion, which is organized in collaboration with the University of Cologne, the Academy of International Affairs, and other partners as part of the 7th Hermann Weber Conference, taking place from March 27 to 29 in Bonn.

Space-based infrastructure is crucial to modern societies, supporting navigation, communication, weather forecasting, and military functions. As reliance on space grows, so does the potential for strategic control over these technologies, turning space into a new domain for power projection and competition. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in space programs, driving economic growth and technological innovation in the Middle East. However, this growing investment creates competition for limited resources and raises security concerns. At the same time, space offers opportunities for international cooperation, fostering regional stability and technological progress. This summer school will explore the evolving dynamics of space as both a competitive and collaborative arena, with a focus on the Middle East and global implications. Participation by invitation only.

The lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital Age" at the University of Bonn examines how digital technologies influence power structures, production systems, and social inequalities. In eight public lectures, renowned scholars will explore the socio-economic impacts of digital capitalism and the growing dependencies between countries with different levels of development. The series provides a platform for exchanging current research findings and fosters dialogue among students, researchers, and the public.

Ali Fathollah-Nejad, a recognized political scientist and Middle East expert, advocates for a paradigm shift in Iran policy and outlines key pillars for a more sustainable policy that takes regional-specific aspects into account. Multiple crises, the rise of autocracies, wars: The current global political situation is as complex and uncertain as it has rarely been before. When we focus on Iran in this context, we find that its massive regional political ambitions, nuclear and missile programs, as well as the disastrous human rights situation, have been greatly ignored by the West. Is there a blame to be placed on Western politics for the escalation in the Middle East?