Democracy Diverse avenues towards one common goal Editorial By Dr. Imme Scholz Globally, democracy is under pressure. In this issue of the Boell.Thema magazine, we introduce individuals who inspire us with their dedication to democratic values. Because without dedication and action, there can be no democracy. And without democracy, everything is for naught. Democracy lives by its people What is the state of democracy? While elections are approaching in many countries, people in autocracies are fighting for human rights and reforms – often under dangerous conditions. An introduction to the topic and this issue. Democracy in figures Dossier by Heike Holdinghausen Since 2009, more people worldwide have been living in autocracies than in democracies. Facts, figures, and graphics on the state of democracy around the globe. The constitution I dream of Since its founding in 2009, iLaw has significantly strengthened democratic participation in Thailand through innovative campaigns and targeted initiatives. «Activism and politics need each other» The Big Interview by Antonia Orellana, Gitte Cullmann and Angela Erpel Jara Antonia Orellana, a former activist and Chile's Minister for Women and Gender Equality since 2022, brings feminist and social issues into the government. A conversation with Antonia Orellana about how true change can be achieved. Switching camps In pictures by Christina Focken Activism and politics – what motivates people to move from one field to the other? Six biographical sketches about the decision to cross a boundary. Solidarity as a political decision Essay by Jovan Džoli Ulicevic Globally, women’s rights and LGBTIQ rights are being weaponized to destabilize regions. The only remedy is a return to democratic ideals. Examples of activism Examples of activism Examples of activism Examples of activism Examples of activism Examples of activism Examples of activism «We have to let young people make their own mistakes, or else we will lose them.» Interview by Rasmus Randig and Hosni el Mokhlis The Moroccan theater maker and actor Hosni el Mokhlis on the power of art, the ability to critique, and the necessity of creating spaces for debate. A balancing act for Belarus The exile association Razam is an important anchor in the daily lives of people who have fled to Germany due to political persecution. It also supports the activists back home who are rising up against Lukashenko. The Backbone of Stable Democracies What European democracies can learn from India’s secularism and why protecting religious freedom is crucial for the future of democratic societies. The dual nature of protests Essay by Sergio Rodriguez Prieto They fight against corruption, social inequality, or climate change: Social movements have taken on a key role in political change worldwide. How can international donor organizations support these movements? «We neither asked, nor did we listen well enough or look closely enough.» Essay by Schahina Gambir The German Bundestag has established a parliamentary committee to evaluate mistakes made during Germany’s 20-year engagement in Afghanistan. One thing is certain: From the outset, the goals of democracy building were set too optimistically and without regard for the cultural and social realities of the country. But there are also positives. «We really need to think more creatively about politics» Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, attributes the rise of the far right not only to major issues such as the consequences of globalization and the spread of disinformation but also to a much more «banal» cause: the strained relationship between citizens and the institutions of representative democracy. Giving right-wingers an earful Reportage by David Muschenich With their cheerful music, Banda Comunale has been getting under the skin of Neo-Nazis in Saxony for over 20 years. Most recently, the brass band has played mostly in support of democratic alliances in rural areas of Saxony. Can they make a difference? «Afghanistan still needs help from Europe.» The final word by Sayed Shoaib Sadaat A look at the current situation of civil society in Afghanistan and potential approaches for international support. «Without dedication and action, there can be no democracy. And without democracy, everything is for naught.»Imme Scholz, President of Heinrich Böll Stiftung e.V. The Böll.Thema magazine is available in print and as a download (in German). Order now or download!
Democracy lives by its people What is the state of democracy? While elections are approaching in many countries, people in autocracies are fighting for human rights and reforms – often under dangerous conditions. An introduction to the topic and this issue.
Democracy in figures Dossier by Heike Holdinghausen Since 2009, more people worldwide have been living in autocracies than in democracies. Facts, figures, and graphics on the state of democracy around the globe.
The constitution I dream of Since its founding in 2009, iLaw has significantly strengthened democratic participation in Thailand through innovative campaigns and targeted initiatives.
«Activism and politics need each other» The Big Interview by Antonia Orellana, Gitte Cullmann and Angela Erpel Jara Antonia Orellana, a former activist and Chile's Minister for Women and Gender Equality since 2022, brings feminist and social issues into the government. A conversation with Antonia Orellana about how true change can be achieved.
Switching camps In pictures by Christina Focken Activism and politics – what motivates people to move from one field to the other? Six biographical sketches about the decision to cross a boundary.
Solidarity as a political decision Essay by Jovan Džoli Ulicevic Globally, women’s rights and LGBTIQ rights are being weaponized to destabilize regions. The only remedy is a return to democratic ideals.
«We have to let young people make their own mistakes, or else we will lose them.» Interview by Rasmus Randig and Hosni el Mokhlis The Moroccan theater maker and actor Hosni el Mokhlis on the power of art, the ability to critique, and the necessity of creating spaces for debate.
A balancing act for Belarus The exile association Razam is an important anchor in the daily lives of people who have fled to Germany due to political persecution. It also supports the activists back home who are rising up against Lukashenko.
The Backbone of Stable Democracies What European democracies can learn from India’s secularism and why protecting religious freedom is crucial for the future of democratic societies.
The dual nature of protests Essay by Sergio Rodriguez Prieto They fight against corruption, social inequality, or climate change: Social movements have taken on a key role in political change worldwide. How can international donor organizations support these movements?
«We neither asked, nor did we listen well enough or look closely enough.» Essay by Schahina Gambir The German Bundestag has established a parliamentary committee to evaluate mistakes made during Germany’s 20-year engagement in Afghanistan. One thing is certain: From the outset, the goals of democracy building were set too optimistically and without regard for the cultural and social realities of the country. But there are also positives.
«We really need to think more creatively about politics» Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, attributes the rise of the far right not only to major issues such as the consequences of globalization and the spread of disinformation but also to a much more «banal» cause: the strained relationship between citizens and the institutions of representative democracy.
Giving right-wingers an earful Reportage by David Muschenich With their cheerful music, Banda Comunale has been getting under the skin of Neo-Nazis in Saxony for over 20 years. Most recently, the brass band has played mostly in support of democratic alliances in rural areas of Saxony. Can they make a difference?
«Afghanistan still needs help from Europe.» The final word by Sayed Shoaib Sadaat A look at the current situation of civil society in Afghanistan and potential approaches for international support.
