Germany can and must do more for international climate protection Published: 27 December 2024 Climate and species protection is indispensable – and costs money. Germany must not shirk its responsibilities in these areas by invoking the debt brake. Sources of financing are available – the next federal government should use them.
German-Georgian Migration agreement: Germany must take a close look Published: 20 December 2024 The migration agreement between Germany and Georgia has been in place since December 2023, and Georgia has been considered a safe country of origin for just as long. However, the increasingly repressive policies in Tbilisi make it necessary to rethink the German view of the country.
«Afghanistan still needs help from Europe.» Published: 14 December 2024 A look at the current situation of civil society in Afghanistan and potential approaches for international support.
Giving right-wingers an earful Published: 14 December 2024 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?
«We really need to think more creatively about politics» Published: 14 December 2024 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.
«We neither asked, nor did we listen well enough or look closely enough.» Published: 14 December 2024 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.
The dual nature of protests Published: 14 December 2024 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?
The Backbone of Stable Democracies Published: 14 December 2024 What European democracies can learn from India’s secularism and why protecting religious freedom is crucial for the future of democratic societies.
A balancing act for Belarus Published: 14 December 2024 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.
«We have to let young people make their own mistakes, or else we will lose them.» Published: 14 December 2024 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.
Solidarity as a political decision Published: 14 December 2024 Globally, women’s rights and LGBTIQ rights are being weaponized to destabilize regions. The only remedy is a return to democratic ideals.
Switching camps Published: 14 December 2024 Activism and politics – what motivates people to move from one field to the other? Six biographical sketches about the decision to cross a boundary.
«Activism and politics need each other» Published: 12 December 2024 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.
The constitution I dream of Published: 12 December 2024 Since its founding in 2009, iLaw has significantly strengthened democratic participation in Thailand through innovative campaigns and targeted initiatives.
Democracy in figures Published: 12 December 2024 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.
Democracy lives by its people Published: 12 December 2024 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.
Editorial Published: 12 December 2024 Democracy is under pressure worldwide. In this issue, we present individuals who impress us with their commitment to democracy, as a sign of our solidarity and to inspire others.
Why the Youth is Angry at COP29’s Results Published: 12 December 2024 For 29 years, youth groups have been calling for immediate solutions to climate change yet wealthy nations are locked in golden towers counting coins as the world warms up!
Julia Mickiewicz: "I’ve experienced envy and gossip" Published: 10 December 2024 Julia Mickiewicz switched from journalism to politics and then to NGOs. She is the co-founder of the feminist organisation FemGroup Belarus. Today, she lives in exile – still she continues in her unwavering struggle for gender equality, diversity, and social justice.
Darya Afanasyeva: "For women, love in prison is illegal" Published: 10 December 2024 Darya Afanasyeva is a Belarusian feminist activist, a blogger, lesbian, and a former political prisoner. To her the term “former” seems odd in this context. As she says, such an experience will stay with you for life.
Irina Alkhovka: “I’m a bridging kind of woman” Published: 10 December 2024 Gender equity is Irina Alkhovka’s personal and professional passion. In 2021, the human rights campaigner had to leave her home country, Belarus, where she was being prosecuted for her political activism.
Short biography Darya Afanasyeva Published: 10 December 2024 Darya Afanasyeva is a Belarusian activist and feminist blogger who campaigns for the protection of women's rights and democratic change in Belarus. After more than two years in prison, she continues to blog on feminist issues.
Short biography Irina Alkhovka Published: 10 December 2024 Irina Alkhovka is a Belarusian women's and human rights activist and founder of the NGO Gender Perspectives. She is committed to combating trafficking of women and protecting victims of gender-based violence.
The Anne Klein Women’s Award 2025 to Darya Afanasyeva, Irina Alkhovka and Julia Mickiewicz from Belarus Published: 10 December 2024
Short biography Julia Mickiewicz Published: 10 December 2024 Julia Mickiewicz is a Belarusian journalist, feminist activist, politician and co-founder of the NGO FemGroup Belarus. She is committed to the political participation of women, gender equality and gender mainstreaming.
Ending Russia's War in Ukraine Published: 10 December 2024 The brutal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences for Ukrainian society and the future of Europe are the subject of this dossier. Ukrainian partners and pro-green voices from Germany and Europe comment on current developments.
Solar Geoengineering: EU must rule out solar radiation modification as a response to the climate crisis Published: 9 December 2024
Boell.Thema 2/2024: Democracy – Diverse avenues towards one common goal Published: 12 December 2024 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.
The Anne Klein Women’s Award 2025 to Darya Afanasyeva, Irina Alkhovka and Julia Mickiewicz from Belarus Published: 9 December 2024 The Anne Klein Women's Prize 2025 goes to three Belarusian feminists. The women's and human rights defender Irina Alkhovka, the feminist blogger Darya Afanasyeva and the feminist activist and politician Julia Mickiewicz - they are all targets of state persecution and repression and are currently forced to continue their work from exile in Europe.
Statement of the jury: The Anne Klein Women’s Award 2025 Published: 3 December 2024 The 2025 Anne Klein Women’s Award goes to the Belarusian feminists and women’s rights activists Darya Afanasieva, Irina Alkhovka and Julia Mickiewicz.