Böll.Thema

A look at the current situation of civil society in Afghanistan and potential approaches for international support.

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?

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.

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.

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?

What European democracies can learn from India’s secularism and why protecting religious freedom is crucial for the future of democratic societies.

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 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.

Globally, women’s rights and LGBTIQ rights are being weaponized to destabilize regions. The only remedy is a return to democratic ideals.

Activism and politics – what motivates people to move from one field to the other? Six biographical sketches about the decision to cross a boundary.

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.

Since its founding in 2009, iLaw has significantly strengthened democratic participation in Thailand through innovative campaigns and targeted initiatives.

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.

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 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.

The European elections are not only relevant to EU citizens. Other countries around the world are also watching with great interest to see what happens in June of this year. Five experts from Argentina, India, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the US present their view of the EU and their recommendations.

Young Europeans undergo a year of training in campaigning. Their guiding question in this project: How to dismantle widespread racist attitudes prevalent in Europe?

In 2024, some EU countries will also allow minors to vote in the European elections. Six statements from under-18s and adult first-time voters from six countries show: The EU must do more to reach young people.

The objective of reforming the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is to control what is called irregular migration. In particular, expanding the number of countries that are considered “safe third countries” and border procedures such as the “fiction of non-entry” are a threat to fundamental asylum rights.

A conversation with the Polish director Agnieszka Holland about the campaign against her film "Green Border," which deals with pushbacks at the Polish-Belarusian border, as well as about courage and empathy and why both give her a little hope.