Articles

More than Just Bitcoin

The Potential of Blockchain Technology, Using the Example of Latin America

Today, blockchain technology (BT) has already claimed a prominent position in the sphere of digitalisation. It is becoming increasingly clear that it has countless potential applications, that extend far beyond the Bitcoin digital currency. Eventually, it might even be a safe alternative to weak state institutions, particularly in emerging and developing countries.

Of Facebook Revolutions and Twitter Presidents

How Digitalisation Changes Political Decision-Making

In 2010, the internet was thought to be an instrument of global democratisation. But with the onset of the “Arab winter”, that hope has given way to severe disappointment. Now, the internet is even blamed for the increasing populism. An attempt at a sober assessment.

Of Streams of Data, Thought, and Other Things

Digitalisation, Energy Policy, and Innovation Capacity From an Asian Perspective

What influence do digitalisation processes have on the use of energy and raw materials? What innovation dynamics result from the potential, still far from exhausted, of these developments? And what influence does all this have on the geoeconomic and geopolitical interrelationships in the international system? This article addresses these questions from an Asian perspective.

Rules for Robots

Why We Need a Digital Magna Carta or the Age of Intelligent Machines

We stand at a turning point in human history, on the threshold of an unknown digital future. A powerful new technology, artificial intelligence (AI), permeates every area of our lives, largely thanks to advances in neural networks, modelled loosely on the human brain. Our societies and economies have become increasingly dependent on the use of artificial intelligence. A new set of rules is needed in order to ensure that freedom, inclusion and growth are safeguarded in the future. In other words, we need a digital Magna Carta for the age of cognitive machines.

Scattered Dreams

The Independence Referendum, the Fall of Kirkuk and the Effect on Kurdish and Iraqi Politics

Even before the official defeat of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq, the Kurdish independence referendum has brought the country on the brink of yet another civil war and has fundamentally changed the political situation in the country. Iraq’s new reality necessitates a shift in German Iraq policy, including an adjustment of the Federal Republic’s military contribution to the country.

Society 5.0

Japanese Ambitions and Initiatives

Facing pressing challenges in demography, politics and society, Japan seeks salvation in a digital future. All aspects of life shall be interconnected to make life easier. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his government are determined to turn this idea into reality soon.

The Digital Natives Are Coming!

How Social Media Are Changing Political Discourse in Kenya

In many regions of the world, the ideal of the internet as an instrument of political freedom has not been fulfilled. Instead, the internet is increasingly used as a means of maintaining power for the elites. In many African states, and especially in Kenya, this conflict has not yet been resolved. Here, the youth, who make up the majority of the population, have a good chance of creating a freer, fairer society via the internet. But without well thought-out support, they are unlikely to succeed.

A Model for Europe?

History and Practice of Islam in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovina can look back on an eventful history of social upheaval and armed conflicts in which especially Bosnian Muslims were frequently the victims. It is therefore rather surprising that Bosnian Islam is characterised by a relatively high degree of cosmopolitanism and liberalism that might even serve as a model for European-style Islam.

Between God and Emperor

On the Political Influence of Evangelical Churches in Latin America

The fast-expanding evangelical churches in Latin America are increasingly striving for political influence. So far, however, they have not yet been able to develop a common agenda. On the contrary, they are characterised by a high degree of fragmentation. In view of the growing evangelical voter potential, the influence of evangelical forces may continue to increase in the future.

Editorial

The announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that Jerusalem will be recognised as the capital of Israel and the subsequent reactions from various political and religious gropus have once again shown: both spheres – politics and religion – have always been closely interwoven, not only in Christianity, but also in Islam, Judaism, and other religions. Even in the 21ˢᵗ century, it is hard to imagine politics without any religious dimension, and religion without politics, in many parts of the world.