“Hypernationalism”?

The Debate on Identity and Nationalism in the Gulf

Few regions are facing such massive changes to their economic, social, and security situations as the Gulf States. These changes are also leading to the dissolution of factors that previously formed their identity. They are now being replaced by nationalisation projects – attracting accusations that the Gulf States are pursuing an aggressive form of “hypernationalism”.

Controversial NGO law passed in the Republic of Moldova

Support of political parties is crucial

On June 11, 2020, the Moldovan parliament passed the new “Law on Non-Governmental Organizations” (NGO law). It quickly became a bone of contention within the government led by the Socialist Party (PSRM). A reform of this law was mentioned as a prerequisite for further macro-financial assistance by the EU. The main innovations concern rules for the support of political parties provided by NGOs. Close to a month after its adoption, the official legal text is still not available, however key elements are known and are briefly presented below.

Coronavirus in Latin America

Opportunity or Threat for the Rule of Law?

In Latin America, the impact of the coronavirus on the rule of law will largely depend on how governments in the region exercise their power in this time of crisis. If Latin America’s rulers abuse their authority in order to consolidate power, the future looks bleak for the rule of law in Latin America. Whereas, if they exercise their power with moderation and demonstrate good leadership in bringing their countries out of the crisis, they may be able to win back the trust that was thought to be lost forever. One thing we know for sure is that the coronavirus will change the rules of the political game.

COVID-19: CHALLENGES TO GLOBAL MULTILATERALISM

Contribution to the series "The World HandCov'd"

The COVID-19 pandemic has in many ways worked as an accelerator of already existing tendencies in international politics and in multilateral fora. While it is far too early to predict the consequences of the crisis for multilateralism and the multilateral architecture in general, certain developments can still be seen. Definitive predictions should however be approached very cautiously.

COVID-Krise in Afghanistan

Welche Auswirkungen auf die humanitäre und politische Lage?

Afghanistan wurde von einer verspäteten, aber rasanten Ausbreitung der COVID-19-Pandemie getroffen. Afghanistan könnte zu den am schwersten betroffenen Ländern weltweit zählen. Die Präventions- und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten von COVID-19 sind aufgrund anhaltender Kämpfe, der prekären Sicherheitslage, mangelnder medizinischer Versorgung und einer drohenden Nahrungsmittelkrise begrenzt. Der soziale Umgang und die politischen Diskurse zur Pandemie sind so divers wie die afghanische Gesellschaft. Die afghanische Regierung steht zwischen humanitärer Krisenbewältigung und anstehenden Friedensverhandlungen mit den Taliban. Die Taliban konnten die Pandemie-Krise bislang nicht für ihre lang erstrebte politische Legitimität und internationale Anerkennung nutzen.

Editorial

“It is very important to us that together we find a strong response to the coronavirus. It knows no borders, it knows no nationalities.” These are the words of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, with regard to the coronavirus crisis. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent sustained pandemic have created a new level of global emergency in early 2020. This includes the closure of borders and introduction of border controls within the European Union.

Indigenous Identity in Latin America

Cultural Riches and Social Dynamite

Indigenous identity in Latin America is fundamentally different from post-materialist identity politics in the West, but could benefit from the latter’s rise. Deep-seated deficits in representation make the issue of indigenous policy-relevant in almost all countries in the region, however, to greatly varying degrees. Indigenous identity is a further manifestation of social inequality in the region’s societies and a challenge to politics.

National Identity Against External Pressure

Will Belarus Reconcile Its Contradicting Narratives?

Viewed dispassionately, the pro-Russian and pro-European poles of the Belarusian national identity, however much they disagree in questions of content, are both part of Belarus in its modern form. From the identity politics perspective, this realisation represents an opportunity to reconcile internal narratives and resolve internal tensions. This insight can ultimately lead to the heightening of the country’s profile at the international level – especially in the West, where Belarus is still often perceived as a mere Russian appendage because of the way it has positioned itself for years.

Religious Nationalism in South Asia

Building Nations, Breaking Communities?

A recent series of violent acts raises the question of a relation between the rise of religious nationalism and communal violence in South Asia. Here, we will shed some light on the roots and development of religious nationalism in South Asia and its impact on social cohesion.

Simple Explanations

Why Nationalists in Europe Grow Stronger

Yielding resentments against the European Union as well as alleged threats: Nationalist parties gained increased electoral success throughout the last years in many member states of the European Union, while challenging their democratic underpinnings and developments. The underlying causes are manifold and vary regionally. How could a promising political response be shaped?