Education for Sustainable Development

Education for Sustainable Development(ESD) provides a valuable framework and methodology to support the implementation and achievement of the SDGs, and ultimately help empower a learning society with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to take informed decisions and make responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability while respecting cultural diversity. Do read on to learn about best practices challenges and perspective from different countries from both Asia and Europe

New Realities of Multilateralism

Panorama Insights into Asian and European Affairs

The prevailing view globally is that the challenges of the 21st century, such as increasing security threats, climate change or global health emergencies require collaborative multilateral action and solutions. Multilateral initiatives have been established as a response to these challenges, as exemplified by the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) or the Covax Vaccine Initiative to name some of the most recent ones. However, there is rising criticism of multilateral cooperation as being neither effective nor sufficient in generating sustainable solutions. In some cases, multilateral engagements have failed to prevent humanitarian crises as the world is currently witnessing in Afghanistan. In an interconnected world, it has also become increasingly difficult for regional organisations to pursue their integration goals amidst interfering intra- and extra-regional developments. Even though some experts proclaim the “death” of the multilateral system and at times countries retreat to unilateral or bilateral formats, the situation is more complex. Some multilateral institutions have come to a standstill, new ones have emerged while others have re-gained influence. 

European Strategic Approaches to the Indo-Pacific

Panorama Insights into Asian and European Affairs

The Indo-Pacific region has seen a palpable increase in attention over the past years. By the end of September 2021, three EU member states France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as the EU itself, had published respective strategies or guidelines on the Indo-Pacific region. This issue of Panorama: Insights into Asian and European Affairs reflects on these strategies, and crucially, their perception in the region. It covers questions from what constitutes likeminded partnerships, to assumed and perceived added value of European engagement, and potential for specific areas of cooperation amidst ongoing great power rivalry.

Trust in Politics

Panorama special issue - Insight into Asian and European Affairs

The PANORAMA special issue “Trust in Politics” examines the question of trust. It seeks to analyse and portray the varied roles trust plays in states, societies, and international relations in Asia and Europe.

Leaders and Citizens of Democracy

Panorama- Insights into Asian and European Affairs

Leaders, individuals are not just influential but, most of all, responsible in stirring the direction of democracies. Focusing on “Leaders and Citizens of Democracy”, this edition of Panorama sheds light on the role of individuals as main actors who could contribute to either the advancement or backsliding of democracy.

Responding to the Geopolitics of Connectivity

Asian and European Perspectives

In these times of rapid changes and increasing ambiguity, more connectivity between Asia and Europe has become imperative. In order to understand the various connectivity strategies as well as to see how more synergies can be built, in this issue of Panorama we present an analysis of the various connectivity approaches.

Trade and Economic Connectivity in the Age of Uncertainty

Panorama Insights into Asian and European Affairs

With the global economy and trade system undergoing massive shifts,the need for global economic and trade cooperation has never been greater. With Asia and Europe representing 55% of global trade, it has become imperative for both continents to strengthen their ties and uphold multilateralism and the rules-based free trade system.

Digital Asia

Panorama Insights into Asian and European Affairs

Happy Birthday, Internet! In 2019, we are celebrating the World Wide Web’s 30th anniversary. Growing from ARPANET, a decentralized network created by the Pentagon that was designed to withstand a nuclear attack, to its status as a global platform that connects billions of people and devices, the development of the Internet has long been guided by the United States. US companies developed the first personal computers, smartphones and social networks that we use to communicate as well as the routers and servers that carry the world’s data. It is Asia, however, where the future of the Internet is most likely to be written. Already today, China and India have highest number of internet users in the world. “The next billion users” are mainly Asian. Concurrently, Asian companies are making their way onto list of top technology companies. We have dedicated this issue of Panorama – Insights into Asian and European Affairs to addressing current developments in the area of digital policies, digital economy, and cyber security in Asia. Where does Europa come into play? Read on!

Political Change

Panorama Insights into Asian and European Affairs

In recent years, domestic politics in both Europe and Asia have arguably become less predictable and prone to sudden, unexpected changes. Although domestic volatility is not a new phenomenon in either region, contemporary drivers are analogous and may be a reflection of a new era, with significant implications for both domestic and foreign policies.

Security Architectures under Threat: The Status of Multilateral Fora

Panorama Insights into Asian and European Affairs

In this issue of our biannual journal Panorama: Insights into Asian and European Affairs, the papers provide an insight into the current security landscape in the context of the new global security challenges. Based on analyses of the different threats and dynamics, the papers also look at ways to strengthen cooperative security arrangements. They argue that such collaborative initiatives are ultimately the most promising avenues to contain the transnational insecurities and build trust in order to develop a regional security architecture that will ensure regional stability and peace.