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Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen

ifa blog

Interviews, essays, reports and videos

The ifa blog takes a lively look at the many different areas of ifa's work and international cultural relations.

The blog articles can be filtered by topic, such as human rights, civil society, media, and (post-)colonialism, as well as by contributions from ifa's individual projects, such as exhibition funding, the Martin Roth Initiative's protection programme or the CrossCulture programme.

Essay

Prime Minister or Puppet?

By Voranai Vanijaka

In a country where prestige is transferable through bloodline, Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces immense political risks. Above all because she steps into a role shadowed by her family's turbulent legacy.

Essay

Illustration shows a large fist pointing to victory and POC climbing up it and also raising their fists to the sky.

Taking the Pulse of the Continent

By Peter Kimani

The EU needs to rethink its strategy, as many African countries are learning to survive without Europe. Europe has to overcome its ignorance of Africa, throw out the fictive construct of explorers and missionaries in the past and try to take the pulse of the continent.

Essay

Two men on unequal scales of justice

A Region in Flux

By Farai Mphunya

With the re-drawing of centuries-old trading and communication routes, culture could present Europe with the opportunity to forge a new deal with Africa. The resource-rich continent is demanding more balanced relationships that are based on honest promises.

Essay

The illustration shows temples in Myanmar in the background, as well as a military guard tower and, in the foreground, demonstrating citizens on the left and two soldiers on the right

Beacon of Hope for Democracy

By Tamas Wells, Soe Htet und Michael Breen

Myanmar potentially stands on the precipice of a new democratic awakening. The 2021 overthrow of the democratically elected government of Myanmar and the ensuing civil conflict has unlocked new ways of imagining its political future.

Essay

The illustration shows four people, three of whom are wearing headscarves. They are sitting on the ground in despair or raising their hands to the sky.

Caught Between the Devil and the Deep Sea

By Nasreen Chowdhory

Bangladesh has resettled tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar on a previously uninhabited island off its coast. Leading precarious lives in camps, stateless Rohingya face an uncertain future.

Essay

The illustration shows two men from behind. The man on the right is wearing the Chinese flag as a suit and has one arm around the shoulder of the man on the left. He has a bag of money in his hand. The man on the left is holding a piece of paper that reads ‘Construction plan’.

Between Embrace and Stranglehold

By Rachmad Yuliantoro

As part of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, Indonesia and China are pursuing common interests, such as the expansion of Indonesia's infrastructure. China’s lending filled a funding gap, but can the world's largest island state avoid a debt trap?

Specialist Article

The illustration shows the Indonesian and EU flags against a blue background and a net connecting various symbols of their co-operation

Partnership for the Future

By I Ketut Ardhana

Indonesia today stands at a crossroads where it uses its historical experience to find its role in the global community. For the EU, the country offers great potential as a global partner.

Essay

Illustration shows three people close up. One person is holding a sign and the other two are holding torches.

Populist Mechanics: India and Indonesia

By Hadza Robby

In this year's elections in India and Indonesia, both Narendra Modi and Prabowo Subianto emerged victorious with their populist policies. They will shape regional security and prosperity in the future - and successfully master global challenges?

Essay

The illustration shows an open book with the Georgian flag on the pages and a bookmark with the words "Russian law" on it

At the Crossroads Between Russia and the EU

By Natalia Amalglobeli

For the Georgians, the European Union stands for a promising future and the liberation from Russian influence. How should the EU react appropriately to the pro-European mood in the country?