🌐 120+ participants joined Christoph Heusgen and Dr. Mayssoun Zein Al Din in Bonn to discuss Europe’s role in security, democracy, and transatlantic relations. Thanks to AmerikaHaus NRW e.V. for making it possible. 🔗https://www.aia-nrw.org/en/event-report-a-changing-world-order/

📢 Webinar | Peace with or Protection from Russia? 📅 1 Oct | 12:30–13:30 Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to reshape Europe’s security debate. Join the online event to discuss how Europe can rethink its security architecture. 🔗 Info & registration: www.aia-nrw.org/PeaceUkraine

🌍 AIA NRW @ EISA Pan-European Conference (Bologna, 25–29 Aug) Fellows Chiung-Chiu Huang and Anna Shpakovskaya with our colleague @ksailormoon.bsky.social joined panels on postcolonial relations, international hierarchies & critical IR. 🔗 More: www.aia-nrw.org/en/aia-nrw-p...

"Tokenistic inclusion creates the illusion of voice without power; true participation requires structural change." – Chisomo Banda On 19 September, the AIA Fellow Workshop explores youth participation beyond tokenism and works towards shaping a Youth Engagement Charter. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/tokenism

📄 New AIA Policy Brief by Plé, Rohde & Frigerio: Embedding Urban & Subnational Diplomacy in Multi-Level Governance. Insights from the 2025 AIA Summer Academy: 🌐 Regions as key intermediaries 👥 Training & exchanges 🏢 Institutionalization & funding 🔗More insights: www.aia-nrw.org/en/publicati...

“Europe’s unity and sovereignty are strengthened through regional partnerships. NRW, with its economic, cultural, and diplomatic initiatives, shows how cooperation with Greece advances shared European goals,” said Dr. Zein Al Din during a meeting with Consul General Vassilis Koinis.

👽 Contact with extraterrestrial life raises complex ethical questions: Who speaks for Earth? What risks do we accept? @chelseaharamia.bsky.social explains why global post-detection planning matters—and how the Dear E.T. Project connects science, art & culture. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/de/publikati...

At the NRW summer reception of the consular corps in Bonn, our Director Dr. Mayssoun Zein Al Din joined nearly 100 consular representatives. She noted: "Minister-President Hendrik Wüst's leadership in strengthening international dialogue and partnership was a central highlight of the evening."

🕊️ "Even in the most hostile environments, spiritual and cultural ties can open paths to peace." Dr. Summar Iqbal Babar, AIA NRW Fellow explores the Kartarpur Corridor as a model for cross-border reconciliation between 🇮🇳 & 🇵🇰. 📍 In Bonn until Feb 2026 🔗 aia-nrw.org/en/fellows/s...

🏛️European Capital of Democracy: New Fellow Tamara Ehs “How can cities defend democracy when national institutions are faltering?” Political scientist @tamaraehs.bsky.social explores urban diplomacy as a path to democratic resilience. 📍 In Bonn until Oct 2025. 🔗 More: aia-nrw.org/en/fellows/t...

🌐 New Fellow Martin Weber explores Solidarist Transnational Localism—how transnational networks address global crises where institutions fall short. His research bridges theory and practice to imagine new forms of global-local cooperation. 📍 In Bonn until April 2026 🔗 aia-nrw.org/en/fellows/m...

🗣️“In times of global uncertainty, dialogue between science, politics, and civil society is essential to strengthen democratic structures and develop sustainable responses.” emphasized our Director, Dr Mayssoun Zein Al Din during her conversation with NRW Minister Nathanael Liminski.

🌍 Migration policy often overlooks young people’s voices. At the AIA Colloquium, Chisomo Banda shared research revealing a gap between policy and youth experience. Her work calls for more inclusive, rights-based approaches. Workshop this Sept at the Academy. 🔗 More: www.aia-nrw.org/Youth_migrat...

🤝“Our annual summer gathering was more than a celebration — it was a moment to reflect, connect, and reaffirm our commitment to the challenges of our time,” said our director Dr Mayssoun Zein Al Din. Happy to have you @jcaustin.bsky.social, @tamaraehs.bsky.social and all our Fellows!

❗SAVE THE DATE Join Ambassador Dr. Christoph Heusgen & Dr. Mayssoun Zein Al Din in Bonn for a high-level discussion on Europe’s Strategic Role & the Future of Transatlantic Relations. 🌍 Global shifts. Rising autocracies. A pivotal moment for Europe. 🔗 Register: www.eventbrite.de/e/a-changing...?

🕊️ Recommended Read: "The Just Peace Approach – Ethics, Realism, and Hope" In AIA magazine, Prof. Jochen Sautermeister explores “just peace” as a vital ethical framework rooted in Catholic theology—calling for peace based on justice, dignity, and human rights. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/en/publicati...

🤝Strong Connections for a Prosperous Global Future US Consul General Preeti V. Shah welcomed Fellows Chisomo Banda, @chelseaharamia.bsky.social, Chiung‑Chiu Huang, Inna Supac, & Anna Shpakovskaya for dialogue on research diplomacy. 🔗More insights: www.aia-nrw.org/en/bridging-...

🌍 Prof. Chih-yu Shih challenged classical IR theory as a legacy of colonial violence. Fellows debated the Global South’s role as a shaper of IR, questioning unity and China’s position. Canonical theories face growing pressure from diverse perspectives. 🔗More insights: www.aia-nrw.org/IR

Cities contribute 70% of global emissions but also hold the key to climate solutions. Gabriela I. Iacobuțã highlights how urban climate action can improve air quality, transport, and well-being—while international city networks foster cooperation and shared progress. www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/subnati...

At the Summer Academy, diplomats, experts & city leaders built a vibrant community around subnational diplomacy—sharing tools, tackling global issues locally, and bridging gaps with national diplomacy. AIA NRW remains a hub for this inclusive, hands-on approach. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/subnati...

Coffee & Cake: Philipp Lottholz (Uni Marburg) shared insights on migrant self-organisation in Duisburg & Plovdiv. From protests to local aid, his research shows how exclusion sparks resistance—highlighting EU welfare gaps cities must address. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/Minority

AIA NRW joined the Trilateral Seminar on Transatlantic Security at @École Militaire, Paris. @manuel-becker.bsky.social engaged with officials from 🇫🇷 🇨🇦 🇩🇪 🇵🇱 🇳🇴 on Arctic defence, supply chains & subnational diplomacy. 🔗https://www.aia-nrw.org/Trilateral_Seminar

What role do cities play in global solutions? At our Summer Academy, Dermine, Patterson & Sorenson shared how local leadership, innovation & partnerships drive change—from climate action to regional renewal. 🌍🎥 🔗Watch all videos: www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/subnati...

BIMUN students visited the Academy for an inspiring exchange with Fellows Anna Shpakovskaya, Chiung-Chiu Huang, Chisomo Banda & Martin Weber. They explored diplomacy, migration & global policy—highlighting the value of interdisciplinary dialogue. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/BIMUN_AIA

This year’s Summer Academy bridged theory & practice in subnational diplomacy: Prof. Ciesielska-Klikowska & Prof. Tomasz Kamiński (Uni Łódź) on paradiplomacy; Alexander Plé (IQIB), Oliver Rohde (DLR) & Steven Frigerio (Hives Ventures) on multilevel labs—ending with a regional negotiation sim. 🌍🤝

Science diplomacy: At our Summer Academy, @idos-research.bsky.social ’s Charlotte Gehrke hosted a workshop exploring the 1973 Polar Bear Agreement through scenario-based negotiation, inviting participants to engage as state, non-state & more-than-human actors. A highlight in inclusive governance.

Our Summer Academy closed at Bonn City Hall, spotlighting the power of subnational diplomacy. From climate action to smart cities, global delegates showed how local leadership and regional partnerships drive real change. Thank you for your insights and engagement! #SubnationalDiplomacy

🌐From the Ruhr to Detroit, leaders & experts met at the AIA Summer Academy to tackle post-industrial decline. Key themes: green innovation, university partnerships & local leadership. The message: invest in people, reshape narratives & work with communities for a resilient, inclusive future.

📘 RETHINK – AIA Magazine #3 is out! From outer space governance to climate resilience and conflict transformation, this issue explores how global challenges demand fresh thinking, local leadership & international cooperation. 🔗 Dive in: www.aia-nrw.org/en/publicati...

🗣️ At “Together in Transition,” John Austin, Emily Adams & Jörg Kemna explored lessons from the Ruhr & Rust Belt: community disruption, brain drain & lost prospects. Key to renewal? Local leadership, skills, cross-border learning & investment in innovation. 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/Ruhr_RustBelt

🌍 At the OECD conference in Trento, AIA Fellow @jcaustin.bsky.social shared a policy plan for regenerating industrial regions like the Rust Belt & Ruhr. 🛠️ “There’s no one-size-fits-all model—renewal must build on local assets.” Join the talk in Dortmund, 10.06.25. 🔗 www.eventbrite.de/e/together-i...

🌐 From 15–18 June, the AIA NRW Summer Academy unites global voices to explore how cities & local actors shape diplomacy. With panels on climate, migration, science & democracy, it’s a key platform to rethink foreign policy from the ground up. 🔗 More insights: www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/subnati...

At the 75th Charlemagne Prize (@karlspreisac.bsky.social ) in Aachen, Ursula von der Leyen was honoured for her leadership in crisis. “The award honours commitment to European unity, but also invites reflection,” says our director Dr. Mayssoun Zein Al Din attending the event.

🌍 Together in Transition – What can Germany’s Ruhr & the U.S. Rust Belt learn from each other in facing deindustrialization? Join us with our fellow @jcaustin.bsky.social for a transatlantic dialogue on economic change, democracy & resilience. 🔗Register here: www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/togethe...

After 19 years of service, @rwth.bsky.social Aachen bids farewell to Chancellor Manfred Nettekoven. “Your support and commitment to international cooperation have been invaluable. You will always be welcome,” says our Director Mayssoun Zein Al Din. Welcome to new Chancellor Thomas Trännapp!

Dr Karolina Kluczewska & Dr Philipp Lottholz led a workshop on cooperative research in peace & conflict, examining ethics, methods & implications. An edited volume will follow via Bristol University Press. Profile: 🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/en/fellow/ka... Event at AIA:🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/minorit...

📢 Fellow Colloquium: Chiung-Chiu Huang shared research on China’s “International United Front”, a flexible strategy reshaping diplomacy. Focusing on “intermediate forces,” her work challenges Western alliance models & explores CN’s ties with ASEAN, Eastern Europe. 👤 www.aia-nrw.org/en/fellow/ch...

🌐China and Russia’s evolving tech alliance—spanning AI, green hydrogen, e-commerce, and R&D—is reshaping global power dynamics. Our Discussion Paper by Anna Shpakovskaya explores why this shift demands bold EU action—before it's too late. 📘 Read the full paper: www.aia-nrw.org/en/publicati...

📢 Call for Fellowships 2026/27 – Deadline extended! AIA NRW invites research on how societies navigate structural change. Join our 5th cohort and contribute fresh ideas. 🔗 Apply now! www.aia-nrw.org/en/academy/f...

🌐At our recent NRW-USA Parliamentary session, @jcaustin.bsky.social shared insights on how populism & isolationist policies like "America First" can harm global partnerships. Grateful for the insightful contributions from all participants! #Democracy #Trump100Days #AIAFellowship #USA #NRW

🤝To counter rising authoritarianism, democratic allies must act together. Our Fellow @jcaustin.bsky.social urges nations committed to the rule of law to strengthen inclusive economies & deepen allyshoring ties as the U.S. shows signs of authoritarian drift. 🔗https://www.aia-nrw.org/PolicyBrief3

🤝 How can we apply a decolonial, inclusive lens to our work in Germany? In our Coffee & Cake session, Tâmara Andrade led a powerful dialogue on embedding DEIB in research and leadership drawing from her project with the MGG Academy @idos-research.bsky.social. 🔗 More: www.aia-nrw.org/reshuffle-re...

📢 Insights North East is delighted to announce @jcaustin.bsky.social, Visiting Fellow at @aia-nrw.bsky.social, as our second keynote speaker for our third annual conference on 26 June. Register today to secure your place for John's insightful keynote ➡️ lnkd.in/gdegKeM6

🌐What happens to regions left behind by economic change? Prof. Danny MacKinnon shared insights from his work on regional inequality, structural change & the “Beyond Left Behind Places” project during his visit. Thanks for the inspiring exchange! #RegionalDevelopment

Structural change in Germany is reshaping energy, economy, and education. Our director Dr. Mayssoun Zein Al Din & former minister @oezdemir.de discuss its global impact in our June magazine. “Governance is about enabling a future not yet known.” 🔗Read past editions: www.aia-nrw.org/en/publicati...

🔍 How can dialogue help heal post-conflict societies? At a recent Brown Bag Lunch at @idos-research.bsky.social , Fellow Mariia Levchenko shared insights from Ukraine & Africa on using dialogue to rebuild trust, foster resilience & support reconciliation. 🔗https://www.aia-nrw.org/dialogue

📢 Call for Applications | Fellowships at AIA NRW in International Politics “An unparalleled platform for policy, research, and career growth,” says Associate Fellow Samuel Anuga. 🔗More details: www.aia-nrw.org/en/academy/f...

🌐 The China–Russia tech alliance challenges the EU’s de-risking strategy. Fellow Anna Shpakovskaya calls for stronger transatlantic ties, tech sovereignty & a recalibrated China/Russia policy. A tough shift—but key to long-term EU resilience. 🔗 AIA Policy Brief: www.aia-nrw.org/en/publicati...

Our recent discussion with Rustam Samadov on “Transformations of Gender Roles and Practices in a Transnational Migration Context” showed how migration reshapes gender dynamics across borders. From shifting family roles to changing social expectations. 🔗 More info: www.aia-nrw.org/en/masculini...

📣 New Fellow Chisomo Banda explores youth perspectives on migration policies, aiming to amplify young migrants’ voices & improve inclusion. Based in Bonn until Sept 2025, she advocates for systems that support youth needs & aspirations. #YouthMigration 🔗More Info: www.aia-nrw.org/en/fellow/ch...