Academy of International Affairs NRW

🌐 Cities as Engines of Democracy 🏙️ @tamaraehs.bsky.social at the AIA Colloquium proposed “Democratic Development Goals” (#DDGs) to strengthen democracy, highlighting cities’ role and introducing the #ECoD initiative. 🙏

🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/en/the-europ...

🇪🇺 Peace with or Protection from Russia?
At the Bonn Symposium experts Mariia Levchenko, Dr. Christina Horváth-Stenner, & Col. Hennadiy Kovalenko discussed Europe’s security after Ukraine.

🔹 Gaps in defense & strategy
🔹 Ukraine’s key role
🔹 Peace = defense + mediation

www.aia-nrw.org/ukraine_russia

“Cooperation, dialogue, and strategic foresight are essential,” stated our director, Dr. Zein Al Din, joining high‑level talks at the MunSecconf.bsky.social Leaders Meeting in Al Ula on Middle Eastern security, energy, and peacebuilding.
Thanks to benediktfranke.bsky.social for this forum. #MLMAlUla

📢 Join today | 12.30 h | webinar on "Peace with or Protection from Russia? Rethinking Europe’s Security after Ukraine"

🔗Register here to get direct access: www.sef-bonn.org/de/veranstal...

We look forward to the ongoing dialogue and are honored that our director, Dr. Mayssoun Zein Al Din, will contribute to this significant event.

To foster dialogue on today's global challenges, the MSC convenes debates in regions of strategic importance. Next week, we'll gather decision-makers and experts at #MLMAlUla 🇸🇦 to discuss regional dynamics, global conflicts, and shared challenges.

🌍 Celebrate with us 80 Years United Nations with its annual UN Day on the market square in Bonn.

We’re glad to be part of it again – find us at tent 7 and join the conversation on global cooperation.

🔗 More: www.aia-nrw.org/en/e/aia-at-...

🚀 From Hubble to Artemis, transatlantic partnerships have shaped space exploration. What’s next for Europe & the US in space?

Join us at AIA NRW on 14.10. from 18.00h - 19.30h for a keynote by Prof. John Horack & a discussion with Dr. Raúl González Muñoz.

📝 Register: www.aia-nrw.org/space

🌍 Exciting news: The Academy of International Affairs NRW has selected the fellows for the 2026/27 program!

🙏 Thanks to our Academic Board members for their expertise and dedication!

More insights: www.aia-nrw.org/en/academy/f...

🗣️ To Be or Not To Be Tokenized?

AIA Fellow Chisomo Banda & Ruhrpott für Europa hosted a workshop on youth participation beyond tokenism.

“Meaningful youth engagement is not symbolic, it is essential.” – Banda

🔗 www.aia-nrw.org/en/event-rep...

🌐 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!

A Changing World Order "Europe's Strategic Role and the Future of Transatlantic Relations" with Ambassador (ret.) Dr. Christoph Heusgen

❗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...