Political Science and International Studies (R0)

This book examines the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in East Africa. The BRI is considered China's central geopolitical and geo-economic project in the era of President Xi Jinping. Through this work, the author aims to contribute to filling some research gaps, such as the lack of depth in studies of individual BRI projects and the underconsideration of processing narratives in participating countries. The guiding question is the extent to which the BRI is a political or hegemonic project of the CCP-directed state-civil society complex in East Africa. To answer these questions, databases of international organizations and policy documents are analyzed. In addition, the author conducts a qualitative content analysis of newspaper articles from local media houses in the countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania to examine three infrastructure projects. The work illustrates that the BRI contributes to increasing connectivity in East Africa. At the same time,the compression of economic relations and the implementation of infrastructure projects in East Africa lead to numerous consequences and contour a hegemonic project.

This textbook deals with the progressive global dissolution of political, economic, and social boundaries, which has significant implications for labor markets, the international division of labor, social security, and income distribution. Politically, it is eroding the sovereign ability of nation-states to shape their own affairs; socially, it conjures up the specter of an increasingly global culture of unity. Against the background of the empirical effects of globalization processes in a number of areas, the book discusses to what extent these fears are justified, whether they cannot also be explained by other developments, and whether the benefits of globalization justify the costs and risks resulting from it.

The notes that Ludger Kühnhardt wrote in 235 countries and territories around the world create a fascinating panorama, reflected in the personal impressions, encounters and experiences of a political scientist and journalist working all over the world. The book reconstructs the connections between Europe's transformations and the emerging global era over six decades from 1960 to the threshold of the post-Corona world of 2020.

The diary notes that Ludger Kühnhardt took while visiting or staying in 235 countries and territories around the world create a fascinating panorama, reflected in the personal impressions, encounters and experiences of a political scientist and journalist working all over the world. The book reconstructs the connections between Europe's transformations and the emerging global era over six decades from 1960 to the threshold of the post-Corona world of 2020.

Putin's war in Ukraine is not only fought on the battlefield. Combat also occurs on the digital front. Words and information are the ammunition of modern, hybrid warfare—against the opposing military, but especially against civilians. It is about manipulation and control. About confusion and distraction from what is really happening. However, the internet is used not only for propaganda but also for intelligence and logistics. In doing so, Russia leaves behind a lot of traces. Analyst Steven Broschart demonstrates in clear language that requires no prior knowledge which psychological and communicative means are employed at Putin's digital frontline.

Ludger Kühnhardt, a globally active political scientist, consultant, and publicist, provides vivid and personal insights into the people and sources that shaped him, the thought paths he has followed, and the impulses his work in research and teaching has triggered over decades. A biographical workshop report of high authenticity, bringing together what often appears unconnected in the midst of professional everyday life. Insights that were ahead of their time are repeatedly illuminated from different perspectives, and findings that have remained timelessly relevant are recalled. A vividly written work biography about the inner driving forces and external contexts of a cosmopolitan public intellectual as an enlightening and advisory catalyst in the interplay of science, politics, and journalism. The book reflects German, European, and global contemporary history from the mid-20th century to the third decade of the 21st century in a scholarly work and its classification as a testimony to political culture.

Romania is the sixth-largest country in the European Union by population. However, after decades of democratization and integration into the Euro-Atlantic organizations, many Romanian voters now seem willing to abandon this path of development. Does this change of direction indicate the beginning of a transition to a new era? This book summarizes how politics and society in Romania changed after the 1989 revolution and how these changes were connected to the country’s EU accession. It also examines old and new challenges. In doing so, it provides fresh insights into various research fields and issues. Readers interested in the extent to which politics can be guided by law will find relevant material here. The same applies to scholars who ask if political actors can effectively shape the development of a polity and society. The book is also relevant for those who seek to understand whether the EU has an impact on domestic politics and society in its member states, as suggested by debates about its “transforming power.”