"It’s about a battle of ideas in which we have to constantly engage our opponents" Published: 18 May 2017 In the beginning of April, the Hungarian President János Áder signed into force certain amendments to the Higher Education Act which in their particular formulation are obviously directed against the renowned Central European University (CEU), based in Budapest. We discussed with President Michael Ignatieff the implications of the new legislation on the university and its future prospects. By Peter Brod
Orbán vs. the World: The Background Context of the Lex CEU Published: 3 May 2017 The attack on CEU is one in a series of attempts to eliminate the so-called enemies of illiberal democracy. The government has manufactured a fear-inducing narrative by inventing an imaginary enemy threatening the people of Hungary. By Gabi Gőbl
Orbán’s illiberal experiment: the real danger for Europe this year Published: 12 April 2017 Europe seems to face a more immediate threat than Le Pen. It comes from a central European country whose governing party belongs to the most mainstream European party, the European People’s Party, Hungary. By Péter Krekó
Lex CEU: The beginning of the end of Hungary’s academic independence Published: 7 April 2017 If Hungarian President János Áder signs the law, it will most probably have serious consequences for Hungary’s diplomatic relations. No less importantly, it will mark the beginning of the end of an independent academic sector in the country. By Zsófia Deák
The Clash of Realities Behind the CEU Affair Published: 7 April 2017 Thousands of people are protesting against the close down of the Central European University (CEU) in Budapest. It is a political battle about “foreign influences” and pro or anti EU, US or Russia sentiments. By Kata Szabó
Lex CEU: Orbán’s attack on academic freedom in Europe Published: 6 April 2017 The Hungarian government trys to shut down the renowned Central European University. This is an attack on academic freedom in Europe. By Eva van de Rakt
“We’re still a far cry from being safe” Published: 20 August 2014 Duniya Mohsini is a university lecturer. She has been teaching for the last 12 years and is much liked by her students. Currently, she is doing a Ph.D. course in literature at a university in Tajikistan. She has been a frequent contributor to Rah-e Madaniyat Daily.
India's Demographic Transition: Many Chances, but also many Obstacles Published: 20 June 2014 With a favourable ratio between the working age population, children and senior citizens India is at the onset of a "demographic bonus". Will the new government be able to utilise this advantage for sustainable economic growth? By Silvia Popp
The American Dream in 2010 Published: 21 October 2010 The hope of improving one’s status, pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps, resonates deeply among all strata of the US population. But does that dream still exist in the Obama era? By Belinda Cooper
Summer School for Young People from Belarus Published: 9 March 2010 From 4-18 July 2010 the Heinrich Böll Foundation hosted the second "Summer School for Young People from Belarus" in Berlin. Twelve young adults from Belarus had been selected to participate based on their demonstrated interest in politics and local community initiatives.