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Academy of International Affairs NRW

@aia-nrw.bsky.social

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AIA is dedicated to the global challenges and through its Fellowship programme it promotes scientific excellence and builds international and interdisciplinary connections. 🌎 https://www.aia-nrw.org/en/ 📍 Bonn, Germany

www.aia-nrw.org

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Jan 14

We’re officially on Bluesky! Follow us for the latest updates on activities and fellowships.

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 17h

🌐 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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 1d

🇪🇺 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

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 6d

“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

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 7d

📢 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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 8d

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

Reposted by Academy of International Affairs NRW

Munich Security Conference @munsecconf.bsky.social · 12d

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.

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 8d

🌍 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-...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 12d

🚀 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

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 13d

🌍 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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 14d

🗣️ 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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 15d

🌐 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/

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 27d

📢 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

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 28d

🌍 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...

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · 29d

"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

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Sep 4

📄 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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Sep 3

“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.

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Sep 2

👽 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...

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 28

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."

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 28

🕊️ "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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 26

🏛️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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 21

🌐 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...

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 19

🗣️“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.

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 14

🌍 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...

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Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 12

🤝“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!

Academy of International Affairs NRW @aia-nrw.bsky.social · Aug 7

❗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...?

A Changing World Order

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