Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 1h

A wide-ranging discussion this morning on German reunification, from the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 to voting patterns in 2025. Many thanks to Dr. Anna von der Goltz and @schuneke.bsky.social for sharing their insights, and to our partners at @amgerinst.bsky.social for cohosting Tuesday's event!

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 1d

A heartfelt thank you to Adriana, Francois, and Howard for their insightful contributions, and to the Flagey team for hosting us. A great discussion with a deeply engaged audience on what lies ahead in orbit and beyond.

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 1d

On the occasion of #WorldSpaceWeek, we gathered at the iconic @flageystudios.bsky.social cinema in Brussels for a screening of ASTROPOLITICS by @tonysilberfeld.bsky.social — an inspiring and thought-provoking evening exploring the future of space governance and strategy.

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 3d

The Czech Republic has voted — but what do the results mean for Europe and transatlantic relations?
Our latest #TransatlanticPeriscope Deep Dive looks at the outcome of the Czech parliamentary election and its wider implications. Check it out:
transatlanticperiscope.org/deep-dives/d...

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 6d

What does 35 years of German reunification mean in 2025? To find out, @cflynnmartino.bsky.social asked Germans across the country and across generations. Read their responses here: bit.ly/4mND6tg

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 7d

Who has a seat at the table in the Indo-Pacific?
Check out our newest infographic on the region’s most influential multilateral organizations and their members.
#IndoPacific #Geopolitics

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 7d

Will the growing competition between the US & China in space shape the future of humanity beyond Earth? Join us at the Brussels premiere of ASTROPOLITICS to explore where we’re heading. Date: October 6. Place: Flagey - Brussels. Free event, registration required: www.eventbrite.com/e/documentar...

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 8d

Don't miss the Lithium Rising screening at De Balie/Amsterdam on October 2nd followed with a panel discussion with filmmaker Samuel George and Irina Patrahau debalie.nl/cinema/cined...

Cinédialoog: Lithium Rising

From the moment the smartphone alarm wakes us up in the morning, we begin our day relying on the lithium battery. From the mundane to lifesaving, lithium powered devices get us through the day. Who co...

debalie.nl

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 9d

In 2000, 10 years after German reunification, 42% of Thuringians were satisfied with democracy in practice. In 2025, it is still just 43%. Learn more about democracy in eastern Germany after 35 years of reunification in the latest B|Brief from @cflynnmartino.bsky.social bit.ly/46LbvTp

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 9d

Orbit for Rent 🚀
NASA will retire the ISS by 2030 and turn to commercial providers for low Earth orbit research. A new era of space policy is here—where private stations may define access to orbit. Find out more at www.astro-politics.org

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 12d

Thank you @georgetownuni.bsky.social for hosting the screening of Lithium Rising!
We are very grateful for your warm hospitality and for making it such a memorable evening.

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 12d

New Interview: Former NASA astronaut & LeoLabs CTO Ed Lu on tracking satellites, tackling space debris in lower Earth orbit. A must-watch for anyone following the future of space. www.astro-politics.org www.youtube.com/watch?v=4czM...

Astropolitics Expert Interview | Ed Lu

YouTube video by Bertelsmann Foundation

www.youtube.com

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 16d

The energy transition is driving a new scramble for lithium, nickel & cobalt — reshaping geopolitics & supply chains.
📽️ Lithium Rising + expert dialogue at @debalie.bsky.social , Oct 2 (Amsterdam).
🎟️ Info: debalie.nl/cinema/cined...

Cinédialoog: Lithium Rising

From the moment the smartphone alarm wakes us up in the morning, we begin our day relying on the lithium battery. From the mundane to lifesaving, lithium powered devices get us through the day. Who co...

debalie.nl

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 16d

How is the transatlantic relationship evolving in an age of global uncertainty?
Explore research, data & perspectives curated by our team & partners across the EU & UK 👉 www.transatlanticperiscope.org
Your window into the debates shaping Europe & the U.S

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 20d

Trust is the glue that holds societies together. But what does trust look like in a future shaped by AI, shifting geopolitics & changing democracies?
Read more in our new Transponder piece on the Future of Trust: www.bfna.org/politics-soc...

Transponder Magazine | Politics & Society

The Transponder is the Bertelsmann Foundation’s biannual publication focusing on issues that impact the transatlantic relationship. The magazine features short-form and long-form articles, interviews,...

www.bfna.org

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 21d

What if tomorrow’s data centers aren’t on Earth—but in orbit?
With AI driving electricity demand to new highs, orbital data centers are moving from sci-fi to serious policy debate.
Read Francois Buffenoir's piece on www.astro-politics.org: www.astro-politics.org/articles/abo...

— ASTROPOLITICS

Will Clouds be High Above the Sky? Orbital data centers may be a good idea after all. by François Buffenoir

www.astro-politics.org

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 21d

September 22 at @georgetownuni.bsky.social : Lithium Rising Screening + panel on the global race for critical minerals.
Grateful to our partners at Georgetown for hosting!
👉 events.georgetown.edu/event/32334-...

Lithium Rising: Film Screening and Panel Discussion

The Earth Commons and the Bertelsmann Foundation invites you for a special screening of the documentary film “Lithium Rising: The Race for Critic...

events.georgetown.edu

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 22d

Our work on space! More coming this fall!

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 22d

The U.S. may launch a $5B fund to secure critical minerals—50 of which are deemed vital under the 2020 Energy Act.
What’s at stake in this race? Read our latest report: Lithium Rising www.bfna.org/politics-soc...

Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals | Politics & Society

Dr. Samuel George examines how powerful nations are maneuvering for control, and how local communities are fighting for a stake in the new green economy. This is more than a policy report—it's a vivid...

www.bfna.org

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 22d

Our latest BBrief by Marshall Reid looks at Japan in 2025: LDP dominance under strain, PM Ishiba’s resignation, domestic & external pressures, and debates on Japan’s global role. A turning point for Japan—and the Indo-Pacific. Read here: www.bfna.org/democracy/to...

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 23d

📢 New question on RANGE:
Will 2+ more countries join the CPTPP by the end of 2026?
The trade pact has become a key Indo-Pacific pillar — but will it keep expanding?
Weigh in: www.rangeforecasting.org/challenges

Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 23d

On #InternationalDayOfDemocracy:
What if democracy was more than just voting?
From climate action to electoral reform, Citizens’ Assemblies show how everyday people can make extraordinary decisions.
Watch our 5-min explainer 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-tR...
@BertelsmannFdn @FIDENorthAmerica

Citizen Assembly | Community Representation for Informed Deliberation

YouTube video by Bertelsmann Foundation

www.youtube.com

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 23d

On this #InternationalDayOfDemocracy, we release the final episode of the Democracy in Cities series.
This episode takes us to Barcelona—from La Model prison turned civic space to a dog track reimagined as a civic tech hub—showing how public spaces anchor democracy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwSL...

Out of the Darkness: Transforming Public Spaces in Barcelona

YouTube video by Bertelsmann Foundation

www.youtube.com

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 26d

📊 Explore the full picture here:

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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 26d

📊 Explore the full picture here:https://www.transatlanticbarometer.org/transatlantic-trade

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