Social issues

Back to Gorbachev or the “new thinking” and the “common European home”

by Leo Ensel*

(20 December 2024) Even if Donald Trump should stop the war in Ukraine, under the given conditions we can at best expect a new Cold War for the next few decades. There will only be real peace in Europe when all the actors involved return to a European security order based on the principles of the “Charter of Paris”. Above all, this requires a fundamental change in thinking. The maxims were formulated long ago, and it is time to rediscover them.

Unresolved problems in dealing with nuclear energy

Facts, experiences and conclusions from Emil Brütsch*

by Ursula Cross

(20 December 2024) In the future, an ever-increasing share of our growing energy needs is to be covered by electricity. But where is the required energy going to come from? Dark and windless skies, energy fluctuations, a lack of electricity storage options, unresolved grid problems and security of supply, environmental issues and, last but not least, speculative prices caused by the stock market also raise justified doubts about so-called green technologies. A comprehensive analysis of all options, beyond ideology, is needed as a basis for long-term planning. This article takes a closer look at the unresolved issues surrounding nuclear energy.

‘It’s most important not to stand idly by’

Conscientious objector in Israel

by Oren Ziv*

(6 December 2024) (Ed.) After 7 October, many Israelis have given up hope of a political solution. There is an unprecedented desire for revenge in broad sections of society. Only a few have the courage to stand up to the social pressure. One of them is Sofia Orr, who refuses to do military service in the Israeli army out of political conviction.
Lebanon

Reflections during the flight

by Karin Leukefeld,* Germany, Beirut

(29 November 2024) (Edit.) Middle East correspondent Karin Leukefeld is back in Lebanon. In her latest article, “reflections during the flight”, she deals with the impact of the Middle East conflict on Lebanon. Through the perspective of a traveller, the destruction, the suffering of the people and the background to decades of conflict are described. This creates room for reflections on the responsibility of international politics and the consequences of colonial power structures.

Future Project Neutrality

Neutrality Studies – A Growing Field in an Increasingly Multipolar World

by Prof. Dr. Pascal Lottaz,* Japan

(15 November 2024) (CH-S) While in the motherland of neutrality policy, Switzerland, the neutrality of the country is being violated by a reckless foreign policy, at the other end of the world a Swiss citizen, Pascal Lottaz, is holding an international scientific conference on this topic. It shows us that neutrality is by no means obsolete, but a precious asset that must be achieved and maintained for the benefit of all, worldwide. Below, we present a written report by the conference chair, Pascal Lottaz.

Can schools still be saved?

by Ursula Felber*

(8 November 2024) Finally, the media is starting to take an interest in the topic of schools. However, today the ball is also being kicked back and forth and the obvious grievances in schools are often blamed on migration.

As a retired teacher who taught for decades at primary and special education schools, I can look back on many years of school reform. What has been the outcome?