Benjamin Westhoff
Impulse
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Democratic Resilience in an Age of Crisis
According to the 2024 Varieties of Democracy report, there are now 91 autocracies and 88 democracies worldwide. Even more striking, 72 percent of the world’s population—three out of four people—live under autocratic rule, a level not seen since the mid-1980s. The decline of democracy isn’t caused by coups or foreign enemies, but by elected leaders…
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The Power of National Dialogues
In a world frequently marked by political upheaval and conflict, national dialogues have emerged as vital tools for inclusive peacebuilding. Mariia Levchenko, a peacebuilding expert, recently shed light on the evolution, significance, and future of these dialogues, offering both historical context and personal reflections. Mariia Levchenko highlights national dialogues as powerful tools for peaceful conflict…
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China’s investment in Africa – between myths and challenges
China’s investment in Africa has sparked debate, driving economic growth while raising concerns about debt dependency and resource extraction. Infrastructure projects improve connectivity and trade, and Chinese-backed investments create jobs, addressing high youth unemployment.