Geopolitics is back! And while Central Asia might not be a driving force behind the globe’s major political trajectories, the region nonetheless is caught up in the tug-of-war, in which new alliances are formed and old ones revised. How will Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan manoeuvre between its traditional partners and the new appeals by the West? Find out in this article.

It is no understatement to say that the world is holding its breath, watching the election for the US presidency draw closer. Julian Mueller-Kaler looks back at this extraordinary campaign: Former President Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt; President Biden dropped out of the race, opening the path for Kamala Harris who now fiercely competes for votes in battle ground states. As the race tightens, every vote counts.

In the digital age, democracies have arguably come under attack through disinformation and struggle to ethically cope with Artificial Intelligence. The partnership between South Africa’s Tayarisha Centre and the HSF proposes a model for international collaboration to help democracies navigate the unique challenges of the 21st century.

Ecuador: HSF Scholarships the Service of Peace, Democracy, and Development

Since 1985, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has been promoting democracy and pluralism in Ecuador, only to launch a scholarship program in 1992 to support indigenous students. Over three decades, the program has supported more than 650 scholars from 21 provinces, nurturing leaders and supporting inclusivity. Notable alumni like Beliza Coro, PhD, Head of Digital Inclusion at Telefónica, and Sandra Caiza, Ambato City Council member, contributed to the success of the 2024 summer seminar. Find out more about this programme.