Bullfighting in the south of France: can we really debate?
Culture . Politics“I hear them laugh as I rattle, I see them dance as I succumb, I never thought we couldhave so much fun around a grave.” With these powerful lyrics from the song “Lacorrida” by French singer Francis Cabrel, we are reminded that the fate of the bulls isnot only cruel but it also calls into
Protecting the next generation: Australia’s bold social media ban for minors
Culture . Health . Media . Opinion piece . Politics . SocietySocial media have become an integral part of daily life, especially among young people.But what happens when access to these platforms begins to deeply influence our self-perception?Australia has decided to tackle this issue head-on by banning the use of social media for those under 16. This measure raises crucial questions about the mental health of
The exclusion of un(der)paid internships
Opinion piece . PoliticsPicture: Flickr Internships have traditionally provided college students to gain experience in a specific field or offered students a chance to pivot in their careers. However, the significant rise in un(der)paid internships within the EU in recent decades has sparked ongoing debate about the risk of excluding economically marginalized individuals from accessing and benefiting from
Europe or the abyss
Climate Change . Controversy . Germany . PoliticsThe European Union has ceased to be a symbol of unity and has become a bureaucratic machine that erodes the sovereignty of its nations. Proposals such as “Dexit” are a legitimate response to a system that imposes controls that are foreign to ordinary citizens. Germany faces a dilemma: remain under the yoke of Brussels or
Inheritance on a plate
Food . PoliticsFor centuries, Russia has appropriated the culture of other nations, incorporating it into its own identity. One of the most affected countries is Ukraine. The list of cultural elements Russia has taken from Ukraine includes our history, our artists, and, of course, our food. As the Russian-Ukrainian war continues into its eleventh year, it’s crucial
Europe’s Dance with Extremism: Romania’s Presidential Elections Are a Warning
Controversy . Extremism . Media . Politics . Romania . SocietyPolitical extremism in Europe is no longer subtle, it’s out in the open. From far-right regimes in Hungary and Poland to the radical-left populists in southern Europe, extremism has gone mainstream. Economic instability, social divides, and distrust in traditional politics have left voters scrambling for answers, no matter how dangerous. And Romania, is no exception.
Mister Manich of Thairath
Media . Politics . SocietyMister Manich (มานิจ สุขสมจิตร), senior editor of Thairath, one of the biggest newspaper publishers in the country, is also an invited lecturer to many classes across the country, with a position in Media Constitution Drafting Committee, spanning over six decades, offers invaluable insights into the evolution of the Thai media landscape, as well as in
Communicating policy
Politics . SocietyCommunication takes place in all corners of society. Through the neighbour’s hedge, on Instagram direct and in ministries around the world. The Government Official, Asbjørn Jensen, experiences it every day when he goes to work in the finance department in The Ministry of Social Affairs of Denmark. But politics is a minefield and not everyone can
“Journalism shouldn’t be gatekept”: An interview with Antonia Franz, Süddeutsche Zeitung’s podcast journalist
Media . Politics . UncategorizedAntonia Franz is a German journalist focusing on audio content, such as podcasts and radio. She got her journalism training at Deutsche Journalistenschule, as well as doing an exchange period in Finland at the University of Helsinki while studying politics and law in Munich. She has done multiple internships, i.e. at Bayerischer Rundfunk and Süddeutsche
Exploring German Media and Politics
Media . Politics . Research@IfKWAs a non-German speaker who has lived in the country for close to five months, I feel like I’ve missed out. What are the Germans thinking about, what are they worried about, what are they reading? And how is the media and politics intertwined here in Germany? That is something that I had a conversation