International politics
As the challenges of global development increasingly transcend national borders, the ability to achieve international understanding in the business, political and social arenas is becoming more important. The Bertelsmann Stiftung is helping shape the strategies that will guide development as the world grows ever more interdependent.
Focus areas
Shaping a Globalized World
The forces of globalization are driving change worldwide. Economic globalization, modern communication technology and growing mobility are creating an increasingly interconnected world characterized by growing interdependence and new forms of cooperation that transcend national and cultural borders. At the same time, challenges in areas such as climate change, terrorism, energy insecurity and social inequalities - as well as global financial turmoil - undermine stability, peace and global development. This shows that the current system of global governance is not sufficiently prepared to deal with such challenges.
moreBertelsmann Transformation Index
A country's political management and the progress it is making towards becoming a functioning democracy with a market economy can both be measured and compared to the progress of other countries around the globe. The Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) is an international ranking of 119 developing and transition countries. Tracking the successes and failures of transformation efforts, the BTI permits a focused comparison of the status of a country's democratic and market-economy structures, as well as the efficacy of its reform strategies.
moreJewish community
The goal of the projects the Bertelsmann Stiftung carries out in the area of international understanding is to develop constructive strategies and mechanisms for conflict resolution. In projects that focus on dialogue with Jewish communities worldwide and on improving relations in the triad of Germany, Israel and Europe, the foundation works to promote democracy, tolerance and human rights, to defend freedom of speech and diversity of media expression, and to support Jewish institutions and initiatives all around the world.
moreMiddle East
The strategic importance of the Middle East requires comprehensive and in-depth policymaking. Germany is pursuing various interests in this region within the framework of the European Union. In order to face the challenges of migration and fundamentalism, the political, economic and social reform processes of the EU's southern neighbors must be supported.
moreSecurity policy
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the terrorist attacks of 9/11 mark the beginning of a new era. The era of the East-West conflict and bipolar world order had come to an end, to be replaced by new, equally dangerous risks: international terrorism inspired by al Qaida, the nuclear ambitions of countries such as Iran and North Korea, and an series of crises in failed states spanning from Africa through the Middle East to Southeast Asia.
Thus, Europe now faces a dual challenge: transforming its foreign and security policy instruments to be capable of meeting the new challenges and shaping a new, multilateral world order based on rule of law.
International Bertelsmann Forum 2006
More than 20 heads of state and government as well as 14 foreign and defense ministers gathered at the 10th International Bertelsmann Forum in Berlin to discuss the future of the European Union. Speaking in the German Foreign Ministry, Chancellor Angela Merkel called in her opening remarks for Europe to be "founded anew." At the same time, she said, it must seek its common roots and enter into an intercultural dialogue with other global regions, while defining its borders both internally and externally. Organized every two years, the IBF serves as a venue for Europe's political, business, cultural and media leaders to convene and discuss current issues impacting European policy.
moreBertelsmann Reform Index (BRI)
With the Bertelsmann Reform Index (BRI), the Bertelsmann Stiftung wants to identify and compare the need for reform in OECD member states -- the world's industrialized free-market democracies -- as well as their ability to take action. The project's goal is to create a comprehensive data pool on government activity in OECD states. At the same time, its international comparisons are meant to serve as evidence-based input for national debates on reform.
moreMore focus areas and projects
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