“Quick identification, transparency and activism can make a difference to save lives” Interview In November 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Sikhulile Moyo and Prof. Tulio de Oliveira discovered the omicron variant. Many Western countries reacted by putting in place harsh travel restrictions for Southern Africa. A Conversation with the winners of the German Africa Award 2022. By Elisabeth Massute
"Deescalating polarization will contribute to diminishing the problem of misinformation" Interview A conversation with Nicole Krause from the Life Sciences Communication Department at the University of Wisconsin about science and political communication and ways to communicate more effectively with conservative, religious and rural audiences.
Waste Overload: Another Enemy in the Fight against COVID-19 Article Several cities and provinces in Vietnam are reopening after a so-called tragic fourth wave of COVID-19. Along with societal and economic losses, waste generated from daily routines and medical facilities has become a huge consequence and the country must learn how to deal with the overwhelming waste. By Le Dinh Tuyen
Building blocks for a sustainable and resilient food system: the post-Covid opportunity for the European Union Commentary The build-up to the UN Food systems Summit 2021 has underlined why systems thinking is essential and action is required now, both concerning the ending of hunger and tackling the web of issues that contribute to sustainability. By Nora Hiller , Faustine Bas-Defossez and David Baldock
Azerbaijan update: From COVID-19 to the New War in Nagorno-Karabakh Aliyev’s popularity reached its peak during the war; the oppositional leaders stopped their criticism, while Aliyev’s actions were perceived as a just and victorious war. The active support of Turkey during the conflict inevitably led to the re-articulation and dynamic perception of Turkey as the “big brother”. By Bahruz Samadov
For people with disabilities, working from home using tech is a relief – and a struggle Feature Increased use of digital communication tools during the Covid-19 lockdowns has made working from home acceptable – and even more sociable – for many people with disabilities. But technology still has a long way to go toward inclusion. Four professionals talk about the pros and cons. By Hawken Miller
Transatlantic Relations in the Post-Pandemic World Essay Even before the outbreak of the pandemic, the transatlantic community faced enormous domestic and geopolitical challenges. The pandemic reinforces these tendencies and at the same time makes it clear why cooperation will remain essential in the future. By Torrey Taussig
Activists in Asia fear anti-disinformation efforts will suppress free speech Analysis In Singapore and South Korea, fact-checking initiatives have been effective in fighting Covid-19 disinformation. But other tactics – like confusing or overly broad laws – could be used to maintain political power. By Christy Tsang
The Future of Multilateralism Conversation How does the current pandemic influence multilateralism? Which role can the European Union play in shaping its future? A debate. By Bastian Hermisson
We need a democratic debate on tech, privacy and social rights Commentary Tech will not free us from coronavirus, but it can provide us with helpful tools – if we foster an open and democratic debate on how to use it. By Alexandra Geese