In den außenpolitischen Zirkeln der USA ist der fehlgeschlagene Putschversuch in der Türkei derzeit bestimmendes Thema. Verstärkte Unstimmigkeiten in den ohnehin angespannten US-türkischen Beziehungen ruft die Tatsache hervor, dass sich Fetullah Gülen seit vielen Jahren in den USA aufhält.

A religious sect now defies the strongest political party in Turkey. There must be a reason for this alarming self-confidence. Is it rooted in history; that is, does the sect have a long heritage?

Everyday democracy: Only "licensee" may use the city park Horsh Beirut - a trend which has been evident for many green areas of the Lebanese capital. Supported by the Foundation, campaigns and organizations want to conquer the city for the population back.

Divided democracy: For 25 years, the Heinrich Böll Foundation works with Memorial, the best-known Russian NGO. Through the years it has become a "political friendship" developed, is the basis for many joint projects.

Responsible Democracy: The richness of Afghanistan in natural resources has great potential for conflict. Since 2012, the Heinrich Böll Foundation therefore moved deliberately in this politically sensitive terrain.

For the foreseeable future, the political culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain authoritarian. Large sections of the society striving still to ethno-national mapping and security.

South Africa's democracy was fought hard, the catalog of fundamental rights is now one of the most advanced in the world, but these must be claimed. Our office in Cape Town encourages feminist training, education and self-organization of discriminated groups.

People want democracy. The surveys show anywhere in the world. But what is the right way to help people on the way to a better life in a liberal democracy? With years of active work in promoting democracy we support mainly dedicated people in the existing or emerging civil societies.

Five years after the start of the Arab Spring, the optimism of the disillusionment has given way. Given the never-ending violence, the return to authoritarian forms of rule or even failing states the "Arabellion" is considered a failure.

Shrinking – closing – no space: Governments across all continents villainize civil society actors. Where does their sense of threat emanate from?