Bertelsmann Foundation

Indo-Pacific Nexus | Brunei 🇧🇳 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one of the most diverse regional organizations in the world—bringing together countries with different political systems, cultures, and religions, yet still fostering cooperation. Today, we’re spotlighting the region’s only absolute monarchy: Brunei 🇧🇳 For more on Brunei's role in ASEAN, check out Georgia Krüger’s latest article the Indo-Pacific Nexus. 🔗 in bio

🌌 Rules of Engagement in Space 📡 Principles, Declarations, and Guidelines Space governance does not end with treaties. Alongside the five UN space treaties exists a broader layer of international norms, legal principles, declarations, and technical guidelines that increasingly shape behavior in orbit. From satellite broadcasting and remote sensing to debris mitigation and the long-term sustainability of space activities, these “soft law” frameworks play an important role in how states and commercial actors operate in space. 🚀 As competition intensifies and the number of actors rapidly expands, understanding this evolving governance architecture matters more than ever. Our latest Astropolitics infographic maps this often-overlooked layer of international space governance and explores how voluntary norms and guidelines help define the rules of engagement in orbit. ❓As space becomes more contested, are soft-law frameworks still enough? 🔗 in bio to learn more

🎧 The Transponder Episode 13: Germany and the United States Germany and the United States have long stood at the center of the transatlantic alliance. Today, that relationship is facing growing pressure amid disputes over defense, trade, energy policy, and the future of European security. At the same time, Germany is confronting economic stagnation, political polarization, and broader uncertainty about the future of the Western alliance. In this episode, host Samuel George speaks with Courtney Flynn Martino of the Bertelsmann Foundation about how Germany is navigating the Trump era—and what it could mean for the future of transatlantic relations. 🎧 Listen via the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts.

Indo-Pacific Nexus | Indonesia 🇮🇩 ASEAN has grown into a key regional institution. Representing more than 692 million people, it is a power in its own right. But who are its 11 member states, and what makes them so important? Follow along as we introduce each country, starting with the world’s largest nickel producer: Indonesia. Want to dive deeper into ASEAN? Check out Georgia Krüger’s latest piece on Indonesia’s ties with Russia and its growing partnership with the EU. 🔗 in bio

How are Europeans viewing the United States, China and their own role in the global order? Check out the latest edition of EUpinions from our colleagues at the Bertelsmann Stiftung. 🔗 in bio

🌌Astropolitics Series: Space Mining What was once science fiction is increasingly part of strategic planning. As competition expands beyond Earth, space resource extraction is gaining attention. While in-situ resource use is widely seen as essential for long-duration exploration, its commercial value for use on Earth remains uncertain. At the same time, rising demand for critical minerals and the clean energy transition are prompting governments and private actors to explore the potential of mining the Moon and asteroids. Our latest infographic examines the opportunities—and open questions—shaping this emerging domain. 🔗 in bio to explore more

🎧 New Episode — The Transponder Ep.12: Hungary After Orbán After 16 years in office, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been voted out following Hungary’s April 2026 election. Péter Magyar led a unified opposition coalition to victory, marking a notable shift in the country’s political landscape. In this episode, host Samuel George speaks with Bulcsú Hunyadi of Political Capital on what shaped the result—and what comes next. 🎧 Listen via the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 in bio

Most of us don’t think twice about satellites, but they are quietly powering the systems we depend on every single day. From GPS navigation and weather forecasts to financial transactions, supply chains, and emergency response, satellites form the invisible backbone of our modern world. Their impact is vast, yet largely unnoticed, until something stops working. This latest Astropolitics infographic sheds light on just how deeply satellites are woven into everyday life and why that dependence matters more than ever. Take a look and see the unseen infrastructure that keeps everything moving. 🔗 in bio for more

What does democratic resilience actually look like over time, and what happens when it falters? In the latest episode of How to Fix Democracy, Season 7 – Episode 4: Democratic Resilience or Illusion?, we trace how democratic life in Turkey has been shaped by military interventions, constitutional resets, and shifting balances between state authority and popular will. Despite periods of democratic backsliding, one constant stands out: the enduring importance of elections, and the expectation among citizens that their voices should count. The episode also probes why liberal democratic norms have struggled to take root, how nationalism and unresolved identity questions continue to shape political life, and what sustains democratic aspirations even under pressure. At its core, the conversation challenges a familiar assumption. Democratic resilience is not just about institutions or culture; it hinges on whether systems deliver economic security, opportunity, and a sense of fairness. When they do, they build legitimacy. When they don’t, they risk erosion from within. 🎧 now via 🔗 in bio

Astropolitics Article: How Structural Interdependence Saved the ISS from Geopolitical Collapse For over 25 years, the International Space Station (ISS) has sustained cooperation between nations whose relations on Earth have repeatedly fractured. How does a space station survive a geopolitical crisis? This latest piece by Montserrat Zeron examines the structural interdependence engineered into the ISS, how its design has been repeatedly stress-tested, and the lessons it holds for the future of space cooperation. 🔗 in bio to read more

After years of tough negotiations, the EU and Australia have signed a landmark free trade agreement. But what's in the deal, and what does it say about the future of international trade? Check out the newest brief: /

🌌 Foundations of International Space Law Sixty years ago, at a time when only two nations had space capabilities, five UN treaties established the legal framework for governing outer space. Today, the system is being tested in new ways—from NASA’s Artemis program to China’s expanding lunar ambitions and the rise of commercial actors. While UN treaties remain foundational, key challenges are becoming clearer: 🔹 Uneven adoption 🔹 Limited enforcement 🔹 Gaps between legal intent and geopolitical reality Our latest Astropolitics infographic maps where governance is holding, and where it’s under strain. As space becomes more crowded and contested, the question is no longer whether rules are needed—but whether existing ones are still fit for purpose. 🔗 Explore more: