Rwanda. This is probably the most optimistic story from Sub-Saharan Africa over the last 50 years.
25 years ago, after the wave of ethnic violence and genocide, which in an 11-million country has claimed, according to conservative estimates, 800,000 human beings, almost no one gave this country a chance. It seemed to plunge into chaos.
And yet in the last quarter of a century, according to the consensus of other Africans, it has become the Swiss of the continent. Not only a place of economic success, efficient administration, inclusive education, but also a debate about the future of the continent, its needs and challenges in the era of globalization.
Such platform is certainly the “Kigali Global Dialogue” (3-5 July 2019), which – continuing the Swiss metaphor – wants to be Davos of the continent. This is a unique initiative in the global South, a joint project of the Indian think tank of the Observer Research Foundation, British government agencies, private investors and the Rwandan authorities.
On the first day, Europeans and Americans, although sometimes present on stage and in the audience, listened mainly. And contrary to the assumptions of many more experienced African observers, the discussion did not concern the colonial past and responsibility for it.
The entire conference was created as a place for exchanging experiences between India and African countries and Africans among themselves. How to provide cheap but universal and trustworthy medical care in communities far from the main roads? How to mobilize various parts of the administration to achieve common goals? How to reduce air and water pollution, raise ecological awareness of societies? Water, air, rubbish – how to make the beautiful and increasingly populous continent remain a natural treasure of the Earth, but its inhabitants could benefit from development?
All discussions very practical, focused on the exchange of ideas and experiences, a lot of time for behind-the-scenes conversations, making contacts and making friends.
Temperature? 30 degrees, cool evenings. An invigorating wind from Africa for Europe in a fever.
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Are “Climate Refugees” (Just) About Climate?
As the awareness of the scale and pervasiveness of climate impacts on human societies keeps rising, so does the frequency with which the terms “climate refugees” and “climate migrants” are being used in the public discourse “to describe those who are being displaced due to adverse consequences related to climate change” (Atapattu, 2020).
Dawid JuraszekThe Boym Institute contribution to the Transcultural Caravan project
We are pleased to announce, that our analysts and contributors are among authors of the newest publication - "European Perspectives on the New Silk Roads – A Transcultural Approach".
Why is stronger foreign investment protection needed in relations with China?
One of the key elements of the protection of foreign investment (and thus the foreign investor) is the mechanism for resolving disputes between the state and the foreign investor. The mechanism itself may take different forms...
Adrian ZwolińskiThe Boym Institute message to Indian policymakers and analysts
India’s current position towards the Russian invasion on Ukraine may damage its reputation as a major force of peace in the world
We would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Patrycja Pendrakowska - the Boym Institute Analyst and President of the Board.
Patrycja PendrakowskaLessons for China and Taiwan from the war in Ukraine
The situation of Taiwan and Ukraine is often compared. The logic is simple: a democracy is threatened by a repressive, authoritarian regime making territorial claims and denying it the right to exist.
Paweł BehrendtThe North Korean nuclear dismantlement and the management of its nuclear wastes
Evidence suggests that North Korea stores its high-level nuclear waste (HLW) in liquid form in tanks on the same site where it is made, and has not invested in infrastructure to reduce, dentrify, or vitrify this waste. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, one of many aspects of the North Korean nuclear waste problem.
Nicolas LeviAsia-Integration – Follow-up Report on Polish Policy Challenges Towards Asian Countries
The debate was the consequence of positive reactions to the open letter that the Boym Institute published in the summer of 2020. Many of its readers pointed out the necessity of broad consultations regarding the principles of the new multidimensional policy in order to reflect the diversity of perspectives, interests and conditions.
San Zhong Zhanfa or Three Warfares. Chinese Hybrid Warfare
Cognitive operations are becoming an increasingly significant and common element of non-kinetic military operations. States and other political players deliberately manipulate the way their actions, those of their allies and those of their adversaries are perceived by the governments and societies of other international players.
Paweł BehrendtRoman Catholic cemetery in Harbin (1903-1958)
First burials of Catholics, mostly Poles but also other Non-Orthodox believers took place in future Harbin in the so called small „old” or later Pokrovskoe Orthodox cemetery in the future European New Town quarter and small graveyards at the military and civilian hospitals of Chinese Eastern Railway at the turn of XIX and XX century.
Jerzy CzajewskiOnline Course: “Conflict Resolution and Democracy”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
After the darkness of the Cultural Revolution, the times of the Chinese transformation had come. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping realised the need to educate a new generation of leaders: people proficient in science, management and politics. Generous programmes were created that aimed at attracting back to China fresh graduates of foreign universities, young experts, entrepreneurs and professionals.
Ewelina HoroszkiewiczOnline Course: “Feminism and Democracy: a Deep Dive”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
Meeting with Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman
It’s a great pleasure for the Boym Institute to organize an open meeting with dr Uki Maroshek who founded the betzavta method. Betzavta is taught across the globe at the Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace in Jerusalem as well as in other institutions in Europe and the Middle East.
From quantity to quality. Demographic transition in China – interview with Prof. Lauren Johnston
What we observe in China is a population reduction strategy paired with the socio-economic transition. In my view it’s not a crisis, but it is a very challenging transition.
Lauren JohnstonAn interview with Mr. Meirzhan Yussupov, Chairman of the Board of the “National Company” KAZAKH INVEST” JSC - Member of the Board of Directors of the Company
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaTemples, Hackers, and Leaks: The Thai-Cambodian Crisis in the Age of Information Warfare
Thailand and Cambodia are caught up in a heated border dispute over an ancient temple that dates back to the 11th century. This isn’t just about land — it’s about the heritage of colonialism, national pride, and tensions between two powerful political dynasties.
Andżelika SerwatkaSaudi ‘Vision 2030’. How the Kingdom is using oil to end its economic overdependence on oil.
With the advent of clean energy technologies the Saudis realize they need to end their economic dependency on oil. ‘Vision 2030’ is a vast and complex plan that seeks to preserve Saudi Arabia’s regional power, economic prosperity, and - not the least - authoritarian rule in the post-oil future.
Jan KosińskiPolish women do not often become the heroines of media reports in Central Asia. In February 2020, however, it was different. The story of Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, a journalist, "heated up" the headlines of local news portals. More importantly, "between the lines" she talked a lot about contemporary Uzbekistan and the role of women in politics.
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaBook review: “Europe – North Korea. Between Humanitarianism And Business?”
Book review of "Europe – North Korea. Between Humanitarianism And Business?", written by Myung-Kyu Park, Bernhard Seliger, Sung-Jo Park (Eds.) and published by Lit Verlag in 2010.
Nicolas LeviPaweł Behrendt for 9DASHLINE: The South China Sea – from colonialism to the Cold War
We would like to inform, that 9DASHLINE has published article of Paweł Behrendt - the Boym Institute Analyst, in which he wrote about history of the South China Sea dispute over the 20th century.
Paweł BehrendtPeace and development as the call of our day again face severe challenges on a global scale, with more prominent instability, uncertainty and complexity
Yiwei WangBook review: “North Korean Defectors in a New and Competitive Society”
Book review of "North Korean Defectors in a New and Competitive Society", written by Lee Ahlam - assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Human Resource Development at Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio.
Nicolas LeviTSRG 2021: The Impacts of the BRI on Europe: The Case of Poland and Germany
It is important to contribute to the understanding of what the New Silk Road can mean in economic, political, leadership and cultural terms for the European countries involved. This analysis should reveal the practical consequences of the Belt and Road Initiative for Europe in the case of Poland and Germany, as well as their respective social effects.