TSRG 2021

Transcultural Winter School 2021 (8th of November — 12th of November)

This year’s research project TSRG 2021 as a collaborative initiative between Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin and the Boym Institute continued with a Transcultural Winter School in Zeppelin University, in Friedrichshafen.

Instytut Boyma 13.12.2021

This year’s research project TSRG 2021 as a collaborative initiative between Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin and the Boym Institute continued with a Transcultural Winter School in Zeppelin University, in Friedrichshafen. It took place between 8th and 12th November. The trip included a series of valuable workshops that were useful not only for the current project but also for the student’s future academic work. Of course, we should also mention the Transcultural Leadership Summit 2021that took place at that time. It represents an information platform to deepen participants’ cultural knowledge and to foster mutual understanding. This year’s region, Southeast Asia, represents both opportunities and challenges, and it is gaining increasing importance. The two-day event through keynotes from experts from SEA and workshops brought more attention to the importance of this region.

During the first day, Polish participants were warmly welcomed by the organizers of the transcultural caravan and representatives of LEIZ. They were welcomed and introduced to the Zeppelin University initiative, by Jessica Geraldo Schwengber, Prof Julika Baumann Montecinos and Dr Lennart Brand. Participants also had the chance to attend a workshop led by Dr Christopher Köhler of LEIZ, entitled “Writing a Quantitative/Empirical Paper — (Many) Ways that Lead to Rome”. The first meeting ended with a nice conversation over coffee and cake before continuing with a tour of the beautiful SMH Campus of Zeppelin University. At the end of the day, thanks to the perfect weather, the students were able to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Constance and the Alps.

The next day began early in the morning with a Keynote “ASEAN Cross-Region Cooperation: Mapping the Way Towards Identity Building” given by Prof Dafri Adussalim from ASEAN Studies Centre in Indonesia. The lecture was followed by a workshop about exploring Leadership Concepts, which was organized by Tobias Grünfelder. Another item on the agenda was an insightful workshop “Academic Writing — Book Chapter” given by Dr Dominik Fisher and Jessica Geraldo Schwengber. In the afternoon, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Zeppelin Museum, thus getting to know part of the culture and history of Friedrichshafen. The day ended with an informal gathering for dinner and conversation.

Day three was the last day on the Lake Campus. It started with a Keynote on BRI by Prof. Matthias Niedenführ. Following this great lecture, the part introducing the Transcultural Caravan Network began. It was hosted and introduced by Prof Julika Baumann Montecinos. The welcome speech was presented by Prof Josef Wieland. This was followed by an important virtual toast, a presentation of the TSRG 2021 participants and their contributions to the project. Then book launch of the TSRG 2020 was presented by their authors. The event ended with conversations over coffee and cake while talking with professors and exchanging ideas.

During the last two days, the Transcultural Leadership Summit 2021 took place. On November 11 the event officially started with a welcome by moderator Katharina Körth, an opening speech by Tobias Grünfelder and a Welcome address by Andreas Schell, the CEO at Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. A series of keynotes on Southeast Asia followed, referring to this year’s topic of TLS: “Southeast Asia — Diversity & Digital Disruptions” by Prof Dr Christian von Lübke, “Navigating Culture and Leadership Development in Southeast Asia” given by Adirupa Sengupta, and closing this part of event Prof Josef Wieland, presenting the topic of Mitigating Risk from Cultural Complexity. Then the next part of the panel discussions took place in the following order: “Transculturality in action — How do transcultural leaders operate in Southeast Asia?” with moderator Dr Lennart Brand and speakers: Giovanni Spadaro, Nguyễn Thanh Sơn, Verena Siow; “How to prepare young leaders for cultural complexity?” moderated by Prof Dr Julika Baumann Montecinos and Annika Phuong Dinh, with panel speakers Dr Elizabeth T. Urgel, Dr Nguyen Nam, Dr Wawan Masudi. The event ended with a beautiful Indonesian Dance Performance by Freunde Indonesiens e.V. Polish students also had the opportunity to participate in the Karl Schlecht Forum about “Good Leadership”.

The last day of Transcultural Winter School was also the final day of Transcultural Leadership Summit 2021. Participants of the trip were welcomed by Indonesian Music by Freunde Indonesiens e.V., followed by two great keynotes: “Fixing the Leadership Gap in Southeast Asia” given by Vibhas Ratanjee, and “Global Literacies — Leadership Development for Global Executives” presented by Samuel M. Lam. The continuation of the day was divided into two workshop sessions, where participants could choose activities on various aspects of Southeast Asia and leadership. The trip ended with an informal meeting over diner with students and professors of LEIZ, during which participants of TSRG had the opportunity to exchange views, talk and sum up amazing memories that were gathered during TWS 2021.

czytaj więcej

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.

Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam

Thanks to continuous economic development, Vietnam attracts a record number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The catalyst for such a strong growth of FDI in Vietnam is not only the ongoing trade war between the US and China, but also new international agreements.

Coronavirus and climate policies: long-term consequences of short-term initiatives

As large parts of the world are gradually becoming habituated to living in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, global attention has turned to restarting the economy. One of the most consequential impacts of these efforts will be that on our climate policies and environmental conditions.

Saudi ‘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.

Ailuna Shamurzaeva – Research Fellow at the Boym Institute

Her research focuses on political economy, migration studies, and international trade. Ailuna, we are more than happy to welcome you to the team!

Global Gateway 101: A Short Guide to the EU’s Development Initiatives and their Challenges in Asia

The 2010s and 2020s have been marked by intense geopolitical competition, not only in traditional military and economic terms but also in the realm of global development initiatives.

The link between EU Aid and Good Governance in Central Asia

Nowadays all the CA states continue transitioning into the human-centered model of governance where the comprehensive needs of societies must be satisfied, nevertheless, the achievements are to a greater extent ambiguous.

Online 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.

The 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".

Border conflicts as political tools: the Thailand–Cambodia crisis

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is much more than just a territorial dispute. Rooted in historical ambiguities, it has become a tool for domestic political maneuvering in both countries and a stage for international strategic competition.

Interview: Why Does Poland Need ‘17+1’?

Interview with Michał Wójcik - Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Marine Economy and Inland Navigation (DWM MGMiŻŚ). In the Ministry, he is leading the  Coordinating Secretariat for Maritime Issues , monitoring the cooperation of Central and Eastern European States with China.

Indian dream – interview with Samir Saran

Krzysztof Zalewski: India is a large country, both in terms of its population and its land area, with a fast-growing economy. It is perceived as a major new player on the global stage. What would the world order look like if co-organized by India? Samir Saran: India’s impact on the world order is already significant, but […]

Central Asia. The winding road to regional integration

The aim of the paper is to present the current stage of integration among the Central Asian republics and to analyze directions and dynamics of this process in the nearest future. This study also attempts to identify factors which can either slow down or strengthen the process of integration as well as its causes and consequences.

Global Security Initiative and Global Development Initiative: Two Wings for Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

Peace and development as the call of our day again face severe challenges on a global scale, with more prominent instability, uncertainty and complexity

The Boym Institute message to Chinese policymakers and analysts

The EU-China relations require common perspective on Russia’s invasion on Ukraine

The 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.

Online Course: “Educational tools for addressing the effects of war”

The Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace is offering “Betzavta” facilitators, middle school and high school educators, social activists, communal activists and those assisting refugees an online seminar to explore educational issues related to wartime.

Assessing the New U.S. National Security Strategy: Key Takeaways on Asia

On 4th December 2025 the Donald Trump administration released the new National Security Strategy (NSS) of the United States of America. What are the key takeaways on Asia?

Patrycja Pendrakowska for Observer Research Foundation: “Guiding democracy through Covid19: Poland shows us what not to do”

We would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Patrycja Pendrakowska - the Boym Institute Analyst and President of the Board.

What connects shamans and generals? On the problem of verification of internal conflicts of North Korea

The number of confirmed executions and frequent disappearances of politicians remind us that in North Korea the rules of social Darwinism apply. Any attempt to limit Kim Jong-un's power may be considered hostile and ruthless.

Beyond Grey Hulls: Europe’s Role in “Crowdsourcing” Maritime Domain Awareness in the South China Sea

If developments observed in the South China Sea over the recent months are of any indication, it simply means that the situation has worsened. China’s continued aggression towards its neighbors – the Philippines and Vietnam in particular, has continued unabated.

Krzysztof Zalewski for Observer Research Foundation – “Luxembourg faces the same dilemma as the EU: become a bridge or a fortress”

We would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Krzysztof Zalewski - the Boym Institute Analyst, Chairman of the Board and Editor of the “Tydzień w Azji” weekly.

Book review: “Unveiling the North Korean economy”

Book review of "Unveiling the North Korean economy", written by Kim Byung-yeon and published by Cambridge University Press in 2016.B. Tauris in 2017.

New Female Prime Minister Faces Thailand’s Political Turmoil

Thailand, known for military coups, political downfalls, and dashed democratic hopes, has a new Prime Minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is not only the youngest elected Prime Minister in the country's history and the second woman to hold this post, but she is also a member of the Shinawatra political dynasty.