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

India, China and the Shades of Grey

"We are at an inflection point in this century. Many of our traditional arrangements are failing. To achieve stability in this century we need to discover new solutions" - Interview with Samir Saran - Senior Fellow and Vice President at the Observer Research Foundation

Opportunities and challenges of India’s G20 Presidency

Ada Dyndo conducts an interview with Shairee Malhotra on India’s role in G20. Shairee Malhotra serves as a Coordinator of the T20 India Taskforce on Reformed Multilateralism for India’s G20 presidency.

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.

On conflict in the Middle East: Malik Dahlan’s Letter to President Isaac Herzog

This letter has been included into our Voices From Asia series, as we consider it a significant addition to the ongoing discussion surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Temples, 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.

Indonesia – between religion and democracy

Indonesia is the largest Muslim democracy in the world. Approximately 88% of the population in Indonesia declares Islamic religion, but in spite of this significant dominance, Indonesia is not a religious state.

Lessons 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.

Online Course: “Free Speech, Incitement and Hate Speech and their relevance in Poland’s political discourse and landscape” with Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman

The Adam Institute invites you to join us for a new engaging course, tailored to participants from Poland, taught on ZOOM.

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.

Internet, cryptocurrencies & blockchains in North Korea

North Korea is considered as a secretive state, but, paradoxically, the country is developing last trend technologies. With prohibitions restricting the flow of money, the country is turning to bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to finance their programs, instead of coming under new pressure.

Patrycja Pendrakowska as a participant of Women Economic Forum (WEF) in India

The interactive discussion covers recent projects and collaborations which have contributed to a greener economy in India

Why We Need Women in Politics, or the Scandal Solved Successfully in Uzbekistan with a Polish Woman in the Leading Role

Polish 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.

Adam Institute for Democracy & Peace – Crowdfunding Campaign December 2020

Democracy in Israel is in crisis. And if we don't educate for democracy, it just won't exist. It's that simple. The actual teaching of democracy, on the other hand, isn't so simple. It requires experience, theoretical and practical knowledge and the flexibility to adapt to our ever-changing reality.

The phenomenon of ”haigui”

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.

The strategic imperatives driving ASEAN-EU free trade talks: colliding values as an obstacle

Recently revived talks aimed at the conclusion of an inter-regional free trade agreement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) are driven by strategic imperatives of both regions.

“May you be the mother of a thousand sons” – the status of women in Indian society

The 1950 Indian Constitution introduced the principle of equal opportunities for gender equality, which grants women and men the same rights in family life, political, social and economic life. So why is it that nearly forty per cent of girls aged 15-17 do not attend school, the custom of dowry giving is still cultivated and prenatal sex selection is still a huge social problem? 

TSRG 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.

An “Asian NATO”: Chances and perspectives

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has reinvigorated NATO. Can the Chinese pressure on its neighbours, especially Taiwan, create an Asian equivalent of NATO?

Development Strategies for Ulaanbaatar According to the Conception for the City’s 2040 General Development Plan – Part 2

This is the second part of an inquiry into Ulaanbaatar’s winning 2040 General Development Plan Conception (GDPC). In this part of paper, I look into some of the plans and/or solutions proposed in Ulaanbaatar’s 2040 GDPC.

Will 2023 be the year of improving relations between Albania and South Korea?

In April 2021, the 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Albania was officially organized in the South Korean embassy in Athens, the capital of Greece. The localization of these official festivities perfectly pictured the nature of the relations between these two countries.

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

Dr. Nicolas Levi with a lecture in Seoul

On May 24 Dr. Nicolas Levi gave a lecture on Balcerowicz's plan in the context of North Korea. The speech took place as part of the seminar "Analyzing the Possibility of Reform and its Impact on Human Rights in North Korea". The seminar took place on May 24 at the prestigious Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.

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.

Historical vs Current Emissions: Towards an Ethical and Political Synergy in International Climate Policy

Environmental problems transcend not only national borders but also historical periods. And yet debates on the necessary measures and timelines are often constrained by considerations of election cycles (or dynastic successions) in any given country.