US Elections
Question: What should we expect from a Trump US presidency? Answer: Above all, unpredictability and erratic behavior.
In an Eldoradio contribution by Fiona Fröhling, I gave an assessment.Report (in German).
News | Blog
US Elections
Report (in German).
LSAP Opening Event
As part of the opening ceremony, we had a panel discussion where we looked at what's similar and different between lost places in the Alpine region and here in the Ruhr area. I'm really happy that we were able to discuss this topic in such a cross-disciplinary way, with architects, geographers, and spatial planners. A big thank you to everyone who took part.
LSAP Exhibition in the U
Our vision became reality: Today we opened our exhibition on our "Lost Ski Area Project" (LSAP) in the wonderful cultural center of the Dortmunder U. Thanks to my colleague Dr. Nora Becker, who designed the exhibition, and to Dr. Niklas Gliesmann, who gave us outstanding support as curator. The exhibition will be open until November 24, 2024. Details
Back from San Diego, CA
I recently had the chance to do research as a visiting scholar at San Diego State University (SDSU). It was a great experience, and I came away with lots of new insights that I can now contribute to my work at TU Dortmund University. I'd like to thank SDSU for the invitation and for making me feel so welcome.
End of my dean's terms
It has been an honor to lead our great faculty as Dean for the past eight years. I thank colleagues, staff and students for their support and commitment. Now it's time for me to dive back into research and internationalization: The answers are out there. So out we go. Details
New teaching evaluation
As always at the end of a semester, my students have the opportunity to evaluate my lectures
and seminars. I think transparency is important. That's why I always publish the results.
Evaluation
Lecture
Evaluation Seminar
Last Faculty Council
After almost 8 years as Dean of the HT Faculty, I chaired my last Faculty Council today. It
has been a great honor to lead my faculty for two terms and I am grateful to hand it over in
excellent condition. Now I look much forward to diving much deeper into research
again.
Habilitation
It is always a special honor for a dean when habilitation procedures are carried out. Today,
Dr. Lena Tacke gave her habilitation lecture. It was impressive and we congratulate her
warmly.
Eldoradio
I enjoy supporting our journalism students. This time as an interviewee for a radio report
for Eldoradio. I gave an short assessment of the student activities in the context of the
Pro-Palestine Camp at TU Dortmund University.
Report (in German)
Welcome Address
As Dean of the HT Faculty, I had the great privilege of giving a short welcoming speech to
Mr. Selbiger's lecture. I emphasized the special responsibility of the younger generation,
who will one day have to act as witnesses for the people who experienced the Holocaust
themselves. We must never forget!
Lecture
Today we had the great honor of welcoming Horst Selbiger, a survivor of the Holocaust. In the
packed Audimax, he spoke about his harrowing experiences during the darkest period of German
history. Many thanks also to Minister Ina Brandes for her strong gesture in joining us.
Defence
Today Nora Becker successfully defended her dissertation. A milestone in any academic career.
We are all delighted and congratulate her on her great achievement. Well done, Nora!
Voices of TU
In the podcast series 'Voices of TU' I talked about my day-to-day work as the Dean of the HT
Faculty and why I have the greatest job on earth that I still can't recommend to anyone.
Listen in, it's worth it!
Podcast (in German)
New publication
Being part of the COPE project, which aims at training the next generation of political
journalists, we have created "Training Materials for European Journalism Students" that can
be used internationally.
Download (open access)
WiWo: Interview
How much democracy can we afford, Mr. Schuck? Answer: A lot. But we have to keep a few things
in mind. In an interview with WirtschaftsWoche, I explained why democracies, despite
all their problems, are superior to autocracies.
Interview (in German)
New Article published
After several years of research on abandoned ski areas (LSAP), I am pleased that our new
QCA-based results on the death and survival of isloated ski lifts have now been published in
Geographica Helvetica.
Article
(open access)
New teaching evaluation
I think it's important that students evaluate our lectures. My students' comments cover a
wide range, from helpful to funny. Thanks @students for the great time we always had
together on Mondays!
Evaluation
Contribution to SRF
Swiss television station SRF asked me to give an assessment of the future of winter sports in
the Alps. It is good to see that we can contribute to this complex topic with our LSAP
research.
To watch the report, click here (in German).
Contribution to DLF
I am delighted that I was able to contribute to Heiner Kiesel's profound and in-depth report
"Nach dem Schnee: Liftesterben im Skigebiet" on Deutschlandfunk radio.
Click here for the audio recording (in German).
Award: Internationalization
Today, I received an award for my contribution to the internationalization of TU Dortmund
University. The prize was presented by Rector Prof. Manfred Bayer and Vice Rector Prof.
Tessa Flatten.
Video of my
Speech (in German).
Foto: Schaper
Back from Elliott | GWU
I had the great privilege to spend two months doing research at the Elliott School of
International Affairs at George Washington University (GWU).
Thank you GWU for the
invitation and the unique time full of inspiration and innovation.
New crew member
Jan Krawiec studies "Sozialwissenschaften" at TU Dortmund University and is a new student
assistant (SHK) in our team.
Welcome, Jan!
New crew member
Lena Gallay studies "Angewandte Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaften" at TU Dortmund
University and is a new student assistant (SHK) in our team.
Welcome, Lena!
New Publication: Terrorism
I wrote an article on the subject of "Terrorism" (together with Steve Schlegel), which was
published in the "Handbuch Angewandte Ethik".
Article (in German)
SRF-Interview: Ukraine
A year ago, Russia attacked Ukraine. Since then, the world has not been the same. How should
the current situation be assessed? I gave answers to this question in an extensive interview
with Swiss Radio and Television (SRF).
Audio recording (in German)
COPE-Project
Together with European universities, we develop an online course on political cohesion which
will be available to all EU-universities that train journalists. This is the goal of the
COPE-project headed by Susanne Fengler and funded by the EU.
Press release
New teaching evaluation
Sharing knowledge with our students and contributing to their critical thinking is crucial.
Thanks @students for our great Mondays during the winter term. Have a look at my students'
evaluation and comments on my recent lecture:
Evaluation
New Book out
Nora Becker et al. have published a new book on the subject of
loneliness. It is the result of the legendary "lonely lectures", a seminar series we offered
during the Corona pandemic. A book about despair and hope.
Details (in German)
LSAP-Interview: NZZ
Today I had the opportunity to discuss challenges of ski alpine winter sports in an NZZ
interview. Many thanks @Erich Aschwanden and the NZZ for the very interesting talk.
NZZ-Interview (in German)
NZZ-Interview [Summary] (in English)
ZDF Report
Lost Ski Areas are also a topic on the German broadcaster ZDF. Glad that we were able to
contribute to the ZDF-report "Sterbende Skigebiete" with our LSAP research at TU Dortmund
University.
ZDF-Report (in German)
SRF Tagesgespräch
Being today's guest of Karoline Arn's podcast at SRF, I shared my thoughts about the future
of winter sports in the Alps, the closure of ski areas, and unique moments of a ski
enthusiast.
Audio recording (in German)
Article (in English)
LSAP-Exhibition
Lost Ski Areas @Swiss
Alpine Museum, Bern. We offer a guided tour and present our latest LSAP research
findings. And I share my childhood memories of the closed ski area Erner Galen:
Audio
recording (in German)
DLF
Ski areas are coming under increasing pressure. Is a lack of snow the main reason? Thanks
@Susanne Lettenbauer for discussing both everyday observations and our latest scientific
findings:
Audio recording (in German)
New funds granted
The Taliban's renewed seizure of power calls for in-depth scientific analysis. VW-Foundation
has granted us a 24-months research project with the title "The Security Policy Impact of
the New Taliban Regime on Central Asia", 2022-24
New book published
A new book edited by Julia Dumin is published: "South Korea after the 2017 Impeachment.
Implications for Politics, Society, and Democracy" (Nomos). Well done, Julia!
Details
New crew member
Julia Lemke studies "Sozialwissenschaften" at TU Dortmund University and is a new student
assistant (SHK) in our team.
Welcome, Julia!
New teaching evaluation
Digital teaching, still in times of covid: Have a look at my students' comments:
Evaluation
New book published
Sina Golgowski's disseration is published: "UN-Friedensmissionen und externe Demokratieförderung:
Eine Analyse der United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire von 2004-2017" (Nomos).
Details
New crew member
Katharina Grannemann, M.A. is our new Inter-Institute-Manager (IIM). Highly qualified, she
supports us in all management tasks so that we can concentrate even more on research and
teaching. Details
New Special Issue & Article
We have published research results from our Central-Asia-project in a special issue of Central
Asian Affairs. My contribution is on "Civil Society and Patterns of Security in Central
Asia".
Details
LSAP-Interview
The decline of ski areas has become an increasingly interdisciplinary issue. Switzerland's
Baublatt asked for an assessment. Please find my answers here:
Interview
Ph.D-project completed
Sina Golgowski defended her dissertation today. Great job, Sina! We look much forward to
publishing your findings in our IP-series soon.
New Website CA-Project
The new website of our Central-Asia-project (funded by VolkswagenStiftung) is now available.
Please check it out to get interesting information about our fellows and activities.
Website
New crew member
Tobias Winkelsett, M.A., completed the Master-program "Philosophy and Political Science"
(MAPP) as the faculty's best student of the year 2020 and will join us as a Ph.D.-candidate.
Welcome, Tobias!
New crew member
Rika Althoff, M.A., until now a student assistent with us, completed the Master-program
"Philosophy and Political Science" (MAPP) with distinction in 2021 and will join us as a
Ph.D.-candidate.
Welcome, Rika!
New crew member
Maurice Prior studies Journalism and Political Science at TU Dortmund University and joins us
as a student assistent.
Welcome, Maurice!
New LSAP-article published
Research beyond the mainstream:
In our LSAP project, we analyzed reasons and consequences
of the decline of ski areas.
Have a look at our article, published in
"Alpenvereinsjahrbuch BERG 2022":
Article
Instagram-Series: PW
What is unique about Political Science at TU Dortmund University?
Have a look at our
Instagram-message:
Video
New teaching evaluation
Digital teaching in times of covid remains challenging. Thanks to my students, we managed to
do it again successfully. Have a look at the students' comments:
Evaluation
Lecture
Evaluation Seminar
New book published
Nora Becker and Steve Schlegel, together with Chiara Pierobon, edited a new book with the
title "Central Asia After Three Decades of Independence: Politics and Societies Between
Stability and Transformation" (Nomos).
Details
UNPAR: 66th anniversary
Our Indonesian partner university, UNPAR, is celebrating its 66th anniversary this year. I
congratulated on behalf of our entire Faculty of Humanities and Theology with a short
Instagram-video.
Video
New teaching evaluation
Digital teaching in times of covid: Honestly, I was a bit nervous to hold a lecture for some
400 participants via Webex. But we did it really well together, many thanks to my great
students! Have a look at the students' comments:
Evaluation
Sasse Research Grant
Selen received the "Juergen-und-Freia-Sasse-Preis" (granted by Gesellschaft für
Kanada-Studien e.V., GKS) for field research in Canada. Well done, Selen!
Details
New funds granted
We received a new grant for the coordination of Volkswagen Foundation's Postdoctoral
Fellowship Programme "Institutional Change and Social Practice: Research on the Political
System, the Economy and Society in Central Asia and the Caucasus", 2019-24.
Lonely Lectures
Loneliness. Especially in times of Covid-19 a tremendous problem for many people.
Nora
Becker, together with our students, organized the unique lonely-lecture-series to shed some
light on the issue.
Details
New crew member
Leonie Streckert is on board.
Leonie is a student assistent and supports our Central
Asia/Caucasus-project, funded by VolkswagenFoundation. Welcome, Leonie!
Re-election as Dean
Today, I was re-elected as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Theology. I feel truly
privileged to continue to serve our great faculty. Thank you for your trust and support.
Faculty-Website
Erasmus+ granted
Our application was successfull. Some 60K Erasmus+ funds for deepening our faculty's
collaboration with UNPAR Bandung/Indonesia.
GSPC Website online
The Website of our "Graduate School on Political Cohesion" (GSPC), funded by MERCUR-Research,
is available.
Check it out: GSPC-Website
Minerva Research Grant
Crew did a great job again: Christopher Beuter was successful in getting a Minerva Short Term
Research Grant to conduct field research in Israel. Congratulation, Christopher!
Details
New article published
A new article with the title "How Islamist is the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)? An ideological
assessment" has been published in "Asian Security".
Read more:
Article
New crew member
Selen Kazan, LL.M. | Public International Law (Leiden University, NL) is on board. Selen is a
Ph.D-candidate of our new GSPC. Working in both Chris Neuhäuser's and my teams, she
will conduct research on Political Cohesion, concentrating on Truth and Reconciliation
commissions. Welcome, Selen!
New crew member
Colonel Bangkit Rahmat Tri Widodo (MA, Webster University, USA and MA, IDU, RI) is on board.
Bangkit has been awarded with a Ph.D.-scholarship of the National Intelligence College, RI.
He will conduct research on civic-military relations. Selamat datang, Pak Bangkit!
GSPC
Conducting research on political cohesion in times of transnational terrorism, pandemic
diseases and regional disintegration. This is the task of our new Graduate School on
Political Cohesion (GSPC), funded by MERCUR Research. Let's get started!
Kick-off: VW-project
The kick-off workshop of our new VolkswagenStiftung-project took place in Frankfurt: Central
Asian and Caucasian high potentials presented their ideas for an own 3-years
post-doc-project.
Details & more pics
Serik @Department
Dr. Serik Beimenbetov, Kazakh-German University (DKU) Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a 1-month-guest
researcher at my chair (funded by DAAD). Warm welcome, Serik! Check out his wecome address
(in German):
Welcome address
Introducing GSPC
Upon invitation of MERCUR Research, Prof. Corinna Mieth (RUB, l.) and I had the privilege to
introduce our new Graduate School on Political Cohesion (GSPC) to the new Professors of the
University Alliance Ruhr. Picture: MERCUR.
Details & more pics
Faculty @Instragram
Keeping up with the times.
Let's make it a bit easier for our students (and all the
others) to follow our faculty's activities.
Check it out!
Back from Almaty, KZ
We conducted an international conference on "Central Asian Security in the Current World
Disorder" (in co-operation with DKU/Almaty, funded by VolkswagenFoundation). Papers will be
peer-reviewed and published in 2020.
New article published
"Tracing Indonesia's Counterterrorism Measures": The Diplomat published a short
version of our research-paper.
Read more
New crew member
Daniel Gloris is on board. Daniel has a MA in Political Science and a MA in Philosophy (both
obtained from Marburg University). Daniel will conduct research on political cohesion with a
quantitative methodology. Warm welcome, Daniel!
New Graduate School
Great to announce that our application to establish a Graduate School on Political
Cohesion (GSPC) was approved by MERCUR Research.
GSPC is a joint venture of
Political Science and Philosophy at TU Dortmund University and RUB.
New article published
Our article "An Analysis of Counterterrorism Measures taken by Indonesia since the 2002 Bali
Bombings" (together with Kathrin Rucktäschel) is published in The Pacific
Review.
Read more
Back from Baku, AZ
Discussing aspects of EU's Eastern partnership with international students. Inspiring.
Thanks for the great time at the 5th Summer School, Ada-University,
Baku.
New evaluation available
New teaching evaluations (SoSe 2019) available.
Please see the section 'Teaching |
Empowerment' for details.
Bob Hadiwinata (1963-2019)
Prof. Bob Hadiwinata passed away this morning. In tremendous sadness, our thoughts are with
Bob, his wife and his colleagues and students at UNPAR. Bob was not only an outstanding
scholar and mentor but also a close friend.
We shall remember him in best
memory.
New book published
Steve Schlegel's dissertation ("International Organizations and State Failure Prevention: The
Dilemma of the OSCE Operations in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan 1998-2017") is now available. It
is the 2nd volume of our book-series on International Politics. Details
New workshop granted
Our application was successful. We received financial support to conduct a workshop that will
pay special attention to the empowerment of the younger generation of international
researchers. The workshop will take place in Germany in November 2019 and is funded by
Volkswagen Foundation.
New conference granted
2 of our crew-members, Christopher Beuter and Kathrin Rucktäschel, were successful in
getting financial support by Fritz Thyssen Foundation to conduct a conference on "Religion
and Politics" (application together with my colleague Matthias Kortmann). Congratulation.
Thank you, Kathrin...
... for your outstanding contribution as our faculty's equal opportunities commissioner. More
than 7 years of excellent work and support for our female employees. Very much appreciated.
New project granted
Our application was successful: We'll be the coordinators of Volkswagen Foundation's 4-years
Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme "Institutional Change and Social Practice: Research on the
Political System, the Economy and Society in Central Asia and the Caucasus", 2019-23.
New evaluation available
New teaching evaluations (WS 2018/19) available.
Please see the section 'Teaching |
Empowerment' for details.
Dr. h.c. for Donald Tusk
Upon the proposal of our faculty, an honorary doctorate has been awarded to H.E. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council: "Ich bin ein Dortmunder" (Donald Tusk). Have a look at his acceptance speech and his impressive ceremonial lecture. For a short video click here, for a press release here.
Our beloved Europe
As the dean of the awarding faculty, I had the privilege to address President Tusk. I
mentioned that the honorary doctorate is not only an appreciation of Mr Tusk's outstanding
contributon to the EU, but also an encouragement to continue to advance our beloved Europe:
Video und Interviews.
Laudatio
Prof. Rita Süssmuth, former President of the Bundestag, delivered the laudatio in honor
of Mr Tusk. What a tailor-made speech with a keen sense of the spirit of Europe. Thank you
so much, Ms Süssmuth, for all your commitment.
TU | 50
50th Anniversary of TU Dortmund University, what a day! Anja Karliczek, Armin Laschet and
many others came to Dortmund to compliment our university:
Invitation
Interview LSAP
It is still in a way surprising for us how much attention our 'Lost Ski Area Project' (LSAP)
attracts. I had an interview with hr1, discussing the future of ski areas in the German low
mountain range.
Please click here for my assessment.
New excursion to RI
Our faculty will conduct another student-excursion to Indonesia in May 2019! Intensive
program, no time to relax. But a great opportunity for our students to broaden their
horizons. Please check out the
call.
Security Dialogue
Indonesian delegation headed by Air First Marshal Adityawarman @IfPP. Thx for the interesting
discussion on security issues - collaboration to be continued.
Semester started
More than 500 new students in my lecture - warm welcome to TU Dortmund University. Let's get
started!
Back from Bandung, RI
Breathing the spirit of the historic 1955-Bandung-conference when discussing "Asian Insights
on International Relations". Thanks for giving me the opportunity to contribute to such an
amazing conference!
Changing sides
Nora Becker has graduated with distinction (Master Philosophy and Political Science, MAPP) and continues with a
Ph.D.-project. Changing sides from a student to a researcher - congratulation, Nora!
New crew member
Karin Koenig is on board. Karin studies Journalism and Political Science and is a student
assistant. Warm welcome, Karin!
Ph.D-project completed
Steve Schlegel defended his dissertation today. Great job, Steve! We look much forward to
publishing his findings in our IP-series.
Back from Canberra, AU
Contributing to the first Australian-German Dialogue on the Asia-Pacific that took place at
ANU, Canberra. Great to discuss security issues with leading experts on the region. Big
thanks to KAS and ADU.
Back from Toronto, CA
Urban space: Not really a city to wind down - but a place with great libraries to produce new
articles and project proposals.
New evaluation available
New teaching evaluations (SoSe 2018) available. Please see the section 'Teaching |
Empowerment' for details.
Back from Almaty, KZ
Kick-off, 2nd component of our Central Asia project funded by Volkswagen Foundation. Venue: DKU, Almaty, Kazakhstan. @Central Asian colleagues: thx for the great collaboration & the inspiring first session!
UNPAR-delegation @TU
Great to host a student-delegation from our Indonesian partner university UNPAR.
Have a
good time at our Faculty - let's stay in touch!
Back from Baku, AZ
Great experience to join the 4th EU Summer School at ADA-University, Baku, Azerbaijan.
@international students: thx for excellent sessions and workshops, keep discussing
EU-issues!
New MA-program @Faculty
We designed a brand new Master-program on 'Religion und Politik' (MAREPOL). All diciplines of
our faculty are on board (Philosophy, Political Science, Theologies). MAREPOL will start in
October 2018.
Erasmus+ approved
Our Erasmus+ application was successful. @UNPAR/Bandung: We look much forward to conducting
further staff & student exchanges in 2018/19.
Welcome back, Rika
Rika returned from studying abroad in Canada. Great to have you back in my team!
Steve @UNLEASH, SIN
Steve was nominated to join the UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2018 in Singapore; great opportuniy to
change the world for the better.
Back from Prague, CZ
Inter-institutional agreement with Charles University Prague signed. Let's breathe life into
this collaboration!
Dr. Morvarid @Faculty
Jafar Morvarid is a visiting lecturer at the Department of Catholic Theology.
Warm
welcome and thx to Prof. Egbert Ballhorn for inviting him!
LSAP: new book in 2020
Crew's research 'off the beaten track': First edition of our LSAP-book was exhausted in less
than 6 mth. New edition in preparation for 2020.
Back from Jakarta, RI
Designing new avenues of co-operation with our faculty's partner-university UNPAR,
Bandung.
Faculty's exhibition
Thx to ambassador Annette Schavan and rector Prof. Ursula Gather fot their inspiring key
notes at the opening of our faculty's exhibition on 'Religion and Politics'.
Award for Julia Dumin
Awarded TU Dortmund University's best international M.A. thesis of the year 2017: Julia's
work on 'Indonesia as a Potential Mediator in the South China Sea Conflict'. Great job,
Julia!
(Martin Schmeisser award, € 2,000)
New article published
Our article "Non-Traditional Security Issues and the Danger not to See the Forest for the
Trees: A Critical Analysis of the Concept of Environmental Security" (together with Kathrin
Rucktäschel) was published in the European Journal for Security Research.
New crew member
Sina Golgowski is on board. She is a research assistant and will produce a dissertation on
stability in post-conflict areas. Great to have you in my team, Sina!
New crew member
Mariana Bittermann is on board. She is a student assistent. Great to have you in my team,
Mariana!
New book published
Our book on "Military Interventions.Considerations from Philosophy and Political" (eds. Neuhäuser
| Schuck) is the first volume of our new interdisciplinary book series.
TU-students @RI
Extending our faculty-students' horizons:
an excursion to Indonesia organized by the
Faculty. Tough program, great impressions.
Ph.D-project completed
Ridho defended his dissertation successfully, congratulation!
Dr. Nyoman Sudira @IfPP
Nyoman from UNPAR joined our department as a Erasmus+ visiting professor. Warm welcome, Pak
Nyoman!
New article published
Our article "For Still by Policy the World is Ruled? On the Decreasing Significance of
Critical Security Studies/the Welsh School in IR" (together with Steve Schlegel, article in
German) was published in Zeitschrift für Internationale Beziehungen, zib.
New article published
My article "Zwischen gesellschaftlicher Re-Integration und Täuschungsmanövern:
Gewaltverzichtsinitiativen militant-islamistischer Gruppen" was published in Zeitschrift für
Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik.
New project granted
Our application was successful: Volkswagen Foundation supports our project "Between Stability
and Transformation: Regional and Transnational Cooperation in Central Asia and between
Central Asia and Europe", 2016-19.
New article published
Our article "Internationale Gerechtigkeit" (together with Steve Schlegel) was published in
Handbuch Gerechtigkeit, edited by Goppel | Mieth | Neuhäuser.
Dean of our Faculty
I was elected dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Theology. I feel truly privileged to have
the opportunity to serve our faculty. Thank you for your trust and support.
Rector of UNPAR @TU
Dr. Mangadar Situmorang, rector of UNPAR, and his delegation visited TU Dortmund University.
Thx to vice-rector Insa Melle for the kind reception.
Dr. Frank Dhont @IfPP
Frank from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam joined our department as a Gambrinuns visiting
professor.
Thx to vice-rector Dirk Biermann for the kind reception.
New article published
My article "Peacebuilding through Militant Islamist Disengagement: conclusions drawn from the
case of Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya in Egypt" was published in Peacebuilding.
