In Focus

A European Briefing Book for Barack Obama

The Washington, DC-based Bertelsmann Foundation presented its Trans-Atlantic Briefing Book for the Obama administration on Thursday, 13 November 2008 in the US capital. The Briefing Book is a policy blueprint that offers strategies for foreign-policy cooperation between Europeans and the new American leadership during their first consultations in early 2009.

Contact information

The Briefing Book highlights the numerous fields of trans-Atlantic cooperation and focuses on the viewpoints of Brussels, London, Paris and Berlin.

Trans-Atlantic Briefing Book (1.3 MB)

News

Guy Verhofstadt, Former Belgian Prime Minister.

Gütersloh - 14/11/2008

Guy Verhofstadt: The Financial Crisis - Three Ways Out for Europe

In an effort to overcome the current financial and economic crisis, Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt has identified three concrete steps toward a readjustment of European financial policy. In an essay for Bertelsmann Stiftung, he proposes an initially joint European financial arrangement embedded in an international network.

Washington, DC - 14/11/2008

Think Bigger: G20

The G20 Washington summit that begins today should expand its focus beyond the current financial crisis to include international financial reform, according to the Bertelsmann Foundation. Reform should include giving non-traditional centers of economic power greater influence in the international financial system. The Financial Stability Forum requires modification, emerging economies need greater voting weight at institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and the G8 format should be replaced by the G20. These steps would lay the foundation for a post-Bretton Woods system.

Hanoi/Gütersloh - 12/11/2008

2008 International Cultural Forum Southeast Asia

On November 12, 2008, the fourth International Cultural Forum in Asia opened its doors, focusing on the sociopolitical changes that are currently impacting Southeast Asia. The conference is bringing together over 40 experts from 17 countries, especially from ASEAN member states, to discuss the region's rapid social change and its cultural conflicts from both the Asian and European points of view. Other key issues under discussion are the risks and opportunities associated with the processes of globalization and cultural change.

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Project portraits

Future of Civil Society

If a society is to thrive, its citizens must be willing to get involved. Whether through service provision or communal action, civic engagement makes it possible for people to take part in a variety of ways. Through its projects, the Bertelsmann Stiftung wants to promote social participation and the further development of the nonprofit sector.

"Neue Stimmen" International Singing Competition

Music is a global language, one that builds bridges of understanding. The "Neue Stimmen" International Singing Competition and Master Class are meant to recognize and promote outstanding young talent in the world of opera. Initiated by Liz Mohn initiated in 1987, the competition has grown from a European singing contest into one of the world's most important venues for spotting gifted new performers.

Democracy and Integration

Our democratic values are in crisis: Xenophobic attitudes are widespread in Germany, efforts to integrate newcomers have fallen short and skepticism is growing that policymakers can respond adequately. Clearly, the key to successful integration in a democratic society is political and social participation.

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Catalogue of focus areas

Politics Modern GovernmentFederalismDemocracy and IntegrationEuropeInternational politicsDemographic Change	Society Demographic Change Democracy and IntegrationCommunities and RegionsIntercultural dialogueCorporate Social ResponsibilityThe future of civil societyReligion and Society
Economy Germany's economic and social situationThe future of employmentCorporate cultureCorporate Social ResponsibilityDemographic Change	Education SchoolLibrariesHigher education
Health Good healthcareHealthcare system	Culture Promoting new talent in the world of operaIntercultural dialogue

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spotlight europe

Welcome back, America? Europe and the U.S.

Europe is celebrating the new American President. Under Barack Obama transatlantic relations can only get better. But the Americans hope to see greater European involvement in the solution of international problems. The two partners will have to adopt a new and less impatient policy to-wards the world's new emerging powers.

#2008/12: Welcome back, America, Europe and the U.S. (1.2 MB)

Recent Publication

Communication and Leadership in the 21st Century

Communication has become a modern management function. The integration of successful public relations is a crucial contribution to raising the level of professionalism in an organization. Our recent publication is a review of theoretical and empirical research papers on this subject, intended for scholars, students, and professionals across these disciplines.

Delivering Citizenship

The 21st century promises to be an "Age of Mobility." More people around the globe, from an ever greater variety of backgrounds, are migrating. As Europe and North America absorb larger and more diverse inflows, many policymakers, commentators, and academics are questioning whether their societies can cope with the influx.