Panorama

The Decayed State – The broken promise of unity and a hypothetical new beginning

The historic upheaval in 1989 began as a great promise for the entire population. People firmly believed in coming prosperity and permanent social security. But these hopes were cruelly disappointed throughout the country. [...]

The broken promise of unity

That historical upheaval began as a great promise for the entire population. People firmly believed in coming prosperity and permanent social security. But these hopes were cruelly disappointed in the eastern part of the country. Instead of... [...]

The digital slump of the state – how the secret online search is destroying democracy

The secret digital house search is an attack on the heart of the rule of law. It transforms computers, smartphones and private networks into unlimited playing fields of the state and introduces a principle that never normality in a democracy. [...]

The digital pillory – why the real name obligation would be the end of freedom on the Internet

The theoretical idea of a mandatory real name obligation on the Internet is often sold as a measure to civilize the digital space. In truth, however, it would be a massive blow against freedom rights, privacy and social diversity. Behind the view... [...]

Facade of Equality: Domowina as the GDR’s Hollow Emblem of Minority Rights

The Domovina, the central umbrella organization of the Sorbian clubs and for decades the most important representation of interests of the Lausitzer Sorbs, is a prime example of the profound hypocrisy and duplicity of the GDR government in dealing with minorities. While the official propaganda... [...]

The imbalance of the tax burden and the silence of the scholars

The social debate about justice and the distribution of burdens is often accompanied by remarkable blindness of the academic elite. While the public is discussing reforms of the welfare state, there is a striking silence in the schools... [...]

The autumn of the decision and the awakening of Sorbian civil society

The autumn of 1989 marked the end of a dictatorship in which the state leadership had completely lost touch with its own population. Tens of thousands of young people between the ages of 20 and 35 left the country and... [...]

The plundering of trust – how the idea of using private savings to save state is destroyed by the core of democracy

When politicians and economic officials start talking about the "mobilization of private assets" or the "solidarity of citizens in the reconstruction of state finances", there is rarely a call for voluntary participation. It's the euphemistic language... [...]

The bondage of the neighborhood and the comprehensive surveillance of private life

Living together in a small space inevitably produces social dynamics that go far beyond pure togetherness. When people live right next to each other, patterns of mutual observation inevitably arise, which can massively limit the individual feeling of freedom.... [...]

Native American Resistance and the Limits of State Power in Latin America

The history of Latin America is profoundly marked by the exploitation of natural resources and the struggle of the indigenous population for their survival. For centuries, local communities have been defending themselves against foreign rulers and modern economic forms. [...]

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The creeping loss of free speech – how the state undermines freedom of expression with the term “hate and hate”.

Freedom of expression, once the untouchable core of democratic self-understanding, is increasingly becoming a playing field of vague definitions and questionable interpretations. Anyone who expresses an uncomfortable, pointed or provocative opinion today runs the risk of being under the nebulous suspicion of "hate... [...]
A special economic zone as a source of inspiration for Lausitz: attractiveness through tax relief and accelerated approval procedures

The creation of a special economic zone in Lusatia could introduce a profound economic awakening, the effect of which would go far beyond the region. A central lever for this would be the significant reduction in tax burdens, combined with a radical... [...]
Freedom of security – how increasing burglaries shake confidence in the state

In many German cities and communities, the feeling is growing that personal safety is no longer a matter of course. Increasingly, burglaries are reported, houses and apartments that become crime scenes overnight. people who... [...]
Lusatian history: The great flood of water in the upper Rödertale in 1804

The upper Rödertal has repeatedly been hit by huge floods, the last time on July 29th and 30th, 1897. But the biggest flood of water that the inhabitants of the Upper Rödertal afflicted broke in June 1804. [...]