About the Project
The research field of political foundations in Germany and their international activities, networks and history is a relatively new aspect in the academic discourse regarding international relations. What are the foundations’ roles in the international arena and within the German foreign policy itself? How do they influence the bilateral relations between Germany and other countries? Do they have an impact on the political development in their host countries and if they do, what are the results, goals and motives?
Based on two PhD projects, this project seeks to explore the field of German political foundations work abroad with a special focus on Israel, the Westbank and Gaza as case studies of the foundations' worldwide activities and with regard to the unique character of the German-Israeli relations and the constant conflict situation in the region.
Within the framework of a workshop at the University of Haifa and a three-day conference at the Ruhr University of Bochum, we aim to explore the role, goals, functions, development and history of German political foundations in this region by bringing together representatives of the political foundations, partner organizations and academic researchers from Germany and the Middle East to discuss various aspects of this research field and to strengthen the network between researchers and professionals.
The project is organized by Anna Abelmann (Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany) and Katharina Konarek (University of Haifa, Israel) and funded by the RUB research school.