Max Webers Ordnungen und ihr Zerfall: Entwicklungstendenzen politischer Gemeinschaften im Angesicht ökologischer Krisen

Werden ökologische Krisen das legitimatorische Fundament politischer Ordnungen untergraben? Falls ja, wie kann man sich derartige (Zerfalls-)Prozesse vorstellen? Max Weber hat mit seiner Herrschaftssoziologie, seinem Konzept politischer Gemeinschaften und seinem Konzept sozialer Ordnung einen Rahmen geschaffen, der für diese Frage fruchtbar gemacht werden soll. Inwiefern taugen Konzepte der Legitimitätsgeltung, der physischen Gewaltsamkeit und der territorialen Kontrolle, um künftige Entwicklungen abzuschätzen, wenn soziale Ordnungen durch ökologische Krisen unter Stress geraten? Für Ex-post-Analysen konstruierte Idealtypen sollen damit für Ex-ante-Analysen genutzt werden.Will ecological crises undermine the legitimising foundations of political orders? If so, how can such (disintegration) processes be imagined? With his sociology of domination, his concept of political communities and his concept of social order, Max Weber has created a framework that should be made fruitful for this question. To what extent are concepts of legitimacy, physical violence and territorial control suitable for assessing future developments when social orders come under stress due to ecological crises? Ideal types constructed for ex-post analyses should thus be used for ex-ante analyses

Language and De-/Escalation of Conflict in Aceh, Indonesia

This article examines the role of language in the de-/escalation of the Aceh conflict. Our analysis is situated at the crossroads of the literature on language and conflict and the literature on the micro-dynamics of violent conflict and everyday peacebuilding. We suggest that language, as a fundamental element of social engagement, although often overlooked in peace and conflict studies, plays a pivotal role in intensifying and alleviating conflicts. Through a case study of the conflict in Aceh, this article asks how power relations, discrimination, and violence are played out through language in the context of micro-level everyday realities. The analysis draws on interviews and focus group discussions conducted from 2014 to 2020 with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including village heads, religious and cultural leaders, businesspeople, civilians, and former combatants. We employ vignettes to illustrate the various ways in which language has been used for conflict de-/escalation in the conflict in Aceh. Our analysis identifies several mechanisms through which language contributes to de-/escalate conflict

From Global Governance to Nationalism: The Future of AI

The 2025 Paris AI Summit has revealed fundamental disagreements over AI governance with many states prioritising AI sovereignty and market dominance over human-rights-based global governance. This has intensified geopolitical and economic rivalries between states and reduced regulatory guardrails against the potential misuse of AI for autocratic purposes by governments and corporations. The EU’s human-rights-centric regulations clash with the innovation-driven deregulation in AI governance promoted by the US. Meanwhile, economic powerhouses such as India, South Korea, and Brazil are establishing their own positions. Autocracies such as China, Russia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with their state-led model of AI governance, are integrating AI with military and surveillance capabilities. Geoeconomic rivalries are likely to result in a re-shuffling of AI supply chains and trade barriers between the US, China, the EU, and other AI powers, impeding innovation and creating monopolies. Such barriers make low-income countries in the Global South highly dependent on states that lead in AI development, further reinforcing global inequalities. Countries with permissive regulatory environments are likely to attract more business but at the cost of increased risk of AI misuse. As states and powerful technology-developing companies prioritise their narrow interests over broader ethical considerations and public safety, the space for civil society in AI governance is shrinking, which may exacerbate concerns over privacy, employment, and social justice and human rights

Cell Signalling Pathways in Development and Disease: A Review

Cell signalling pathways represent fundamental molecular communication networks that orchestrate cellular functions in development and disease. This comprehensive review examines the intricate landscape of cell signalling mechanisms in Nigerian populations, revealing distinct genetic, environmental, and clinical characteristics that significantly influence pathway behaviours and disease manifestations.Through a systematic literature review, we analysed major signalling pathways, including Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK), G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR), JAK-STAT, Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog signalling, across both developmental and pathological contexts. Our investigation uncovered population-specific variations that profoundly impact disease susceptibility, progression, and treatment responses in Nigerian healthcare settings.Key findings demonstrate that Nigerian populations exhibit unique alterations in signalling pathways driven by genetic polymorphisms, endemic infectious disease exposures, and environmental factors. Developmental signalling mechanisms revealed distinctive patterns of embryonic development, neural patterning, and stem cell regulation. In disease contexts, significant molecular variations were observed in cancer, metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.The research highlights critical challenges in implementing signalling-targeted therapies, including infrastructure limitations, economic constraints, and regulatory complexities. Additionally, traditional Nigerian medicinal approaches offer promising complementary insights into the modulation of signalling pathways.This review establishes a comprehensive framework for understanding cell signalling pathways in Nigerian populations, emphasising the importance of contextually specific molecular research. The findings provide essential guidance for developing precision medicine approaches tailored to local genetic and environmental contexts, ultimately supporting more effective disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies

Evaluation der berufsbezogenen Deutschsprachförderung nach § 45a AufenthG: Abschlussbericht Option

Die berufsbezogene Deutschsprachförderung gemäß § 45a des Aufenthaltsgesetzes ist seit 2016 ein Regelinstrument, dessen Ziel der Erwerb berufsbezogener deutscher Sprachkenntnisse durch Zugewanderte ist. Der vorliegende Bericht stellt die Ergebnisse einer Folgeuntersuchung zum Hauptbericht der Evaluation der berufsbezogenen Deutschsprachförderung dar. Untersucht werden die längerfristigen Verläufe und Wirkungen. Der Bericht enthält Einschätzungen der beteiligten Akteure zum Verlauf der Förderung, Ergebnisse quantitativer Wirkungsanalysen sowie darauf aufbauend eine Analyse der Maßnahmenwirtschaftlichkeit in längerfristiger Betrachtung.Since 2016, German language courses for professional purposes in accordance with § 45a of the German Residence Act have been a regular instrument in German integration policy. The goal of these courses is the acquisition of job-related German language skills by immigrants. This report presents the results of a follow-up study to the main report on the evaluation of German language courses for professional purposes. It examines the longer-term effects of the programme. The report contains assessments of the actors involved on the development of the language courses, the results of quantitative impact analyses and an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the measures from a longer-term perspective

Perilous Pathways: The Dangerous Migration of Ethiopians to South Africa

Since the 1990s, Ethiopian youths and adults - primarily from the country’s southern and central regions - have been migrating to South Africa via the "southern route." Over the past 25 years, this male-dominated migration flow has grown increasingly irregular, relying on human smugglers and multiple transit countries. The Ethiopian immigrant population in South Africa has expanded significantly, with shifts in the demographics of migrants, including age, ethnicity, place of origin, gender, and socioeconomic status. Rural youth have increasingly joined this migration stream, and more women are now migrating for marriage. Migration brokers play a pivotal role in facilitating irregular migration from Ethiopia to South Africa. Upon arrival, most Ethiopian immigrants engage in the informal economy and remain socially segregated, with language barriers hindering integration. The profile of migrants has diversified in recent years, now including teenagers, college graduates, and civil servants. Concurrently, the smuggling and settlement processes have evolved, particularly due to stricter border controls - exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic - which have altered smuggling dynamics and exacerbated inequalities among Ethiopian migrants in South Africa. Social networks sustain this migration trend, fueled by narratives of financial success shared by early migrants through remittances, material goods sent back home, and social media. Labour market demands shape migrant profiles, with varying skill levels (low-skilled, unskilled, high-skilled) and gendered labour roles influencing migration patterns. Religion, particularly evangelical Christianity, also plays a significant role, framing migration as a divine blessing, shaping risk perceptions, and providing spiritual support in navigating the challenges of settlement. Aspirations for economic advancement and self-improvement drive many migrants, often leading them into precarious journeys facilitated by smuggling networks operating from Hosanna (the capital of Hadiya Zone) and Nairobi. Corruption among law enforcement agencies further enables this transnational smuggling industry. However, rising xenophobia in South Africa and stricter enforcement in transit countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi have reduced migration along this route since 2015. Unauthorized Ethiopian migrants in South Africa face stigmatization. They are, often being perceived as criminals, informal economy operators, or threats to local employment opportunities. This perception exacerbates their marginalization and limits their integration into South African society.Seit den 1990er Jahren wandern äthiopische Jugendliche und Erwachsene - vor allem aus den südlichen und zentralen Regionen des Landes - über die "Südroute" nach Südafrika ein. In den letzten 25 Jahren ist dieser männerdominierte Migrationsstrom zunehmend irregulär geworden und ist auf Menschenschmuggler und zahlreiche Transitländer angewiesen. Die äthiopische Einwandererbevölkerung in Südafrika hat deutlich zugenommen, wobei sich die demografische Zusammensetzung der Migranten hinsichtlich Alter, ethnischer Zugehörigkeit, Herkunftsort, Geschlecht und sozioökonomischem Status verändert hat. Zunehmend schließen sich auch Jugendliche aus ländlichen Gebieten diesem Migrationsstrom an, und immer mehr Frauen wandern aus, um zu heiraten. Migrationsvermittler spielen eine zentrale Rolle bei der Erleichterung der irregulären Migration von Äthiopien nach Südafrika. Nach ihrer Ankunft arbeiten die meisten äthiopischen Einwanderer in der informellen Wirtschaft und bleiben sozial segregiert, wobei Sprachbarrieren ihre Integration erschweren. Das Profil der Migranten hat sich in den letzten Jahren diversifiziert und umfasst nun auch Teenager, Hochschulabsolventen und Beamte. Gleichzeitig haben sich die Schmuggel- und Ansiedlungsprozesse weiterentwickelt, insbesondere aufgrund strengerer Grenzkontrollen - verschärft durch Faktoren wie die COVID-19-Pandemie -, die die Schmuggeldynamik verändert und die Ungleichheiten unter äthiopischen Migranten in Südafrika verschärft haben. Soziale Netzwerke unterstützen diesen Migrationstrend, befeuert durch Erzählungen über finanziellen Erfolg, die frühe Migranten durch Geldüberweisungen, materielle Güter, die in die Heimat geschickt wurden, und soziale Medien teilten. Die Anforderungen des Arbeitsmarktes prägen die Profile der Migranten, wobei unterschiedliche Qualifikationsniveaus (geringqualifiziert, ungelernt, hochqualifiziert) und geschlechtsspezifische Arbeitsrollen die Migrationsmuster beeinflussen. Auch Religion, insbesondere das evangelikale Christentum, spielt eine bedeutende Rolle, indem es Migration als göttlichen Segen darstellt, die Risikowahrnehmung prägt und spirituelle Unterstützung bei der Bewältigung der Herausforderungen der Ansiedlung bietet. Das Streben nach wirtschaftlichem Aufstieg und Selbstverbesserung treibt viele Migranten an und führt sie oft auf prekäre Reisen, die durch Schmuggelnetzwerke ermöglicht werden, die von Hosanna (der Hauptstadt der Hadiya-Zone) und Nairobi aus operieren. Korruption in den Strafverfolgungsbehörden begünstigt den transnationalen Schmuggel. Zunehmende Fremdenfeindlichkeit in Südafrika und strengere Maßnahmen in Transitländern wie Kenia, Tansania und Malawi haben jedoch die Migration auf dieser Route seit 2015 reduziert. Irreguläre äthiopische Migranten in Südafrika sind Stigmatisierung ausgesetzt. Sie werden oft als Kriminelle, informelle Wirtschaftsakteure oder als Bedrohung für lokale Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten wahrgenommen. Diese Wahrnehmung verschärft ihre Marginalisierung und schränkt ihre Integration in die südafrikanische Gesellschaft ein

Accessing Social Rights for Vulnerable Groups Without an Address

The European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) underscores the importance of ensuring access to rights and services for marginalized groups. However, in many European countries, access to social rights depends on prerequisites often unattainable for vulnerable groups. A critical barrier is the requirement to provide proof of address, a condition that disproportionately affects people experiencing homelessness (PEH). While the Homeless Bill of Rights recognizes the right to a postal address as a potential remedy to this issue, empirical research suggests this right remains largely inaccessible in practice. Furthermore, the literature highlights that welfare conditionality increasingly restricts access to social rights, as the imposition of stringent eligibility criteria and punitive measures for non‐compliance disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups. This study investigates the intersection of legal and sociological perspectives on access to social rights for individuals without a fixed abode, focusing on one case study: "the reference address." This alternative registration enables PEH to meet the proof‐of‐address requirement for social benefits in Belgium. Moreover, this study assesses how this policy aligns with international human rights standards, including the European Social Charter (ESC) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and whether it adequately meets the needs of their target group. Based on the evaluation of both the "law in books" and "law in practice," a comprehensive review of the reference address is necessary to address discrepancies both in legislation, and between legislation and implementation, to consider less stringent conditionality, and ensure an inclusive procedure containing effective legal remedies

Empowering Vocational Education in Georgia: Insights into the German-Georgian research project VoCasian

In a globalized world, education, especially vocational education and training, is becoming increasingly important for economic growth and social stability. Internationalization has become a central topic in this field and can be considered a key aspect for a sustainable education system. Many countries, including developing and newly industrializing countries as well as countries with school-based vocational education and training systems, are undertaking reform efforts in order to meet the growing qualification requirements and increase the employability of young people. The increased competitiveness of the TVET system that this aims to achieve is set to influence the competitiveness of local SMEs in the country as well. One example of such reform efforts is Georgia. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is supporting the Georgian vocational training reform by building up and increasing capacities for vocational training research. Local universities are brought together with the Georgian Ministry of Education, business stakeholders and German TVET experts in order to achieve sustainable and multiplicative effects. The project includes the establishment of a doctoral program at the partner university in Tbilisi. The results will be summarized in this book, combining the national perspective with international development trends in the academization of teachers in vocational education and training

Co‐Creation in Automated Public Space Lighting Design: Enhancing Safety and Reducing Light Pollution

Public space lighting in urban areas is a crucial issue linked to climate change in developed environments. It significantly influences aesthetics, functionality, and the sense of safety while also contributing to the problem of light pollution. However, addressing these challenges requires a balance between technical optimization and environmental considerations, which this study explores through an experimental approach. This study examines the application of advanced digital technologies in designing and optimizing public space lighting, particularly in parks. The focus is on presenting a modular algorithm as a foundation for iterative improvements rather than a fully comprehensive lighting design solution. The article presents an algorithm that iteratively determines the optimal number and placement of lamps based on expected lighting levels. While illuminance levels are considered, future extensions could include additional parameters such as glare, uniformity, and color temperature to meet professional standards. This method has significant potential for involving public space users in lighting optimization. The algorithm relies on expected lighting levels, which can be derived from standards and designer decisions. However, user expectations can also be incorporated into simulations. For instance, an interactive application could allow users to highlight under‐illuminated or overly bright areas, contributing to a co‐created desired lighting map. Lighting levels can be precisely calculated, yet users' subjective perceptions may be crucial in achieving soft, nature‐friendly lighting. The article presents the algorithm and discusses the potential of designer‐computer and designer‐computer‐user co‐creation for human‐ and nature‐friendly design. This modular framework lays the groundwork for future refinements by integrating professional input and addressing broader lighting parameters