The importance of narratives and the need to overcome ‘narrative traps

From the outset, Stahl emphasises the importance of narratives in the perception of China. Drawing on the work of Robert Shiller, he explains how narratives – a mixture of facts and emotions – can influence behaviour and political decisions, and how biased narratives can become harmful ‘thought viruses’. He warns against the polarisation of opinions, exacerbated by social networks, geopolitical tensions and technological transformations. The author urges us to look beyond simplistic visions of China as either a threat or an ideal partner, highlighting the complexity of Chinese society and the diversity of viewpoints even within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

A Chinese society in the throes of transformation

The book explores China’s transformation from a ‘workshop of the world’ to a centre of technology and innovation. Concrete examples such as the city of Shenzhen, Deng Xiaoping’s policy of openness, and the emergence of companies such as Huawei illustrate this evolution. Stahl describes a multi-faceted Chinese society, where elements of socialism and the market economy, ancestral traditions and modernity coexist. He also discusses the challenges facing the country, such as social inequality, the urban-rural divide and environmental problems.

The role of the Communist Party and the five-year plans

China’s political system is presented in all its complexity. While the CCP plays a central role, the author emphasises that the legitimacy of the government is measured not only by the way it comes to power (entry legitimacy), but also by its ability to produce satisfactory results for the population (exit legitimacy). The five-year plans are no longer a rigid planning of the economy, but a tool for coordinating public policies. The author mentions the country’s fiscal decentralisation, with local authorities managing a significant proportion of public spending.

China in the world: influence and ambitions

China has become a major player on the international stage, investing massively in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The New Silk Roads Initiative (OBOR) is presented as an ambitious geopolitical and economic project, aimed at linking China to the rest of the world through infrastructure. Stahl explains how China is seeking to develop its influence through the dissemination of its culture, cinema and values. He highlights the development of the Chinese internet under an ‘electronic wall’ which has encouraged the growth of national companies, but which has also been criticised as a censorship measure.

Economic, technological and social issues

The book explores the economic and technological challenges posed by China’s rise to power. The author highlights the country’s growing role in innovation, particularly in patents, space, 5G and the digital economy. He also examines the ‘dual circuit’ policies that aim to strengthen both the autonomy of the national economy and its participation in the global economy. Stahl also looks at environmental challenges and China’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The state of the property market and the hukou system are also discussed, highlighting the inequalities and social tensions they engender.

Europe faces up to the challenges

Stahl calls on the European Union to define a new strategy vis-à-vis China, taking into account the complexity of relations and the geopolitical issues at stake. He stresses the need to defend effective multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in the management of international affairs. The author invites the EU to favour constructive dialogue with China, avoiding a confrontational approach and promoting cooperation on global challenges such as climate change. He stresses that the EU’s values, such as human dignity, peace and democracy, must guide its foreign policy.

A call for international cooperation

In conclusion, ‘China: Dangerous Rival or Cooperative Partner?’ is an invitation to reflection and action. The author calls for greater international cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change and underdevelopment. He warns against simplifications and ‘narrative traps’, and calls for a pragmatic and balanced approach to EU-China relations. The book makes a valuable contribution to the debate on the future of Sino-European relations, offering rigorous analysis and pertinent recommendations.

Gerhard Stahl’s book is an essential tool for anyone intending to understand the issues surrounding China and contribute to building a more balanced and cooperative world.

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A challenge that calls for action

‘Donald Trump can be frightening. This fear can be beneficial in pushing European leaders to put aside their differences and work together’, says Letta. This bold analysis suggests that, faced with a potentially hostile US administration, European countries could be forced to step up their cooperation.

Towards a European defence

One of the most significant consequences could be the acceleration of the integration of European defence. Letta proposes three fundamental avenues: firstly, the creation of a common defence market. Letta made it clear that this would be a common market, not a single market, because defence cannot be subject to the rules of the free market like other sectors. Secondly, to finance this Europe of defence, he advocates the use of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). This instrument, created during the financial crisis but little used, has substantial funds at its disposal that are currently without a precise destination. Lastly, it proposes agreements between the main defence industry producing countries to undertake common initiatives aimed at putting an end to the current fragmentation of this industry and thus reducing dependence on American military equipment. Picture: @European Union

Boosting Europe through a stronger single market

Letta stresses the importance of reforming and extending the European single market, with particular emphasis on the telecommunications, energy and financial services sectors. Greater integration in these areas would bring many benefits. It would reduce the current fragmentation, resulting in 27 separate national markets, and stimulate investment in research and innovation. Better use of European savings would also help to finance local businesses, while facilitating the resources needed for the green and digital transitions. This reform would also strengthen Europe’s competitiveness towards the United States and China, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

An opportunity for European unity

Although the possibility of a Trump presidency raises concerns, Letta sees it as an opportunity for Europe to pull itself together. ‘If we act like this, we play into the hands of the Americans, the Chinese and the Indians. Whereas if we get together, we’re stronger, and we’re capable of creating jobs, of having growth at home’, he asserts.

In conclusion, Enrico Letta’s message is clear: faced with the potential adversity represented by a new Trump administration, Europe has the opportunity to transform this challenge into a driving force for unity and progress. It is by putting aside their differences and working together that the countries of Europe will not only be able to face up to this situation, but also emerge stronger on the international stage.

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Onélica Andrade, who has worked on climate change in Brussels since 2016, is one of 13 pledged delegates for Democrats Abroad, the official branch of the Party for the 9 million US citizens living outside the United States. Andrade was born in Venezuela, and moved to the US as a teenager.

“I am thrilled and honored to represent Democrats Abroad at the Convention. I ran to be a delegate because I want to do everything within my power to contribute to the election effort. The tolerant country that welcomed me and my family is at risk and I cannot sit idly by. I want to wake up on November 4th and feel that I have done my utmost to ensure a blue White House and Congress.”

This year’s Convention is a radically different event from those of years past. Typically a massive, week-long event with tens of thousands of Democrats flocking to a single city, the Convention was moved to a fully on-line event to protect the health and safety of the delegates and the surrounding community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Andrade and her fellow Delegates, who come from all over the world, from Kathmandu to Kigali, have already begun rallying together on Zoom calls, downloading ballots to vote on the Party Platform and for the Biden/Harris ticket.

“We’re very pleased to have someone from our small, yet active, chapter participate in the Convention for the very first time”, says Democrats Abroad Belgium Chair, Pauline Manos. Julia Bryan, Democrats Abroad Global Chair, adds, “Onélica is a member of the youngest, most diverse, delegation we have ever elected. Each member brings their own unique perspective to the table through their experiences in the US and abroad.” More details on the Convention and speakers are available here. Vice-President Biden and Senator Harris will address the Convention on August 20th (from 3-5am CET on August 21st).

About the Democratic National Convention

Taking place Aug 17-20, 2020 the 2020 Democratic National Convention will be a “Convention Across America” with virtual events and online engagement to engage Americans all over, while protecting the health and safety of delegates and the surrounding community. For more information: https://www.demconvention.com/

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The government was also willing to send a multidisciplinary team to Lebanon with members of the Civil Protection that are specialized in the detection of dangerous substances (CBRN detectors), members of the military component of Defence to make a further assessment of the medical needs, the military burns unit and some specialists to support the whole operation. For the time being, however, the Lebanese authorities do not see an urgent need for more relief workers on site and mainly need relief supplies.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation, Alexander De Croo, decided to allocate one million for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help deal with the medical emergency on the ground. This is a reorientation of part of the humanitarian funds within the existing budget. In addition, he is also consulting with NGOs and international humanitarian organizations for additional humanitarian efforts.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Philippe Goffin had already offered Belgian assistance on Tuesday evening to assist Lebanon in overcoming the consequences of the terrible explosion as quickly as possible. Following the official Lebanese request with specific needs, Minister Goffin immediately activated the B-Fast mechanism and technicians from the Ministry of Defence, FPS Home Affairs, FPS Public Health, FPS Bosa, FPS Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation met virtually to analyze the request.

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Over the years, SB OverSeas has expanded, taken on new projects and ideas to develop our programmes on the ground in both Brussels and in Lebanon. With a focus on remedial education for our beneficiaries; children, adults, women and men. SB OverSeas has invited motivated individuals, passionate about education, to volunteer in our centres and take part of an educational movement, by raising awareness about different issues and bringing hope that change could and would be achieved. Since then, we have welcomed over 250 international volunteers from all walks of life and all across the globe.

In Brussels, we have expanded our volunteer programme to students and working professionals from all nationalities. We have also been working closely with universities, providing students internships at our Brussels office and offering them the opportunity to apply their skills in an international environment both in Europe via our programmes.

After years of experience with our volunteer programme and hosting interns in our Brussels office, we are pleased to announce the start of our Lebanon Internship Programme starting in January 2020 at two of our education & empowerment centres in Lebanon. These internship positions are catered to individuals who are eager to develop their teaching skills as well as put into practice additional skills or interests in the field of communications and marketing, project development, empowerment development, child protection, and teaching and education.

We are offering a 3-part programme in which interns will teach in our centres so that they fully understand the challenges of daily work, what improvements can be made, and develop projects that increase learning. Interns will have their own set of tasks, responsibilities, and a supervisor on the ground whom will follow their projects that reflect their chosen role. The internship also includes an Arabic language course that helps elevate the interns ability to communicate in classrooms, immerse quicker into the community, and gain Arabic proficiency, a vital skill in the international field.

Interns now have the opportunity to take their internships abroad, working in an international humanitarian field and networking with key players in the world of non-profit and non-governmental organizations. The programme has been designed to enhance the interns professional and personal development as they receive hands on experience in the humanitarian field, apply their skills to projects outside of the classrooms, and get a taste of what it is like to work on an international level.

If you or anyone you know is interested in taking their internship abroad, honing new skills, or changing career paths into the humanitarian field, please head to our website where you can read our brochures for more details and apply online.

So what are you waiting for? Take a leap, join our new movement of Generation Education and bring meaning to your internship!

The post Looking for a way to advance your Humanitarian Career? appeared first on Brussels Express.

This is a gap that we are attempting to fill with The Refugee Journal.

We are pleased to share with the Brussels Express community and exclusive early release of our new “Refugee Journal” this magazine has been created for you by the Refugees who attend our programs in Lebanon and Brussels.

The vision of the journal is to serve as a platform for the individuals in our community to share with each other and the work their thoughts, skills and talents – putting the power of the narrative about refugees back into their hands.

Here is an excerpt from a young girl at the Bukra Ahla centre in Beirut writing a letter to her future self:

“So, even with all the impediments in your life, and in your education, you overcome it by trusting yourself, and by the people who you support ,who give you strength and hope. So , trust in yourself, and just be yourself, and tell yourself who encouraged you, and who gave you all kinds of love. You’re the creative girl in the world not the failure.”

By clicking on the link you will have access to the full content of our first issue. This inaugural issue features primarily the voices of the youth that we support in Brussels and in Lebanon, in honor of them and International YOUTH Day.

Every two months we will be releasing a new edition. All of the content has been curated by our colleagues in Lebanon that work closely with our community in paying attention to every last detail. The magazine is composed of experiences, customs and creative expressions of the youth and women we work with. We will be including different types of material including, art, writing, photos, crafts, recipes.

Not only can you enjoy the work shared in the Journal, in this digital format it is something that the women and youth can be proud of and share with their friends and family.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed the process of creating this unique journal for you!

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The 23-year-old woman and her two children have been in the Kurdish camp of Al-Roj since February 2018 and want to return to Belgium. « According to the court, the children have the subjective right to protection by the Belgian state — mother and children have the right to be protected against inhuman and degrading treatment and they have the right to consular protection from the Belgian state,” Cohen said.

Recently, also the US ambassador in Brussels, Ronald Gidwitz, expressed himself on the topic. The diplomat stated that Belgium « must repatriate » its 50 terror fighters from Syria, for »security reasons ».

On the other hand, Sophie Wilmès announced that Belgium does not intend to repatriate the Belgian jihadists, freed from Kurdish prisons following the Turkish offensive in Syria. The MP Georges Dallemagne thinks this is a mistake. « The United States is right, we must repatriate the jihadists […] I think the ambassador is right. The question of repatriation is not humanitarian, it is a question of security », said to LN24.

« The Prime Minister repeats what has always been said, that the Belgian jihadists must be judged as close to the place where they committed their crimes, but we know that it is not possible. I spoke with Kurds, who told me ‘we have already fought on the ground, captured, detained your nationals. We do not intend to keep them for years, why should this threat affect our population? ».

The post Brussels court says Belgium has to repatriate an IS fighter and her two children from Syria within 75 days appeared first on Brussels Express.

He expressed his support for the OIF’s commitment to various topics such as children’s rights and the protection of children. The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child will soon be celebrating its 30th anniversary. Children’s rights are central to Belgium’s work during its mandate in the UN Security Council in New York.

Belgium is ready to share its knowledge in the field of civil status to tackle the problem of so-called family-less children, who can fall prey to armed groups.

✊ Deputy Prime Minister @dreynders argues for #childrensrights at the @OIFfrancophonie conference in Monaco. #cmfmonaco

🇧🇪🇺🇳 Moreover children’s rights are central to Belgium’s work during its mandate in the #UNSC.

📎 https://t.co/OjXH99HkGq pic.twitter.com/6FWOHBuGFj

— Belgium MFA 🇧🇪 (@BelgiumMFA) October 31, 2019

« I agree with the Secretary-General’s desire to implement reforms and thus give the OIF more visibility and efficiency, » said Minister Reynders.

He also reiterated that our country is available to contribute to the French-speaking identity and to maintain good cooperation between North and South.

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The Confucius Institutes of VUB and ULB were founded in 2016 with the cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Education. These institutions are presented as places of discovery and learning of the Chinese language and culture, and as a pole of exchange and meeting between China and Belgium. However, the State Security has always worried that it could also be a huge Trojan horse inside the two universities.

In fact, now the director of the site of the Flemish university is suspected of having used his network for espionage purposes, and of having recruited students and people from the business world for the Chinese secret service. The man denies the facts. The management of the ULB site has nothing to do with this case. Contacted however this Tuesday afternoon for a comment, it was unreachable.

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Belgium was one of the first countries to sign the Charter and the United Nations remains a unique global framework for realizing a multilateral commitment.

Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Didier Reynders and Alexander De Croo emphasize the importance of the United Nations.

Multilateralism is in the DNA of Belgian diplomacy. It unites countries and increases the quality of the solutions that are jointly found for complex problems. An international legal order can promote stability, peace and security. The UN also guarantees a comprehensive approach, in which peace and security are inextricably linked to respect for human rights and the sustainable development of people and the environment.

 

 

Multilateralism is a choice. This choice is not self-evident for everyone. At a time when certain conflicts are escalating or not being resolved, we need to reinvest with particular energy in dialogue, respect for the principles of the UN Charter and the promotion of the international legal order. Belgium is strongly in favour of strengthening the law, rather than the law of the strongest. International humanitarian law must not be further undermined. Protecting citizens – and certainly the most vulnerable ones – is a duty, not an option. This is what is at stake for our country, including during our mandate in the Security Council.

Both ministers therefore call for solidarity with the victims of all violent conflicts, but also for concrete lessons to be learned, on this United Nations Day. Even though the world has changed enormously since the creation of the UN, the principles of the Charter remain valid and universal. That is why Belgium wants to continue to work for a strong UN that can prevent conflicts and guarantee lasting peace.

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