Elias Reiche – CISS

National reforms regulating prostitution to combat human trafficking.

Elias Reiche — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 06:35:07 +0000

International human trafficking is a  flourishing, however often overlooked problem. In order to talk about current legal reforms, CISS in cooperation with the Association of Humboldt University initiated a panel discussion on this issue at the Humboldt University in Berlin. We are very happy that not only prominent representatives of teaching, research and legal practice followed our invitation, but that we were able to welcome a representative of the profession itself who gave us a special perspective from the insight on a highly controversial regulatory area.

Particularly the new law of 2017 regulating prostitution was criticised by our guests as such reforms often do not have the effect they actually intend to have. An example is the newly introduced registration process for sexworkers. Highly trained professionals often have to meet with civil servants showing poor knowledge on the matter. Furthermore, the aim of combatting human trafficking and sexual exploitation is often not met for a variety of reasons. When it comes to the registration for example victims of forced prostitution are often forcibly driven to these meetings by their exploiters. The fear of drawbacks from reporting to any official is another major problem and often the reason why a continuing exploitation over several years is even possible.

The reforms of the §232 StGB and the new German law regulating prostitution were lively discussed with students after the official part of the evening. We are very happy about the positive feedback and the remarkable turnout. Accordingly, we will publish a transcript of the evening within this year on CISS’s website.

Visit to the Russian Embassy Berlin

Elias Reiche — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 06:18:16 +0000

During its semiannual meeting in Berlin CISS’s core team and members had the opportunity of visiting the Russian embassy on the 22^nd of February. After a brief walking-tour through the building we had a discussion circle with three young diplomats debating and identifying challenges and perspectives of the Russo-European relationship.

The architecture of the building complex built in 1837 is impressive to say the least. Moreover, we had the opportunity to see smaller rooms in which Russian leaders meet with German representatives just as Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel for example.

Afterwards, our talk with the three young Russian diplomats was held in the beautiful concert hall. Being able to talk to officials who just graduated and started their first station of the journey at an embassy enabled us to get a glimpse on ways to enter the diplomatic world in Russia. The political discussion was not as controversial as some of us may have expected. Both sides stated their respective position on recent socio-economic events as represented in the media and therefore did not offer many novel perspectives. However, it was delightful to have a direct dialogue. Furthermore, CISS has been invited to potentially visit again one day and is looking forward to further discuss the different perspectives in the future.

Promoting multilateralism with political new media.

Elias Reiche — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 11:55:10 +0000

The global rise of right-wing populism and its repeated renunciation of multilateral agreements pose the greatest threat to our diplomatic world order after the end of the Second World War. It is increasingly being countered by voices demanding left-wing or liberal populism. Yet these demands harbour the risk of still further misinformation and social division. A modern communication strategy based on partnership could combat this problem in a more pluralistic and sustainable way. Media partnerships aimed at recruiting multilateral players to extend their communi- cation impact have the potential to create informed voting behaviour which promotes multilateralism.

There already exists a good deal of first-rate journalism which conveys complex problems in a structured way and unfiltered first-hand information is also frequently available to the public. Regrettably, however, many people opt for one-sided and thus far simpler solutions to complex questions. As a result, many people believe in a kind of “secret diplomacy”. Only recently, Peter Ramsauer, chairman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, used this term when speaking of the UN migration pact. This type of view allows populists to deliberately misinterpret current developments within international politics. Unfortunately, this provides fertile ground for political power being given to those who seek to reverse years of progressive work in international cooperation.

A key role in this process could be played by Social media stars, also known as “influencers”. In fact, there are a number of different ways to involve them. One option would be to implement quotas for bloggers and influencers at events typically reserved exclusively for decision-makers. Being close to the source of information would make it possible for these influencers to counter incorrect information online. Another conceivable option would be to collaborate directly with companies like YouTube, Netflix and Facebook. Social media communication errors made by political players are generally the work of non-specialists. Fictional projects present another opportunity to promote multilateralism, alongside documentaries and interviews. A beautifully produced series on the workings, influence and impact of the United Nations, for instance, has the potential to draw attention to the significance of international organisations. By tapping into the media consumed by non-political people on a daily basis, it becomes possible to arouse their interest. This may, in turn, lead them to become actively involved in the future.

New media shapes the opinions of both current and future voters and cannot be left to one-sided or incorrect information. However, rather than focussing on quantity, initiatives aimed at changing this must distinguish themselves through quality. It is therefore important to establish reliable partnerships with people who do not traditionally belong to the political sphere. The goal must be to include people who were not previously part of the debate or who never even considered taking part in it. The purpose, after all, is not to change the political spectrum, but rather to communicate that there is only one effective way to secure peace and progress: by working together.

This article was published in the March issue of the Diplomatic Magazin.