Colloquium of the Network for International Affairs – nefia e.V. 2025
Soft Power, Hard Power: The Future of Humanitarian and Development Cooperation
Panel discussion with Dr. Astrid Irrgang (ZIF – Center for International Peace Operations), Kuany Kiir Kuany, Dr. Mariia Levchenko (Berghof Foundation) & Tjark Marten Egenhoff (formerly UNDP), facilitated by Valeska Onken (UNU-MERIT/GIZ)
When: Saturday, 06 September 2025, 5–7.30pm
Where: bUm – Raum für solidarisches Miteinander, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 21, 10999 Berlin
Geopolitical rivalries intensify, global challenges grow more complex and the global donor landscape is shifting rapidly. The United States is retreating from the field of international cooperation, exemplified by the closure of USAID. Across Europe – including Germany, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries – budgets for development and humanitarian cooperation are being reduced, while military spending is rising sharply. In this changing landscape, traditional instruments of “soft power” risk being sidelined by more assertive, merely security-driven approaches.
This panel explores how concepts of soft and hard power shape today’s international cooperation: How are humanitarian and development instruments being used to serve strategic interests? What are the risks and opportunities of this shift for principled, people-centered engagement? And how can humanitarian and development actors navigate a future where values and power politics (seemingly) collide? Join us for a critical discussion on the evolving role of international cooperation in a contested global landscape.
Everyone is cordially invited. Admission is free, registration is kindly requested through this link.
The event will be held in English. The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel welcome to contact the association’s board and management at info@nefia.org. nefia e.V. is the alumni network of the Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs and the former Stiftungskolleg. To find out more, please visit www.nefia.org.
Adresse
Paul-Lincke-Ufer 2110999 Berlin
Deutschland
Veranstaltungsort
bUm – Raum für solidarisches Miteinander