Privileged partnership, less democracy?

If the enticement of full EU membership is removed, can the EU achieve its goals for Turkey? This question is made all the more pressing by a renewed perception in Arab countries of "Ottoman" Turkey's belonging in the global Muslim community, writes Claus Leggewie. [more]

Between national church and religious supermarket

Muslim organizations in Germany and the problem of representation

In Germany, "cultural Muslims" have challenged the authority of conservative Muslim organizations to represent "the Muslim community". The problem of representation has to do with the German state's corporatist approach to negotiation, writes Claus Leggewie. [more]

Equally criminal?

Totalitarian experience and European memory

Whoever wishes to give European society a political identity will rate the discussion of disputed memories as highly as treaties, a common currency, and open borders. [more]

From neighbourhood to citizenship

EU and Turkey

For those in favour of "deepening" the EU, the presumed otherness of Islam is cause for alarm; for those in favour of "widening", Turkey's economic and geo-strategic potential counts in its favour. [more]

Transnational movements and the question of democracy

Social movements can provide an early warning system to mainstream politics. But once institutionalized, their lack of democratic mandate raises problems of legitimacy. This paradox must be negotiated if democracy is to respond to the global situation. [more]