Guest Speaker Highlight: Dr. Merga Yonas Bula

This semester, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Merga Yonas Bula to our seminar. Together with our students, he explored two timely and thought-provoking topics on digital diasporas and transnational communication: A big thank-you to Dr. Yonas for his insightful contributions and engaging discussions!

SCHOLARSHIP IN DIASPORA

11 July 2025 | 17:00–20:00 | Global Village Berlin How can scholars in exile contribute their expertise and help shapesociety? What opportunities and challenges arise from knowledgeproduced in diaspora contexts? On 11 July 2025, we invite selected guests to join us at GlobalVillage Berlin for an evening of discussion on the potential of exiledand diaspora

COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC SPHERE IN FRAGILE STATES: A TRANSFOMATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM USING THE EXAMPLE OF AFGHANISTAN

Dr Kefa Hamidi (With input from Dr Hazrat Bahar) The programmatic paper presents an innovative programme at Leipzig University that integrates six exiled scholars from Afghanistan into research, teaching and transfer. The programme focuses on investigating the Afghan media system and public communication spaces in fragile states. The programme is based at the Centre for

EXILED, DIGITALIZED, AND GLOBAL: THE COMMUNICATIVE AND MEDIA PUBLIC SPHERE OF AFGHANISTAN

Kefajat Hamidi This study examines the evolving public sphere in Afghanistan, which has been profoundly shaped by the processes of mediatisation, transnationalisation, platformisation and segmentation. The research focuses on both traditional actors (classical media) and emerging communicators (digital activists) who are influencing and redefining this space. The study highlights the dynamic interaction between Afghanistan and

Recap: 11th Masterclass – Pursuing a PhD

This week, the Research Center for Development Communication – Communication for Social Change (EC4SC) hosted the 11th edition of our Masterclass series. The focus of this session was “Pursuing a PhD”, aimed at students and early-career researchers planning to embark on a doctoral journey. Over the course of three insightful days, participants gained practical knowledge

New Seminar at Leipzig University

In the upcoming semester, the Research Center for Development Communication – Communication for Social Change (EC4SC) is pleased to offer a new seminar:Diaspora-Kommunikation in Deutschland – Seminar & Projektseminar
 Lecturer: Dr. Hazrat Bahar (Leipzig University, EC4SC) This course explores how diaspora communities in Germany engage in transnational communication, media representation, and digital networking. Students will

Conference 2025 – Save the Date!

We are excited to announce that our Conference is happening again this year! Join us on October 29th and 30th at the Albertina Library for insightful discussions on “Transnationalization Begins at Home – Unseen Dynamics in Public Communication.” This year’s conference will explore key topics such as transnationalization, platformization, and diasporic communication in digital media.

HOW DO THE TALIBAN USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE ITS AGENDA AND INFLUENCE PUBLIC OPINION IN AFGHANISTAN?

Felicitas Mettner This study examines how the Taliban utilize social media to promote their agenda and shape public opinion in Afghanistan. While traditionally opposed to modern media, the Taliban have adapted to digital platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and encrypted messaging apps, using them for propaganda, recruitment, and strategic messaging. Findings indicate that the

DEEP INTERNALIZATION- MEDIA AND PUBLIC SPHERESIN FRAGILE STATES: THE CASE OF AFGHANISTAN

Henriette Unbehaun This study examines the propaganda strategies employed by the Taliban, particularly before and after their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. By analyzing narratives, media channels, and target audiences, the research explores how the Taliban have evolved from a movement restricting media access to one that actively leverages traditional and digital platforms to spread