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!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Emma Segebrecht & Helena Ahlgrimm Social media campaigns play a crucial role in public discourse and mobilization in fragile states. This study examines MyRedLine (MRL), a 2019 Afghan social media campaign that allowed citizens to voice their concerns about Taliban peace talks. Through video testimonials shared online, the campaign generated 20 million impressions, fostering dialogue…