Frédéric Martel has just completed an epic five year’ investigation of cultural industries throughout the world. Having weaved his way through 30 countries and conducted over 1,200 interviews; he unravels power relationships, information publication and the many and various strategies of those involved in his latest work “Mainstream”. So…Europe? Let’s take a look.
Following Angela Merkel, and a few days prior to Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister David Cameron has claimed that multiculturalism was a fail. Cécile Laborde, professor at University College of London, is getting concerned about the raise of a "State multiculturalism potentially segregationist", and far more dangerous.
China keeps on buying bonds from the eurozone's troubled economies, a move that some find worrisome, though the sums are not as vast as they appear. In fact, it's more an indicator of China's strategy to turn Europe into an ally in its negotiations with the United States.
With the Tunisian revolution and increasing unrest in Algeria, it's time to reconsider our vision of islam. In a European context of spreading islamophobia, Marc Cheb Sun, founder and director the French “Respect Mag” magazine and initiator of an appeal refusing violence committed in the name of islam (1), invites us to change our view of Muslims inside and outside of Europe's borders.
The Greek government has decided to build a “wall of shame” along the border with Turkey because it is overwhelmed by a massive wave of immigration, which its economy can no longer absorb in the midst of an economic crisis. An analysis from our correspondent in Athens.
Hungary's new media watchdog, barely created, is already scrutinising a small, independent radio. Two Hungarian dailies and a German newspaper published front-page protests at this infringement of press freedom. France and Germany officially call for a change in Hungary's law.
Nearly 4000 web activists have joined forces since last Wednesday to attack the web sites that withdrew support for Wikileaks and its director Julian Assange.
Real estate in big European cities is still too expensive for most potential buyers, especially as banks give out fewer loans. Prices are on the increase in London, but transactions are fewer. Meanwhile things are quiet on the real estate front in Rome, Paris and Madrid
The German minister of Defence wants to get rid of conscription, following suit with the many European countries, the UK and France included, that have put an end to military service. Yet 18 countries in Europe still draft their citizens; in Germany a majority of young conscripts prefer to do a civil service.
Invariably, exhibits of contemporary abstract art in history-laden surroundings spark controversy. But in the world of modern merchandising, there's no such thing as bad buzz. Europe's latest trend is deciphered below.
The European Union has a policy of promoting university foreign-exchange programmes within the community. But now, austerity is also on the agenda. Host countries are wondering if they can afford scholarships for young Europeans who plan to go home as soon as they complete their degrees.
