@article{AbelsAnheierBeggetal., author = {Abels, Christoph M. and Anheier, Helmut K. and Begg, Iain and Featherstone, Kevin}, title = {Enhancing Europe's Global Power: A Scenario Exercise with Eight Proposals}, series = {Global Policy}, volume = {11}, journal = {Global Policy}, number = {1}, issn = {1758-5880}, doi = {10.1111/1758-5899.12792}, pages = {128 -- 142}, abstract = {In the present context of intensifying competition between the major trading economies and potentially game-changing technological developments, the European Union is generally seen as the weaker party. Lacking the 'hard power' derived from military capabilities, it has laid claim to a 'soft power' of normative influence externally, yet even that is only partially utilised. Nor has Europe been able to exercise the power to coerce - 'sharp power' - commensurate with its economic weight as a trading bloc equivalent in size and reach to the US or China, its most prominent global competitors. How can Europe strengthen its position, and in what fields? Through a scenario exercise, we develop eight policy proposals aimed at countering Europe´s vulnerabilities and enabling it to assert its sharp and soft power more effectively. Specifically, we consider the feasibility, means and scope for their realisation. Together, they provide a transformative agenda for the EU's position in the world.}, language = {en} } @article{AbelsAnheierBeggetal., author = {Abels, Christoph M. and Anheier, Helmut K. and Begg, Iain and Featherstone, Kevin}, title = {Enhancing Europe's Power: A Rejoinder}, series = {Global Policy}, volume = {11}, journal = {Global Policy}, number = {3}, issn = {3-1758-5880}, doi = {10.1111/1758-5899.12812}, pages = {395 -- 399}, abstract = {This rejoinder responds to the eight comments to our report on 'Enhancing Europe's Global Power: A Scenario Exercise with Eight Proposals'. We address questions related to our definition of Europe, the notion of power, context and appropriateness of the scenario approach, the feasibility of enhancing European power, the rationale behind the proposed eight measures as well as the way ahead. Finally, we highlight green policies together with media and communication as promising candidates to increase European power.}, language = {en} } @article{Abels, author = {Abels, Christoph M.}, title = {Everybody lies: Misinformation and Its Implications for the 4th Space}, series = {Proceedings}, volume = {81}, journal = {Proceedings}, number = {1}, doi = {10.3390/proceedings2022081120}, abstract = {Combining earlier spatial typologies of places and communities with computer-mediated communication technologies, Hardegger developed the idea of the 4th space. Given that misinformation has become a crucial problem in many online environments over the course of the last few years, this article attempts to assess the implications of this development for the 4th space. This article begins with an analysis of people's tendency to lie in different environments. Afterwards, properties of the 4th space are assessed that create opportunities for misinformation-based communities to emerge. Finally, open questions in relation to misinformation and the 4th space that deserve further attention are addressed.}, language = {en} } @article{AbelsHardegger, author = {Abels, Christoph M. and Hardegger, Daniel}, title = {Privacy and transparency in the 4th space: Implications for conspirary theories}, series = {Filozofia i Nauka}, volume = {10}, journal = {Filozofia i Nauka}, doi = {10.37240/FiN.2022.10.zs.8}, pages = {187 -- 212}, abstract = {This article investigates the role of privacy and transparency in the 4th Space and outlines their implications for the development and dissemination of conspiracy theories. We argue that privacy can be exploited by individuals and organizations to spread conspiracy theories online, while organizational transparency, intended to increase accountability and ultimately trust, can have the adverse effect and nurture conspiracy beliefs. Through the lens of the 4th Space concept, we offer suggestions on how to approach those challenges which emerge as a result of the complex entanglements of both actual and virtual world across time.}, language = {en} }