Verband für Internationale Politik und Völkerrecht e. V. Berlin
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Our self-concept
Our Verband für Internationale Politik und Völkerrecht e.V. (Association for International Politics and International Law) was founded in February 1990. It is a registered non-profit organization which studies political, economic and international law aspects of international developments and current foreign policy issues in Germany and Europe, and it reports about the history of the GDR’s external relations.
Its membership comprises mainly Foreign Service personnel, experts of international law and from other areas of international affairs, as well as journalists and students. Any person interested in international politics may join the Association, and its meetings and similar functions are open to the public. We undertake a range of educational and public relations activities to contribute to greater understanding among peoples and to the development of friendly relations between and among states so that the world would be a more peaceful place and human rights be universally assured and enjoyed.
The Association maintains contacts with national and international bodies, institutions, associations, foundations and research establishments in Europe and other regions that pursue similar aims and objectives. In regard to European security and cooperation, in particular in the OSCE context, the Association works together with other non-governmental organizations. Functions organized by the Association may be used by figures of public life to have their foreign policy concepts discussed.
Involving experienced practitioners and scientists, the Association takes part in the discussion of global, regional and specific national matters. With research projects, scientific conventions, panel discussions and publications we participate in national and international discussions on peace-building and conflict prevention, implementation of human rights, and new demands on international law.
Analysis of the political and social transformation processes in Eastern, Southeastern and Central Europe is another important line of our activities. In this regard, an objective and balanced review of the two German states’ foreign policies from 1949 to 1990 has been and remains a special priority topic on our agenda.
Realizing the major political and societal changes in Europe and the world, the Association joins in the ongoing debate on new challenges for the conduct of international relations and of the Federal Republic of Germany’s foreign policy.