The focus section in this number is dedicated to Germany's role in international science, research, and knowledge.

Worth nothing is the article on the protection of cultural diversity in the forthcoming GATS treaty by Blinn, who participates for the German government in the GATS negotiations; in his view this agreement will have a negative impact also on the public cultural funding in Germany.

Some articles are accessible online on the website of the German Institut für Auslandbeziehungen, together with further information sources, at this external link.