Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) 2017 for Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Application Deadline: 31st December, 2016

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Nigeria

To be taken at (country): Interviews follow at the US Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria

About the Award: The CYFI fellowship is built around year-long social innovation projects that are designed by fellows and supported by the U.S. Consulate and private partners. Following successful completion of their projects, fellows remain involved with CYFI and the U.S. Consulate through the CYFI Alumni Program.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, was a champion of civil liberties, democracy and closer ties between the U.S. and Nigeria. CYFI invites applications from fellows who are committed to putting the ideals of Walter Carrington into practice. The CYFI Board of Directors will select fellows who demonstrate the exceptional passion, skill, experience, strategic thinking and vision necessary to implement their own innovative and impactful projects.

Type: Entrepreneurship

Eligibility: 

• Passion
  You are committed to making a significant contribution to your community and country
• Skill & Experience
  You have a unique set of skills and experiences that you can use to make an impact
• Strategic Thinking
  You are excited about the opportunity to launch an innovative CYFI project.
  You know how to design a project that is based on sound research, uses resources creatively, builds or improves on existing systems, and leverages partnerships with complimentary organizations
• Vision
  You know the area of social change in which you would like to work, and you can articulate the positive change that you would like to make

Selection: Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by the CYFI Board. Interviews will be held at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

Value of Program: 

• Implement concrete, youth-oriented solutions to issues that concern you
• Access U.S. Government resources and contacts
• Catch the attention of American and Nigerian leaders in the public and private sectors
• Work alongside talented and motivated peers with diverse backgrounds, but similar visions
• Participate in CYFI Alumni Program

How to Apply: Application opens 10th December. You can only fill the application form after this date.

• In addition to providing biographical information, applicants will be asked to complete a hypothetical scenario.  All fields are required.
• You may save the application and return to it at a later time.  Please note however that incomplete applications will not be considered.
• To start the application, proceed to fill the form (to be available soon).

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: An Initiative of the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos.

Apply: MERCK KGaA Accelerator Program Germany Spring 2017

Application Deadline: 19th December, 2016

Eligible Countries: Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia/NZ, Middle East, Antarctica and the Caribbean.

To be taken at (country): Germany

Type: Entrepreneurship

Eligibility: Startup in the field of Digital Healthcare

Number of Awardees: Not specified

Value of Scholarship: Here are the key benefits:
1. Financial support up to €50,000 for your team.
2. Accommodation & office space in the center of Darmstadt, Germany.
3. Access to a global network with 50,000+ industry leaders and investors.
4. Deep-dive mentoring sessions to bring your startup to the next level.
5. Travel & conference opportunities to enrich your international experience as well as the possibility to expand your network through our Silicon Valley extension program.

Duration of Program: March 6, 2017 – May 24, 2017. Announcement of selected startups to pitch will be made on February 15, 2017

How to Apply: Apply here

Visit Programme Webpage for details

Award Provider: MERCK KGaA  Germany

Peace Revolution MENA Salam Fellowship 2017 for Entrepreneurs in MENA Countries

Application Timeline:

Fellowship Date: 27th – 31st March 2017

Application Deadline: 30th November 2016 (last date to apply online)

Eligibility Deadline:20th December 2016 (last date to complete at least 21 days of the online Self-Development Program)

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: MENA Countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

To be taken at (country): Tunisia

Eligible Field of Study:

About the Award: Peace Revolution’s MENA Salam Fellowship will bring together 30 young entrepreneurs from the MENA region on a 5-day inner peace journey in Tunisia while living in an inspiring calm nature.

Are you a young entrepreneur striving to create a better world through your impact?Join the 4th MENA Salam Fellowship where you will learn how to turn your failures into successes and how to eliminate the excess baggage in your life. We can then move forward together and work towards empowering ourselves, our circles, our region and all around the world. Let’s start the change!

This is your opportunity to join Peace Revolution, so that you can start connecting to your inner true self and create the potential for social transformation around you! Assemble with the creative powers of youth! Join us in Tunisia, 27-31 March 2017

Offered Since: 2012

Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants should:

• be national of the following MENA countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
• be 20-32 years old at the time of submitting the application in order to receive the airfare support. Applicants above 32 years of age will be considered but have to pay their airfare to attend.
• have completed at least 21 days of the online self-development program that need to be completed by 20th December, 2016.
• have good proficiency in written and spoken English language.
• be a young entrepreneur leading an enterprise with social impact.
• be optimistic, be open-minded, show leadership potential, and have a genuine interest in peace building.
• be able to pay a commitment fee of 300 USD before the arrival to the retreat site (by Bank transfer or Western Union).

Selection Criteria: After completing 14 days of the online self-development program, the Peace Revolution selection committee will make a Skype interview appointment based on your performance, fund availability as well as participant combination in the fellowship. You would still need to finish 21 days of the online self-development program in order to be qualified for the fellowship. There is no need to write a request for an interview if you have already submitted your application. If you are qualified, we will contact you.

Number of Awardees: 30

Value of Fellowship: The MENA Salam Fellowship covers:

• Sponsorship of airfare (up to 700 USD depending on the residing country)
• Local Transportation
• Food & Accommodation
• Meditation Sessions and Lectures
• Yoga Classes
• Interactive Workshops

The MENA Salam Fellowship DOES NOT Cover:

• Transportation within participant’s country
• Visa costs
• Personal expenses
• Participation fee of $300

Duration of Fellowship : The training starts with 21 Days online self-development program on our interactive platform providing the basic theory and practice; as an introduction to develop inner peace.

The fellowship offers 5 days intensive training program which includes workshops and session on:

• Stress management
• Cultivating optimism, compassion & empathy
• Team & Time management
• Personal Relations and Habits
• Communication & effective listening
• Creative Thinking and problem solving

How to Apply: Click link below to apply

Visit Fellowship Webpage for details

Award Provider: Peace Revolution

Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine 2017

Application Deadlines: 

• Preliminary application deadline: 6th January 2017
• Full application deadline: 7th March 2017

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Low- and middle-income countries. See list below

To be taken at (country): United Kingdom

Eligible Field of Study: Public health

About the Award: This scheme enables researchers from low- and middle-income countries to establish themselves as leading investigators in their scientific field. The scheme aims to support research that will improve public health and tropical medicine at a local, national and global level.

Type: Post-Doctoral Research

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Senior Research Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine, candidate must:

• be a national of a low- or middle-income country
• have a PhD or a degree in medicine and are qualified to enter higher specialist clinical training
• have five to twelve years of postdoctoral research experience.
• have made significant progress towards establishing yourself as an independent investigator
• have a strong track record in your area of research
• have sponsorship from an eligible host organisation in a low- or middle-income country
• have a research proposal that is within our public health and tropical medicine remit.

Selection Criteria: Candidate’s application must show:

• good track record
• the quality and importance of the research question(s)
• good approach to solving these questions
• the suitability of candidate’s research environment.

Number of Awardees: Not stated

Value of Scholarship: Salary and research expenses covered

Duration of Scholarship: 5 years (candidate can apply for renewal after this time)

Eligible African Countries: Algeria, Angola,  Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Dem. Rep. , Congo, Rep., Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Federation Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey , Uganda, Ukraine,  Rep. Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Other Countries: Afghanistan, Albania, American Samoa, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,  Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Arab Rep., El Salvador, Fiji, The Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Islamic Rep. Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Korea, Dem Rep., Kosovo, Kyrgyz, Republic Lao PDR, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Fed. Sts., Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mayotte, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,  Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Russian, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. ,Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Syrian, Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, RB Vietnam,  West Bank and Gaza Yemen,

How to Apply: Candidate must submit their application through the Wellcome Trust Grant Tracker

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Award Provider: Wellcome Trust, UK

Important Notes: Candidates who don’t have PhD or a degree in medicine may still be considered you if they have a first or a Master’s degree and can show substantial research experience. The scheme mmay be very important if candidate is an intermediate career fellow.

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Africa Spring Internship 2017 for African Students

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Eligible Countries: African countries

To be taken at (country): SFCG’s Washington DC headquarters.

About the Award: The Africa Program is active in Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions.

SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 400 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 55 offices in 35 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who love their work. You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow.

The Intern will be expected to:

• Contribute to the production of donor reports and grant proposals;
• Attend policy meetings, representing the Africa Program;
• Backstop the Washington DC-based Africa Team and country offices overseas; and
• Assist with website, program literature and database system maintenance.

Type: Entry-level Internship

Eligibility: The ideal candidate will exhibit:
• Good writing, editing and communication skills (required);
• A self-starting, detail-oriented and flexible approach to tasks (required);
• Demonstrable interest in African issues and/or conflict resolution (required); and
• NGO and/or international experience (preferred);
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in French with a focus on writing (preferred).

Undergraduates (juniors and seniors), graduate students, and recent graduates are welcome to apply.

Duration of Internship: The internship begins in January and typically lasts until May

How to Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two one-page writing samples (one in English, and one in French if possible) in document through our Bamboo application system at https://sfcg.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=628.

We require commitments of no less than twenty hours a week for this position. Please note that this position is unpaid. Credit can be arranged for students with their institution. For international applicants, Search for Common Ground is not responsible for providing student or work visas; you will need to make your own visa arrangements.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. We ask that you do not follow-up with calls or emails concerning the status of your application. Candidates who fail to submit and/or complete the full application and do not meet the appropriate application deadline will not be considered.

Visit Internship Webpage for details

Award Provider: Search for Common Ground (SFCG)

Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) 2017. Fully-funded to Pretoria, South Africa

Application Deadline: 16th December, 2016

Eligible Countries: African countries

To be taken at (country): Pretoria, South Africa

About the Award: The ASLP is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Global Young Academy, funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. It serves early- to mid-career researchers in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, arts and the humanities. The programme aims to grow mid-career African academics in the areas of thought leadership, team development, engagement and collaboration, with the intention of enabling them to solve the complex issues that face both Africa and the global community.

The programme will use a highly interactive approach to training, application of skills to a leadership project, peer support, and mentorship. Fellows will attend an initial 5 day, intensive on-site programme in Pretoria, South Africa from 22-27 March 2017 (departing on the 28th). The process will involve an approach that cycles between theory, application and reflection. Participants will be challenged to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.

The leadership programme:

• Identifies early- to mid-career academics who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in developing key leadership skills
• Supports them to apply the acquired skills to projects that are relevant to the academic development on the continent and its impact on society
• Creates a network of academic leaders on the continent, spanning not only across countries, but also across disciplinary boundaries
• Advances a curriculum for academic leadership development, which can be utilised in institutions in Africa and beyond

Type: Training

Eligibility: To be selected, applicants need to display a compelling vision of their future involvement in the development of research projects, programmes, human capacity, specific policies or societal structures. The selection process will consider individual qualities but also focus on ensuring a diversity of culture, subject background (Natural and Social Sciences, Humanities) and gender among the fellows. Where possible the programme will also attempt to create small ‘cores’ of leadership; multiple strong applicants from the same centre or country will thus be considered.

Selection Criteria: The following criteria are used as a guide for the nomination and selection of fellows:

• A PhD degree or equivalent qualification;
• A faculty or a continuing research position at a research institution;
• Active in research and teaching at an African institution of higher education or research;
• A sustained record of outstanding scientific outputs;
• Interest in translating and communicating the results of their work for impact in society;
• Demonstrated leadership ability in research and beyond.
• Interest in the role of research in addressing complex issues affecting society;
• Interest in collaborations across disciplines and sectors (e.g. industry, government, etc.);
• Commitment to participate in all the activities of the fellowship; and
• Intent to share what is learned in the programme with their broader networks.

Number of Awardees: Not specified

Value of Program: The training will cover:

• Core elements of collective leadership
• Creative and systems thinking
• Development of effective networks
• Stakeholder engagement for change
• Maximising the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
• Advanced dialogue and communication skills
• Effective problem solving and decision making

Following the first training week, fellows will apply their skills to a focus area or project relevant to their context.

As described above, projects will aim to contribute to a new paradigm for Africa science. During the year, participants will continue to engage with the group and have access to professional support. The costs incurred during the workshop (training, relevant travel, meals and accommodation) will be covered by the programme. In March 2018, fellows will complete their projects and present them at the second in-person training, which will consist of 3 days.

There will be some costs, which are not covered by the programme, such as visas, vaccinations or local transport expenses, for which you may need to seek support from your local institution or fund personally. You will also be required to provide us with your personal travel insurance details as a condition of participation.

How to Apply: All applicants have to provide two support letters by academic referees (details are provided in the application form). One of the two referees has to commit to be involved in future communications and mentorship in case of selection of the applicant into the programme. This referee will be informed about the progress of the fellow and should be willing to support the fellow if he or she requires it.

All applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by representatives of the University of Pretoria, the Global Young Academy, national young academies, and ASLP Management. The ASLP Management team will make the final selection of candidates

Download 2017 ASLP Application Form

Visit Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: The ASLP is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Global Young Academy, funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

Take Online Course on Chicken Behaviour & Welfare by University of Edinburgh

Enrolment: starts 12 December (+take on-demand)

Timeline: 5 weeks

Skill Level: Beginner

Course of Study: Chicken Behaviour & Welfare | 

Course Platform: Coursera

Created by: University of Edinburgh

Cost: Free

About the Course

This course explains the general principles of chicken behaviour and welfare, and the behavioural and physiological indicators that can be used to assess welfare in chickens kept in hobby flocks through to commercial farms.

This course focuses primarily on laying hens and meat chickens (broilers), although many of the principles are relevant to other types of poultry.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, you will be able to

• Describe avian sensory perception and motivation
• Explain the main behaviour patterns of poultry
• Define welfare and explain the bases of welfare standards
• Assess chicken welfare, using behavioural and physiological means
• Understand common welfare problems of chickens

Eligibility requirement

The course is likely to be of interest to people who own chickens as pets or keep a small hobby flock, commercial egg and chicken meat producers, veterinarians and vet nurses.

Certificate offered? Yes

How to Enrol

Visit Course Webpage to Enrol.

Notes: This course is taught by staff from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), University of Glasgow, and St David’s Poultry Team.

Now Open! Shell University Scholarships for Undergraduate Nigerian Students 2016/2017

Application Deadline: 2nd December, 2016

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible African Countries: Nigeria

To be taken at: Nigerian Universities

Subject Areas: Courses offered at Nigerian Universities

About Shell Scholarship: The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (Operator of the NNPC/SHELL /TEPN/AGIP Joint Venture) Scholarship Scheme offers first year students in all Nigerian universities the opportunity to study with an annual grant from the SPDC JV for the full duration of their course.  The programme aims to promote academic excellence and improve the skills of young Nigerians.

Type: Undergraduate

Who is qualified to apply? Eligible Applicants must: ·

• Be citizens of Nigeria, currently enrolled in an accredited and approved university in Nigeria.
• Have gained admission during the 2015/2016 academic session, and pursuing a first degree programme.
• Have a minimum of seven O/Levels credits, including Mathematics and English.
• Be enrolled full‐time, in a university in Nigeria at the undergraduate level with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 at the time of application (attach transcripts or official records).

The Scholarship is in two categories;

• the National Merit Award (NM) and
• the Areas of Operation Merit Award (OM).

Number of Scholarships: Several

Scholarship Worth: Annual grant from the SPDC JV for the full duration of your course

Duration of Scholarship: For full duration of the course

How to Apply

1. All applicants should have their personal valid email accounts (for consistent communication).
2. Candidates who meet the above entry qualifications should apply online at www.shellnigeria.com and to provide the required personal and educational details, and load scanned copies of the following:
   • A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant (i.e. jpeg format, not more than 200kilobytes);
   • University or JAMB (UTME or D/E) Admission Letter;
   • Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) Scores;
   • ‘O’ Level Result(s); and ‘A’ Level /OND /NCE Result(s) as applicable; and
   • Letter of Identification from State (showing Local Government) of Origin.
3. Scanned copies of letters of identification, (which must be duly stamped and signed) by:
   • The Paramount Ruler of the Community; and
   • The Chairman of the Community Development or Executive Council (CDC or CEC) is also required of applicants for the Operational Area Awards (OM). The letters should be addressed to The Manager, Social Investment, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Prodeco 5, Room 10, Shell Industrial Area, Rumubiakani, Port Harcourt.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details  Go Directly

Sponsors: Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (Operator of the NNPC/SHELL /TEPN/AGIP Joint Venture)

Angela Merkel and the Elections

Victor Grossman

Berlin.

While Americans try to swallow the prospect of four Trump years, Germans can now wonder, after months of suspense, about the chance of four more Angela Merkel years. Between the two there are certainly huge differences, not only in gender and language. Most obviously, while he spoke often of throwing immigrants out, she was spotlighted for calls to let them in. Only gradually, under great pressure, has she reduced this; not any and all immigrants, only refugees from certain war-torn areas like Iraq and Syria – and not too many more of them.

There was pressure from many sides, also within her own Christian Democratic Union (CDU) but far more from its sister party (Christian Social Union, CSU), which has a separate status only in Bavaria. Usually both work together but the Bavarians, known abroad for lederhosen, dirndls and the October Fest, always lean further right. Currently losing ground in their own habitat, they are threatening to punish her “leftist leanings”. Such pressures take their toll, not only of her usually cheery countenance but also in the polls. Her personal popularity, now at about 55%, is reviving after a record low, but her party stands at only about 35%, which hardly guarantees victory in the September election.

But Merkel’s current coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD), face poll figures stagnating at under 25%. Their stout warrior Sigmar Gabriel, far less popular than Merkel, lost even more luster by forcing reluctant followers to support the Canadian equivalent (CETA) of the trans-Pacific trade deal TPP and the US-Europe deal TTIP. Luckily, both hang inches away from the final shredder, thanks to worldwide campaigns but also, believe it or not, to disapproval by Donald Trump, even if it may have been for the wrong reasons.

Trump’s very ambiguous yet welcome campaign words about meeting Putin and withdrawing NATO from Europe caused storms of confusion here. But while they struck at the underpinning of decades-long declamations about “our eternal bonds of trans-Atlantic friendship” they also supplied new footing for people like Defense Secretary Ursula von der Leyen, who yearn to build up a big “European defense force”, separate from the USA and led by a powerful Germany, with its century of valuable experience in “how to defend humane European values against invading hordes”. Now, without British meddling and with France facing calamity, German tanks, fighters (and soon  “Made in Israel” drones) can take the lead, reinforcing right-wing rulers in Poland and the Baltic states and building up strength to within 85 miles of St. Petersburg, to the furthest reaches of the Black Sea and on to Africa and Asia as well.

With a smiling Angela speaking simply and reasonably as ever, we have a one “good cop” and two “bad cop” situation, for Finance Minister Schäuble is still busy pressuring weaker European leaders in the south not to reject austerity fetters but to keep buying big expensive weapons from Germany.

But there is also a second “good cop”. While Angela was giving her long-time ally Barack a goodbye hug, Germany was also preparing for a line of moving vans to and from its White House equivalent, Bellevue Palace. After February, President Joachim Gauck’s perpetual smile, a triumph of hypocrisy, can soon be forgotten. Who should replace him in this ceremonial job, where the president is supposed to avoid the political scene? Since they had no better offer, Merkel’s crowd OK’d a Social Democrat, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, 60. Handsome, white-haired, with a deliberate way of speaking full of pauses, his one-time promotion of laws against the jobless fully forgotten, he is the most popular man in his party, perhaps because he sometimes seemed more sensible than others in trying to settle conflicts, as in Minsk and the Ukrainian conflict. He will now be kicked upstairs into the columned palace to welcome visiting kings and dignitaries and make nice speeches.

Without him, the SPD faces the difficult job of finding a candidate to oppose Angela Merkel in the main election. Will it be the unpopular Gabriel? Or perhaps Martin Schulz, now president of the European Parliament, also a smiler with a hidden poniard up his sleeve when Greek or other upstarts try to upset the apple-cart. Foreign minister or chancellor – which is he aiming at? We shall see.

Media speculation is rife about the vote and its aftermath, with stress on the math, since no party can win enough seats to rule by itself. The CDU may agree to join again with the SPD – only if the SPD will play junior partner again. What about the Greens? Once considered young militants, they have long since cooled down as their well-educated core of voters became successful in their professions or in government jobs. Their current strong man, Winfried Kretschmann, 68, minister-president in the state of Baden-Württemberg, has become ecologically paler green thanks to his friendship with the area’s powerful Daimler-Benz concern, now facing charges of emission fraud as serious as those hitting Volkswagen. Could the Greens and the CDU join hands? They have done so in some states, some rightist Greens leaders excel in belligerency in world conflicts. But this still seems unlikely.

A constant debate concerns any coalition between the SPD, Greens and the LINKE ((Left). The math might just work out. But the SPD and the Greens reject any alliance unless the LINKE agrees to support NATO and approve the deployment of Bundestag troops outside Germany. This goes against the LINKE program, and some insist that any softening on this issue would mean accepting the path of German military expansion which dominated the last century so tragically and sacrificing the distinguishing feature of the LINKE as the Peace Party. Others in the party, like Thuringian Minister-President Ramelow, call for compromises, in hopes that the LINKE an accomplish more within a government than outside it.

This question of such a three-way coalition is now front stage in Berlin, where just such a tripod will take charge next month if approved by all participants (in the LINKE with a referendum of all Berlin members). Already almost certain, it will consist of the present SPD mayor plus four cabinet posts (here called Senators) for the SPD and three each for the Greens and the LINKE.

But casting a menacing shadow over the whole political scene is the Alternative for Germany (AfD), whose voters gave it 24 seats (out of 149) in Berlin’s House of Deputies plus seats in all twelve borough councils, where some will even head departments. With a mix of far righters, pro-Nazis, former embezzlers and the like, they will follow the line worked out at their recent national congress; hit out at foreigners, above all Muslims, defend “German nationality and culture” and, by the way, stand for every rightwing tendency from homophobia and anti-abortion to low taxes for the wealthy and a strong military. This may sound familiar; with prospects for the extreme right in Austria, the Netherlands, perhaps France and already existing in Hungary and Poland, the prospect is frightening.

The main resistance to the alienation, fear and uncertainty feeding this trend should be coming from the LINKE. Sadly, its leaders have often been distracted by internal disagreement and by a neglect of battles for the needs and wishes of working people – not only in parliamentary meetings but in the streets, factories and other centers. There have been some – but far too few.

Happily, perhaps, the LINKE has decided on a candidate of its own for the job of president. Professor Christoph Butterwegge, 65, not a party member but a resolute expert on the question of poverty, the forces causing it and the fight against it, knows he has no chance to win against Steinmeier. But he wants to provoke discussion about the social gap between wealthy and poor in an otherwise toothless election debate. Although the Greens have stated they will not support him, but instead probably CDU and SPD candidate Steinmeier, he hopes to win over at least some votes from other parties among the many delegates who choose a president – as a good symbol.

However, this contest will pale when the slugging begins for the main election in September. Will the LINKE put up a tough fight against social cutbacks and military advances? If so, and only if it does,  it could gain ground again and reduce to some degree the threat from the far right.

The End of Privacy is on Sale, and We’re Buying

Thomas L. Knapp

Like it or not, these days the reason for the season seems to mostly be: Shopping. Even if you weren’t among the millions lining up outside brick and mortar establishments on “Black Friday,” you’ve probably got your eyes peeled for holiday deals on the web.

The hottest bargains this year come with microphones and the promise that those microphones will put the world at your beck and call.

Amazon’s Alexa-powered line of devices and Google’s new Home appliance augur an increasingly voice-powered world. Adjust your thermostat, turn on the lights, pull up the movie you want to watch or the music you want to listen to, order a pizza — all by just saying it. Our phones have been conditioning us to that paradigm for several years. This is what’s next.

No, I don’t want to crush the buzz or put you off the idea. I’m in. I run an Android phone digital assistant app that listens for my voice command, and just grabbed up a Cyber Monday deal at Amazon myself ($29.99 for the Alexa-enabled Fire TV stick with voice remote — one reason I went that way is that it supposedly requires a button push to activate the mic instead of being “always on”).

But if you’re going the voice-controlled home appliance route, ask yourself one important question: Who’s listening, and how much are you comfortable with them knowing?

Ten years ago, you’d likely have considered that question an example of paranoid conspiracy theory. But unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard of Edward Snowden by now and have come to understand that yes, governments really HAVE been hoovering up our phone and Internet data for years. Does anyone really expect that home microphones won’t become part of the continuously expanding surveillance state?

Governments aren’t the only bad actors — over the last couple of years we’ve seen hackers compromise everything from baby monitor webcams to automotive computer systems — but governments are undoubtedly more dangerous than assorted pranksters, stalkers and thieves in cyberspace just as they are in the real world. In the not too distant future, police may be automatically dispatched to your home based when one of your devices hears something a computer program interprets as a domestic dispute — or a seditious conspiracy.

By all means, get your voice groove on at a discount. But when it comes to electronic ears, be sure you keep your eyes open.