About us

Our research focuses on premodern configurations of power and domination (Macht and Herrschaft) in Asia, Europe and northern Africa. In recent years, it has become apparent that an analysis of the traditional political-social forms of organization is essential to understand the processes subsumed under the keyword "globalization". We particularly emphazise the transcultural and trans-epochal analytical categories of "Power" and "Domination"/“Rule”.

Our aim is to reveal the interdependence of "lived", actually established order on the one hand and its perception, representation and commentary on the other hand. In doing so, we want to overcome or at least level the hitherto ubiquitous Eurocentrism in the study of power and domination. To this end, the boundaries set by the academic disciplines that have emerged in the European world will be questioned. Instead, a transcultural approach to describing power and domination will be pursued. Therefore, we understand the cultural areas studied as hybrid entities subject to multifaceted influences, that themselves provide impulses for change.

The special promotion of young researchers in the humanities is of great concern to us. The center is also committed to the goals of the University of Bonn for the implementation of equality.