This paper examines the function that cross-cultural competence (3C) has for NATO in a military context while focusing on two member states and their armed forces: the United States and Germany. Three dimensions were established to analyze 3C internally and externally: dimension A, dealing with 3C within the military organization; dimension B, focusing on 3C in a coalition environment/multicultural NATO contingent, for example while on a mission/training exercise abroad; and dimension C, covering 3C and NATO missions abroad with regard to interaction with the local population. When developing the research design, the cultural studies-based theory of hegemony constructed by Antonio Gramsci was applied to a comprehensive document analysis of 3C coursework and regulations as well as official documents in order to establish a typification for cross-cultural competence. As the result, 3C could be categorized as Type I – Ethical 3C, Type II – Hegemonic 3C, and Type III – Dominant 3C. Attributes were assigned according to each type. To validate the established typification, qualitative surveys were conducted with NATO (ACT), the U.S. Armed Forces (USCENTCOM), and the German Armed Forces (BMVg). These interviews validated the typification and revealed a varied approach to 3C in the established dimensions. It became evident that dimensions A and B indicated a prevalence of Type III, which greatly impacts the work atmosphere and effectiveness for NATO (ACT). In contrast, dimension C revealed the use of postcolonial mechanisms by NATO forces, such as applying one’s value systems to other cultures and having the appearance of an occupying force when 3C is not applied (Type I-II). In general, the function of each 3C type in the various dimensions could be determined. In addition, a comparative study of the document analysis and the qualitative surveys resulted in a canon for culture-general skills. Regarding the determined lack of coherence in 3C correlating with a demonstrably negative impact on effectiveness and efficiency as well as interoperability, a NATO standard in the form of a standardization agreement (STANAG) was suggested based on the aforementioned findings, with a focus on: empathy, cross-cultural awareness, communication skills (including active listening), flexibility and adaptability, and interest. Moreover, tolerance of ambiguity and teachability, patience, observation skills, and perspective-taking could be considered significant. Suspending judgment and respect are also relevant skills here. At the same time, the document analysis also revealed a lack of coherency and consistency in 3C education and interorganizational alignment. In particular, the documents examined for the U.S. Forces indicated divergent approaches. Furthermore, the interview analysis disclosed a large discrepancy in part between doctrine and actual implementation with regard to the NATO Forces.

Wie kam es zu dem ikonischen Überschuss des christlichen Heiligenbildes? Janine Luge-Winter geht dieser Frage nach, indem sie die verschiedenen Argumente byzantinischen Bildapologien des 8. und 9. Jahrhunderts und der modernen Ikonentheorien des 20. Jahrhunderts erstmals in ihrer Studie versammelt, miteinander vergleicht und kontextualisiert. Sie zeigt, dass das Mehr der Ikone deren besonderer Sichtbarkeit ist, die eine Überwindung der Undarstellbarkeit des Undarstellbaren evoziert, indem sie das Undarstellbare konkret als solches akzeptiert. Verständlich wird dies nur, wenn die Ikone als »etwas anderes« als ein repräsentationales oder mimetisches Bild anerkannt wird.

Computerspiele sind vielfältig. Freizeitvergnügen, professioneller Sport, kulturbildend und kulturkritisch. Sie inspirieren die Kunst und mit ihnen wird Kunst gemacht. Dieser Beitrag betrachtet die Diskurse und Strategien der Computerspielkunst. Im Rückgriff auf die Game Studies und die medienwissenschaftliche Computerspielforschung beleuchtet er die Unterscheidung zwischen Artgames und Game Art (insbesondere Modifikationen) und versucht zu zeigen, dass beide Genres unterschiedlichen Diskursen entstammen, die mit verschiedenen Begriffen und künstlerischen Strategien operieren: Artgames setzen auf Spielbarkeit und Rhetorik und Game Art setzt auf Unspielbarkeit und Ästhetik. Sie grenzen sich so auf unterschiedliche Weise von den Sorgestrukturen kommerzieller Computerspiele ab.

When considering artists from the second half of the twentieth century who used steel as material for their sculptures, Eduardo Chillida and Richard Serra are among the first to come to mind. Both artists are prominent in public spaces and both present large-size sculptures which challenge viewers. Both use clear geometrical patterns, and both develop their oeuvre from an intense involvement with the properties and possibilities of the material. However, their sculptures show fundamentally diverging conceptions not only in the manner of their creation, but also in their reception. Chillida and Serra have almost nothing in common; they never made reference to each other, although their sculptures often stand in neighbourly proximity. Nevertheless a comparison or more precisely a synopsis can illustrate a number of problems that rise in dealing with sculpture today. Serra’s works convince mostly when they concentrate on complex formal qualities resulting from constellations of geometrical forms and given spaces. However, sculptures in public space consistently have the difficult task of creating memorial places which ideally speak for themselves. Chillida’s sculptures fulfil this purpose because of their expressive pictorial potential. The material COR-TEN steel provides them with power and emphasis.