Britta Petersen is no stranger to South Asia. A philosopher, journalist, and long-time observer of the region, she brings a unique blend of academic insight and on-ground experience to her new role as head of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) office in New Delhi. With over a decade in Delhi, past stints in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and deep engagement with issues of democracy, labour, and press freedom—Petersen has developed a nuanced perspective on the region’s socio-political evolution and Germany’s role within it.
India, for Petersen, is not just as an emerging power, but is a civilization with much to offer in terms of human development. “I think India’s rise is a very welcome development,” she says, emphasising how India’s increasing global stature is being received positively in Europe. A staunch advocate for Indo-German relations that go beyond economic cooperation, Petersen urges for a deeper engagement through culture, science, and people-to-people contact. “Curiosity is better than a know-it-all mentality,” she adds, underscoring the need for both countries to engage with openness and humility.
Pooja Chaturvedi Sah from The Dialog speaks to Britta Petersen about Indo-German cooperation, the future of democratic socialism, and what makes democracy resilient in an age of disruption.
To start with, could you tell us more about your role as the head of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) office in New Delhi? What are the key areas your work focuses on in India and South Asia?
RLS is a German political foundation affiliated with the party Die Linke in the German parliament. While all German political foundations in India engage in people-to-people contact and promote exchange between parliamentarians and scholars through educational and dialogue formats, our particular focus is on labour relations, support for marginalised groups and women, and a just ecological transition. We are a South Asia office, and currently work with partners in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, engaging in research and knowledge dissemination through workshops, seminars, and cultural activities.
You’ve worked in various roles across South Asia—as a journalist in Kabul and Delhi, with foundations in Pakistan, and as a researcher with Indian think tanks. How have these experiences shaped your understanding of the region’s political and social dynamics?
I feel enormously privileged to have had the opportunity to work in India (now my 13th year in Delhi), Pakistan (where I was based for four years), and Afghanistan. Especially in times of conflict, it is crucial to understand the “other side” and get to know the people. My time as a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in Delhi was an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable experience that gave me a much deeper understanding of India than any assignment with a foreign organization ever could.
You’ve also worked extensively in conflict regions and have been deeply involved in media development. What lessons have you drawn about the role of the press in shaping democratic societies, particularly in South Asia?
The role of the media is crucial for democratic societies, as political deliberation needs to be based on a shared understanding of reality. Unfortunately, digitalisation and social media have created a very challenging environment for the media worldwide—both financially and intellectually. Societies need to ensure the survival of quality journalism that adheres to ethical standards and fact-checking, as opposed to sensationalism.
In a world that’s rapidly changing—with shifting global alliances, new power centers, and rising domestic politics— there’s often criticism that socialism is outdated or impractical in the modern world. How would you respond to that argument from the standpoint of democratic socialism as championed by RLS?
German philosopher Immanuel Kant, who was not a socialist, once said: “There is nothing more practical than a good theory.” I believe that Democratic Socialism is more relevant today than ever. As Capitalism in its new avatar of Techno-Feudalism threatens the very basis of our existence, and Liberalism increasingly gives way to the rhetoric of the Far Right, Democratic Socialism—as practiced by Rosa Luxemburg and others—presents a humanistic alternative to authoritarianism and the continued exploitation of people and nature.
As someone who engages with both theoretical and practical dimensions of political work, how do you define democracy today? What makes a democracy resilient in a world of growing complexity and competing narratives?
It is increasingly clear that democracy cannot and must not remain an elite project. For too long, democratic parties have presented their policies as “without alternative.” This so-called TINA (“There is no alternative”) politics has damaged the very foundations of democracy. Democracy needs divergent voices and political parties that seriously compete with different ideas and include members from various sections of society. People must be able to express their views and have a say. At the same time, parties must commit to a fundamental democratic consensus—political representation and elections, civil and human rights, and the rule of law.
India is becoming a strong voice at the world stage. How do you see India’s position globally today? And how according to you, India’s aspirations and growth is being received by countries in Europe, especially Germany?
I think India’s rise is a very welcome development—not only because a country of India’s size needs a global voice, but also because, as a civilisation, it has much to contribute to human development. I’m quite optimistic that relations between India and Germany, and India and the EU, are on a good track. There’s a stronger understanding in Europe today—much more than ten years ago—that partnership must be based on mutual respect. Both sides have a lot to gain from deeper cooperation, especially in today’s world of disruption and insecurity.
Germany recently saw a change in its political leadership. What does this shift indicate about the direction in which German society is moving; do you think it will influence Germany’s relationship with countries like India?
Like many European countries, Germany has been influenced by right-wing populist parties that managed to shape the agenda even when not in power. With a new conservative chancellor, Germany will likely tighten immigration policies and increase military spending. Unlike in the US, I don’t expect a significant backlash on gender or academic freedom, but vigilance remains important. Social media has created new avenues for far-right political influence, which could potentially reverse decades of social progress.
Foreign policy, however, tends to be more stable and less prone to short-term political changes. When it comes to India, there is broad consensus in Germany—across party lines—that relations should be deepened.
India and Germany have built a strong partnership in areas such as green energy, education, and economic cooperation, however, there is a growing conversation around the need for more inclusive, balanced dialogue. From your perspective, what are the biggest opportunities in this relationship? Are there areas where both countries need to engage more openly or honestly? What, in your view, are the blind spots that still exist in these conversations?
We are witnessing a recalibration of the global order, leading to new insecurities and wars. Partnerships that were once taken for granted, like the Transatlantic alliance, are no longer assured. This opens up opportunities to deepen alliances—such as Indo-German relations. Beyond green energy and education, I’d add cultural and scientific cooperation, tourism, labour relations, and people-to-people contacts.
To elevate this partnership, it must go beyond business. A broader societal understanding is key. Curiosity should replace a know-it-all mentality. Visa regimes must be eased. Given mutual interest in student and skilled labour exchange, policies like the German and European Supply Chain Laws should be embraced to help address persistent labour inequalities.
Your foundation has long spoken about promoting fair partnerships between the Global South and the Global North. Could you please elaborate more on that, and how do you try to ensure such partnerships feel equal and respectful, especially in your work in India and South Asia.
We work with a wide network of partners across South Asia. Our Delhi program managers stay closely engaged and often participate in partner activities. My team and I travel regularly to meet partners across the region. Programs are co-developed based on partner needs and RLS’s focus areas. Our global working groups on issues like climate transition and food sovereignty bring together staff and partners from Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe to build transnational solidarity. Visits to Berlin and exchanges with other RLS offices help sustain a regular, two-way dialogue.
Finally, despite the many global and local challenges we see today, what are the things that give you hope? What keeps you motivated in your work?
I have a fantastic team here in Delhi. We have great partners doing highly professional and relevant work for the people of South Asia. I am very happy with our work and feel privileged that I can support them.
