Berthold M. Kuhn

Berthold M. Kuhn and Dimitrios L. Margellos present a thoroughly reflected analysis of global trends shaping our future. Key megatrends include climate change and sustainability, digitalization, growing inequalities, urbanization and smart cities, the progression toward a green economy, and sustainable finance. Addressing geopolitical shifts and the future of multilateralism, the authors also discuss new trends in democracy and governance, migration, and health and nutrition, as well as civilizational developments like demography, diversity, identity politics, individualization, and shifting gender norms. Based on their own research and a series of interviews with leading analysts and researchers from different world regions, the authors present cutting-edge content on the future of humanity.

Megatrends Update Summer 2023 

Dr. Berthold M. Kuhn is a political scientist and international cooperation expert, focusing on climate policies and sustainability transformations. He regularly speaks at international conferences and advises international and nonprofit organizations as well as global think tanks. He was a professor at Leiden University, Tsinghua University, and Xiamen University and is now involved in research, teaching, and international conference activities at Freie Universität Berlin. He also works as an evaluator for the European Commission and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).


Dimitrios L. Margellos, born and raised in Athens, is a well-networked young researcher and activist. He has extensively surveyed political economy research and conducted analysis on inequality issues in his capacity as political science student at Freie Universität Berlin.

"This book draws on a rich diversity of experience, research, and thinking. It addresses very relevant economic and social trends and includes a series of informative and inspiring interviews with renowned academics and practitioners. Very worth reading!"—Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dirk Linowski, Director of the Institute of International Business Studies at Steinbeis University, Berlin, distinguished Guest Professor in Applied Mathematics at Shanghai Normal University

"When analyzing global megatrends, diversity of perspective is required. Interviews from internationally recognized scholars and practitioners capture global perspectives and offer readers insight into different research contexts. Highly recommended."—Katrin Schweigel, Manager, University Alliance for Sustainability, Freie Universität Berlin

"LeserInnen, die auf der Suche nach einer gut geschriebenen, aufschlussreichen und vor allem leicht zugänglichen Lektüre über die globalen Trends des 21. Jahrhunderts sind, sollten einen Blick in Berthold M. Kuhns und Dimitros L. Margellos Buch werfen." Antonia Pohl, Welttrends, September 2022