Discussion Papers

Gender issues in sport

August 2026 • Discussion Paper No. 04

Authors: Georg Stadtmann, Igor Tylkin

Women are generally physically weaker than men, which is why many sports classify athletes by gender, such as in athletics, ball sports and swimming. Due to this classification, there are often separate leagues for men and women that run in parallel without any connection. Nevertheless, we argue that...

Warum Menschen plötzlich Kritik äußern – und was Kohlberg damit zu tun hat

August 2026 • Discussion Paper No. 03

Authors: Georg Stadtmann

Following the revelation that Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, had become a father via surrogacy in the USA, he resigned from his post in July 2026 amid sustained public criticism. Chancellor Friedrich Merz used the situation to...

Trapped in strategic competition? An analysis of EU-China trade relations in game-theoretic settings

July 2026 • Discussion Paper No. 02

Authors: Georg Stadtmann, Daniel Antoci

This case study examines the evolving trade conflict between the European Union (EU) and China, focusing on tariffs imposed on electric vehicles and the resulting strategic interaction between both parties. Whilst international trade theory emphasises mutual gains from trade, recent developments suggest increasing protectionist tendencies on both sides. The study highlights...

B|Orders in Motion: Asymmetric Effects of EU Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

July 2026 • Discussion Paper No. 01

Authors: Martin Kaloudis, Georg Stadtmann, Thorsten Zippan

Trade policy measures are regaining importance amid geopolitical tensions and the increasing fragmentation of the global economy. The European Union’s imposition of countervailing duties on electric vehicles from China illustrates that borders do not hold the same economic significance for all economies. The established “B|Orders in Motion” approach provides...