KAS 'K'onversations - Ideas to Impact

Young politicians of the KAS network including alumni of the Konrad Adenauer School for Young Politicians (KASYP)...

…could discuss about the Konrad Adenauer School for Young Politicians (KASYP) and the work of the India office of KAS within an evaluation

Besides the evaluation, Prof. Heribert Dieter of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (front right) also had time to share his personal view on India’s economic policy and the current situation of the world economy

The participants of the network meeting with the team of the KAS India Office and Prof. Dieter, German Institute for International and Security Affairs

The workshop series - the initial meeting took place in October last year - was consolidated with this event and will be held in the future under the motto "KAS 'K'onversations - Ideas to Impact". Prof. Dr. Heribert Dieter, Senior Fellow in the Research Unit on Global Issues at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, who is currently evaluating the country project India of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, discussed with the young politicians how they assess the KASYP as well as the work of the KAS in India. He also wanted to know, in which fields they see a potential to improve the cooperation with KAS. The young politicians assessed the work of the KAS very positively and especially emphasized the non-partisan approach of the foundation. They wished for an intensified exchange with China and the further support of KAS for their own projects. In addition, they pleaded for a more global approach of KAS: KASYP was previously limited to Asia, a global forum for an exchange on topics would be desirable.

Following the assessment, the young politicians discussed current developments in international economics with Prof. Dieter. They discussed among other topics the economic consequences of Brexit for Great Britain, Germany and the EU as well as the current economic policy of India. In addition, Prof. Dieter deliberated with the young politicians about the current anti-globalization trend, which is reflected in the Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as President. He described this development, with reference to views of the Harvard economist Dani Rodrik, as a consequence of a trilemma: Hyperglobalization, democracy and national self-determination are mutually exclusive. At best, only two of the three goals could be achieved.

The aim of "KAS 'K'onversations - Ideas to Impact" is to foster inter-party exchanges on topics concerning the youth. The intention is primarily to discuss the solution of problems and challenges faced by youth and to enable young politicians to discuss these topics beyond party lines.