All publications

Policy Atlas ‘Renting, Buying, Living’

An overview of key housing policy measures

The basic provision of housing for people and wealth creation in the form of home ownership are central pillars of prosperity and social justice. The issue of providing adequate and affordable housing is acute. It affects almost everyone and is characterized by a high degree of complexity and multidimensionality. (Socially acceptable) housing must be created quickly and efficiently, because housing policy is social policy, labor market policy, economic policy, energy and climate policy, innovation policy, urban development policy and much more.

International talent for the German middle class

Measures to improve skilled immigration

German small and medium-sized companies face challenges in attracting skilled labor from Non-EU-countries. Despite reforms in immigration law, skilled labor immigration to Germany remains low. What measures and policies are needed to strengthen international talent acquisition in German SMEs?

Research nation China

Partner, competitor and systemic rival

Over the last two decades, the People's Republic of China has developed into a leading technology nation and is on its way to becoming a global ‘science superpower’. Although the systemic rivalry with the People's Republic of China is increasingly taking centre stage in the public debate, such as the dual-use potential of research cooperation, China's role as an important partner should not be underestimated, particularly with regard to the large number of talented individuals and modern research facilities.

AI and Elections: New dynamics of digital democracy in Germany

Opportunities and risks for our democratic order through AI in the super election year 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the election campaign. Between innovation and manipulation, the integrity of democratic processes is being put to the test. AI is also marking a new era of political communication in Germany: while parties such as the AfD are using AI for emotionalising messages, others such as Volt are using data-driven strategies for mobilisation. The risks of the technology range from disinformation to the fragmentation of public discourse. What regulatory measures are needed to ensure trust and transparency in the digital age?

The Second Foreign and Security Policy Opinion Poll in Greenland

Nasiffik – Centre for Foreign & Security Policy at Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland) has conducted a public opinion poll amongst a representative sample of the Greenlandic population on foreign and security policy issues in spring 2024. It is the second survey of its kind after a similar survey report was published in 2021. The data-collection was done by EPINION in Denmark (cf. appendix about methods). The survey is funded by the Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung in Stockholm, Sweden, Greenland Research Council, Nuuk, Greenland, and Nasiffik at Ilisimatusarfik, Nuuk, Greenland. Since we published a similar survey in 2021,1 Arctic governance has been severely challenged by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The world has witnessed a more turbulent time in relation to security issues; in consequence, international relations have come further to the fore. Some spillover effects from Russia’s (re-)invasion of Ukraine also have regional ramifications in the Arctic. The work in the Arctic Council came to a pause during the Russian chairship in March 2022 and has only very slowly been restored during the Norwegian chairship with online meetings in the working groups including some tentative Russian participation. Naalakkersuisut (the Government of Greenland) took an early decision in consensus with the ‘like-minded states’’ decision to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and therefore the cooperation with Russia has been put on hold.2 The Kingdom of Denmark is taking over the chairship of the Arctic Council in spring 2025 and Greenland has been adamant in playing a key role, as the only country of the Kingdom located in the Arctic. In February 2024, Naalakkersuisut published a strategy on foreign, security, and defense policy, which demonstrates an orientation towards more cooperation towards especially the North American Arctic. The US is seen as a natural shelter country in relation to defense and security based on the long historical ties with the Pituffik Space Base (formerly the Thule Air Base) as the only operating American base in the country.

South Africa's new government of national unity: progress or stagnation for the country?

An analysis of the first coalition in South Africa in almost thirty years

On 29 May 2024 historic elections took place in South Africa. The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa’s former first democratically elected president Mandela, lost its absolute majority – for the first time since the end of apartheid thirty years ago. A coalition government had to be formed – a very unusual step in a country used to a previously dominating ANC. So how did the “Government of National Unity” come about and how can its work be judged until now? Is it functioning well or are the risks to this 10-party-coalition too great for the challenges facing the rainbow nation?

Government Formation in Lithuania

New Leadership Under Challenging Circumstances

After the parliamentary elections in Lithuania on October 13, forming a stable governing coalition turned out to be challenging. The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) broke two of its campaign promises immediately after the elections, drawing significant criticism both domestically and internationally. The process of forming the cabinet was also fraught with difficulties. President Nausėda, through his increased involvement, has notably expanded his influence.

Politische Bildung für die Bundeswehr

#Programm 2025

Für die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung ist es ein wichtiges Anliegen, den Auftrag der Bundeswehr als Rückgrat unserer freiheitlichen Demokratie zu unterstützen. Hier unser Programm für das Jahr 2025.

Between scandals, election successes and court judgements – the AfD in 2024

A retrospective of key developments such as the the European elections, the party convention in Essen and the state elections in Eastern Germany

For the Alternative for Germany (AfD), 2024 brought success at the ballot box on the one hand, but also new challenges at state, federal and European level on the other. Recurring scandals, right-wing extremist tendencies and legal disputes surrounding the AfD are striking. The categorisation of the party or its branches by the various domestic intelligence services has been confirmed by the courts on several occasions and over 100 members of the Bundestag have filed an application for the Federal Constitutional Court to initiate proceedings to determine whether the party is unconstitutional.

The U.S. Elections and the End of Comfort for the Canadian Government

Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway

The presidential elections in the U.S. have triggered an unexpectedly hectic activity in Canadian government policy. For Justin Trudeau's minority government, which was almost written off, new opportunities have emerged—at least in the short term—to demonstrate its ability to act in challenging times. Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, continue to lead decisively in all polls.