No peace without freedom!
At a glance
- In Deutschland und weltweit beobachten wir die Entwicklungen der sicherheitspolitischen Lage unter Einbeziehung relevanter Akteure und Politikbereiche. Unser Anspruch ist es, Sicherheit vernetzt zu denken.
- Besonders wichtig ist uns eine gut ausgestattete, einsatzfähige, starke und gesellschaftlich anerkannte Bundeswehr. Daher wollen wir unter anderem die Debatte um die allgemeine Dienstpflicht weiterführen.
- Als politische Stiftung bekennen wir uns zur NATO und finden, dass Deutschland mehr Verantwortung übernehmen muss. Wir sind außerdem davon überzeugt, dass eine bessere militärische Zusammenarbeit in Europa die NATO nachhaltig stärken würde.
- Wir halten die regelbasierte und liberale multilaterale Weltordnung für schützenswert und glauben, dass wir unsere Innere Sicherheit global denken müssen, um Extremismus und Terrorismus gemeinsam mit unseren Partnern erfolgreich bekämpfen zu können.
- Cyberangriffe spielen beim Thema Sicherheit eine zunehmende Rolle. Für diese Bedrohungen gilt es, die Gesellschaft zu sensibilisieren. Mit unserer Arbeit klären wir auf und fördern eine achtsamere Wahrnehmung.
Content
1. Illuminating the connections
2. Strengthening the Bundeswehr and NATO
3. Protecting a rule-based international order
4. Raising awareness in society
5. Our offers and projects on the topic
6. Publications, events and media contributions on the topic
Often, a brief look at the day's news headlines suffices: Wars, military conflicts, and various rivalries claim lives in many regions of the world. Even within our own country, there are individuals and organizations spreading fear and terror, largely because they oppose our freedom and our state's governance.
Illuminating the connections
At the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, we have long been observing and analyzing such developments. Our experts, who operate globally, illuminate the connections and explain why our freedom, democracy, and security are not to be taken for granted, as well as how best to deal with these threats. We advocate for 'connected security', which means that we do not view security and defense in isolation but include all relevant developments, actors, and policy areas – both in Germany and around the world.
Strengthening the Bundeswehr and NATO
Key priorities for us include the following: For a safe and free life, we need a strong, recognized, well-equipped, and operationally capable Bundeswehr. It is essential to support the men and women who commit their lives to serving our country, whether in the Bundeswehr or in other professions. We are also committed to continuing the debate on mandatory national service.
Furthermore, we believe that improved military cooperation within Europe would strengthen NATO. On the path to forming a European army, significant decisions must be made regarding European arms integration, legal frameworks for deploying armed forces, and establishing joint structures. The ongoing cooperation with the United States within NATO continues to be vital for our continent's security, a role unchanged since the Bundeswehr's establishment in 1955.
From its inception, the Bundeswehr has been an integral part of NATO. Germany alone cannot ensure its security. NATO represents Germany's commitment to the West, a policy that has safeguarded the peace and freedom of the Federal Republic for over 70 years. In this alliance, Germany must assume a leadership role, meaning it should take on more responsibility in the military sphere and strengthen the European pillar of NATO.
Protecting a rule-based international order
We advocate for a rule-based and liberal multilateral world order because it aligns with Germany's interests. We should actively contribute to promoting joint solutions in the EU, NATO, and the United Nations.
Only by working together can we effectively combat international terrorism. This necessitates a global perspective on our internal security. Our state faces increasing threats from external and internal extremism and terrorism. Therefore, a robust European security architecture is essential.
Raising awareness in society
Today's threats often emerge digitally, targeting our data, information systems, infrastructure, security, freedom, and democracy. These attacks cannot be repelled alone; it requires a collective effort with our European and transatlantic partners.
Being collectively strong also means assuming responsibility within our society and being well-informed. We are committed to contributing to this effort.
Our offers and projects on the topic
International offices and programmes
The issue of security is complex and multidimensional, as security crises, conflicts, wars, or unstable state structures often have global implications due to a closely interconnected and globalized world. Our security dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa aims to contribute to the stabilization of regions heavily affected by crises through intensified dialogue.
Security Policy Dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa
In recent years, security crises in Sub-Saharan Africa have significantly increased, underscoring the need for deeper security dialogue in the region. The Security Policy Dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa regional program includes offices in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (SIPODI West), and Kampala, Uganda (SIPODI East) for the Francophone and Anglophone regions, respectively. The program's objectives include strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) through appropriate, often cross-sectoral measures, such as combating terrorism and crime.
Learn more about the Security Policy Dialogue in West Africa
Learn more about the Security Policy Dialogue in East Africa
Event series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers a wide range of events on security policy topics. Our regular series of events on current issues and challenges in European and international security policy are particularly noteworthy.
Adenauer Conference
One of our flagship events on Germany's role in European and international security policy is the Adenauer Conference. At this conference, we discuss with renowned politicians and experts the current security policy challenges and strategic questions for the future: What is NATO's role? Where does Europe stand in systemic competition, and how does the pandemic affect security policy?
F.A.Z.-KAS Debate on International Politics
The “F.A.Z.-KAS-Debate on International Politics”, organized annually with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, helps strengthen the important discourse on foreign policy issues in Germany. The synergy of the two event partners is notable: the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung with its more than 110 locations abroad and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung with its longstanding foreign policy expertise.
GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum
The GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum, an annual conference held in Slovakia, has established itself as a leading platform in Central and Eastern Europe. This strategic conference, primarily dedicated to security and international relations, is among the most important of its kind globally.
Forte de Copacabana
The Forte de Copacabana international security conference, a multilateral forum for exchange between Europe and South America, is organized jointly with the European Union Delegation and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI). The conference focuses on international security issues and provides an exciting platform for dialogue between Latin American and European security policy representatives.
Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter
Our series of events “Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter” regularly provides information on the various threats posed by the scene. Experts from civil society, academia, security authorities and politics provide assessments of current developments and are available for further discussion in a subsequent Question & Answer session.
Publication and website projects
A number of our publication and website projects are dedicated to exploring various aspects of security. Particularly noteworthy is our project on the “Future of the Bundeswehr” and our comprehensive knowledge portal on extremism.
75 years of NATO
It was not only the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine that showed that our freedom needs security and defence. This year, NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary. On our project page, we offer a comprehensive look at the history of the defence alliance and highlight current developments, challenges, and opportunities. So, take a look and dive into our various publications and formats.
“The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa”
In view of the growing threat of Islamist terrorism in West Africa, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation has launched the project “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa” in cooperation with the Counter Extremism Project. As part of the project, we not only analyze the deteriorating security situation in the region in a total of twelve strategy documents and weekly social media analyses, but also focus on general security issues and ways to combat terrorism. The results of the analyses lead to concrete recommendations for action for political decision-makers.
Learn more about “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa”
Defensible Democracy
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has brought the defense capability of democracy into the public and political spotlight. However, our democracy faces not only the potential military power of other states but also numerous other threats, both external and internal. These threats are the focus of our essay collection and a major campaign.
Learn more about the topic “Defensible Democracy” or go directly to the essay volume “The (More) Defensive Democracy”.
Disinformation - threat and danger for democracy and society
The Russian war against Ukraine highlights the military significance of the information space. In the digital age, disinformation has taken on new dimensions, capable of not only causing societal divisions but also endangering our democracy. Our campaign is dedicated to combating disinformation and fostering a resilient democracy.
Learn more about the topic “Disinformation - threat and danger for democracy and society”.
Extremism
The Extremism project of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers a comprehensive knowledge portal on aspects of “left-wing extremism,” “right-wing extremism,” “Islamism,” and “conspiracy theories.” Our experts provide detailed information in their articles and analyses on the complexity and various nuances of these topics. Whether you have questions about extremist ideologies, structures, objectives, or organizations, our extremism portal has the answers.
The Road to the Third Nuclear Age – A Timeline
Our project “The Road to the Third Nuclear Age – A Timeline” provides a comprehensive overview of the nuclear age and arms control. From the inception of the Manhattan Project and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to nuclear weapons testing, dangerous incidents involving nuclear weapons, and international disarmament treaties, this project offers journalists and the politically and historically interested public an in-depth introduction to the topic.
Working groups
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has established working groups for specific thematic focuses. These groups aim to consolidate and deepen expert knowledge and facilitate networking among professionals in their respective fields.
Working Group Young Foreign Policy Experts
In the “Young Foreign Policy Experts” working group, young professionals contribute their knowledge of foreign policy and develop concepts for the political challenges of our time. The range of topics covered by the working group is broad, spanning European policy, transatlantic relations, security and defense policy, and economic, technology, and development policy.
Learn more about the Working Group Young Foreign Policy Experts
Working Group on Terrorism and Internal Security
The working group, which has been in existence since 2015, is dedicated to issues of counterterrorism and internal security. Its members discuss and jointly develop solutions for current challenges, focusing particularly on the threats posed by far-right and Islamist extremism and terrorism.
Learn more about the Working Group on Terrorism and Internal Security
Scholarship and didactic offers
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers an exciting doctoral program for doctoral candidates and postgraduates interested in international security policy as well as complex crisis and conflict situations. The program aims to address current global challenges in this field.
International Doctoral Program “Security and Development in the 21st Century”
The focus of the “Security and Development in the 21st Century” doctoral program is on analyzing current global challenges and developing strategies to manage complex conflict and crisis situations. The program brings together German and international doctoral candidates who receive scholarships as part of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's doctoral support program. This enables recognized scientists and practitioners to work together, allowing doctoral candidates to deepen their theses in constant personal exchange between theory and practice.
Learn more about the international Doctoral Program “Security and Development in the 21st Century”
Political education for the Bundeswehr
Current political developments and backgrounds in Germany, Europe and the world are often embedded in complex contexts. Our aim is to explain these and thus promote a better understanding in the troops of topics that are sometimes difficult to penetrate. Participants benefit from our many years of experience in political education. Our seminars for political, historical, intercultural and ethical education usually take place as closed events for one unit. We would be happy to send you a tailor-made program!
Find out more about our training programs for the Bundeswehr
Publications to the topic
IMAGO / Russian Look
Presidential elections annulled after hybrid attack
Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts
IMAGO / SOPA Images
A Window of Opportunity for Syria
After more than 50 years, the rule of the Assad family is coming to an end. This is cause for celebration. But Syria faces huge challenges.
IMAGO / NurPhoto
Surprise coup against Parliament
In conflict with opposition, South Korea’s President declared martial law
KALUZA+SCHMID Studio GmbH, Berlin
Stress test for Germany's domestic security
Responses to multiple crises and internationally networked actors
IMAGO / ANP
The first summit between the EU and GCC ends without breakthroughs
Strategic partnership with little results
Adobe Stock / DarwelShots
The Future of NATO in the Aftermath of the U.S. Elections
More European responsibility for transatlantic relations
Adobe Stock/Pavel Losevsky
Russia's War Economy – an Assessment of Russia´s Military Industrial Complex
A Long-Term Plan
Adobe Stocke / Wojciech Wrzesień
Critical Junctures – The Future of the North
Latest development in the Baltic Sea Region
Adobe Stock / abr68
Wake-up call for integration policy
The crime statistics 2023 show the need for integration policy action
Estudio analiza estrategias de los medios chinos en Latinoamérica a través de YouTube
La investigadora del CAD, Sascha Hannig, presentó el estudio China Media Group en Español: Análisis de la presencia de los medios estatales chinos en YouTube en Español.
Event Reports on the topic
"Wenn wir wirtschaftlich keine Rolle spielen, spielen wir auch politisch keine Rolle"
Bei der F.A.Z.-KAS-Debatte diskutieren Experten über die Wahlen in den USA und ihre möglichen Folgen. Auf Europa sehen sie große Herausforderungen zukommen.
„Die CDU ist DIE Amerika-Partei der Bundesrepublik“
23. Treffen des Ideengeschichtlichen Arbeitskreises
Welche Wege weisen in die Zukunft?
Die Ukraine, Russland und Perspektiven für eine neue Europäische Friedensordnung
KAS
Braucht die Bundeswehr eine Drohnenkampftruppe?
Dokumentation zur Online-Veranstaltung am 27. Juni 2024
KAS/Edgar Nemschok
„A turning point requires determination“
Report on the XII. Adenauer Conference on 15 May 2024
75 Jahre NATO: Zerreißprobe für das Atlantische Bündnis am Beginn einer neuen Weltordnung?
Eine Bilanz des 45. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Atlantischen Gesellschaft am 10. April 2024
"Deutschland und Europa in der „Zeitenwende“ – Zukunftsaufgaben der Sicherheitspolitik"
Vortragsreihe in Kooperation mit der Professur für Internationale Politik der TU Chemnitz
Jan Kulke
Kiel Security Conference 2023
"Spies, Subs and Melting Ice - Old & New Challenges to the Baltic Sea Region" 17 June 2023
Media library
From TV
“One year to Hamas Massacre – A Day That Changed Israel Forever”. Interview with KAS Director in Israel, Michael Rimmel, on the situation in Israel in year after the Hamas attack.
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