Publications on the topic of “Freedom needs Security” - Security – Innovation – Democracy
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Publications on the topic of “Freedom needs Security”
Asset Publisher
IMAGO / Pacific Press Agency
Mali conflict
Mauritania becomes a refuge and main transit country to the European Union
The European Union is seeing a decline in migration from North Africa via the central Mediterranean, as smugglers are increasingly using the Atlantic route from Mauritania to the Canary Islands. At the same time, the Sahel region is increasingly becoming a refuge for Malians fleeing offensives by Russian mercenaries against jihadists. There is now the threat of a lot of social explosives, as the United Nations is having to significantly reduce aid for Malian refugees due to the Trump administration's cutbacks.
Ulf Laessing
April 1, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / photonews.at
Austria's political centre under pressure
The coalition of the last chance
After the longest government formation in the history of the Second Republic, Austria now has a new federal government. The process, which lasted more than five months, was characterized by two major ruptures: First, the negotiations for the so-called Zuckerl coalition of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), Social Democrats (SPÖ) and liberal NEOS failed. This led to the resignation of ÖVP leader and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the beginning of 2025. The subsequent coalition negotiations with the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) led by its future chancellor Herbert Kickl were therefore led by the previous Secretary General and interim party chairman of the ÖVP, Christian Stocker. These negotiations also failed, so that the party returned to the beginning and - this time doomed to success, so to speak - managed to form a coalition between the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS after all. The more than 200-page program of the government led by Christian Stocker as Federal Chancellor is entitled “Doing the right thing now. For Austria”. It could be the last chance for the political center to prevent FPÖ chairman Kickl from becoming the next Chancellor.
Sebastian Enskat, M.A., Michael Stellwag, Johannes Spreitz
April 1, 2025
Country reports
KAS
Shaping Europe – Scenarios for the European Union in 2030
On the future of European security, economy and enlargement
The European Union faces growing geopolitical tensions, economic transformation, and the challenge of enlargement. How can the EU strengthen its security, maintain its competitiveness, and expand strategically? Six future scenarios illustrate possible developments up to 2030. Based on a scenario approach, the study provides strategic recommendations to enhance resilience, foster innovation, and ensure political cohesion. By making forward-looking decisions today, the EU can shape its role as a global leader in an increasingly uncertain world.
Lolita Čigāne, Philipp Köbe, Marie-Sophie Lanig, Annabelle Livet, Felix Müller, Tim Peter, Samina Sultan
March 31, 2025
Single title
IMAGO / Xinhua
Two years of civil war in Sudan
The latest developments in the crisis region
At the end of March, Sudanese media reported that the presidential palace in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, had been retaken by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The palace, which also serves as the seat of government, had been occupied by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, along with other parts of the capital. The recapture marks a major milestone for the Sudanese army in the ongoing conflict. Several ministry buildings and much of the capital are also back under SAF military control. However, an end to the war is not yet in sight, as RSF rebels still control several strategic areas of the country and fighting continues in other regions. Fighting continues particularly in Western Darfur. An end to the war is a long way off, as various local and international political initiatives remain unsuccessful. In the meantime, the people of Sudan are suffering one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
Steffen Krüger
March 27, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Bernhard Herrmann
Finland’s Response to Hybrid Threats in the Baltic Sea
Resilience through Comprehensive Security?
Finland’s decision to join the NATO alliance after decades of military neutrality in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has significantly acerbated relations with its Eastern Neighbour. The latest National Risk Assessment by the Finnish government emphasizes the dangers of hybrid threats, which could challenge Finland’s security environment. Its land border of more than 1,300 kilometres with Russia renders Finland particularly susceptible to Russian hybrid operations. Hybrid threats can take manifold shape, such as cyberattacks, disinformation, instrumentalized migration, or sabotage acts against critical infrastructure, including subsea electricity or data cables.
Lavinia Klarhoefer, Christine Leuchtenmüller
March 27, 2025
Country reports
Nipu / Adobe Stock
Perspective Trump 2.0
A New Era of Transatlantic Relations
Trump's current second term in office is fundamentally reshaping transatlantic relations. This anthology examines the geopolitical, economic, and security implications for Europe and Germany. It focuses on the realignment of U.S. foreign policy, the increased emphasis on the Indo-Pacific, and the consequences for trade, defense, and technology. What challenges arise, and how should Germany respond?
Dr. Peter Fischer-Bollin, Caroline Kanter, Evelyn Gaiser, Ferdinand Alexander Gehringer
March 21, 2025
Single title
A Front Line with Jihadism Drawn in the Sand of the Sahel
Jihadist expansion in northern Benin and Togo threatens stability, as armed groups exploit local conflicts and socio-economic struggles to weaken state authority
This study examines the slow but steady expansion of jihadist groups into northern Benin and Togo, analyzing their tactics, the socio-economic impact, and the effectiveness of government responses.
March 19, 2025
Single title
IMAGO / MediaPunch
Showdown in the Oval Office
US Opinions on the Future of Trump's Ukraine Policy
Relations between the USA and Ukraine hit a low point last week: In front of live television cameras, there was a confrontation in the Oval Office of the White House between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The result was a breakdown in talks and a pause in American aid to Ukraine.
Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
March 6, 2025
Country reports
Adobe Stock/WITTAYA ANGMUJCHA
Boost for the Defence Industry
Seven short-term proposals for a competitive domestic defence sector
The USA is withdrawing from Europe as a security guarantor – what should be done now? In order to assert and preserve themselves, Germany and Europe must quickly invest more in their deterrence and defence capabilities. We are not helpless. But defence capability requires significant and long-term investments in our armed forces, in research and development, in infrastructure, materials and personnel. The arms industry plays a key role.
Dr. Christina Catherine Krause, Dr. Jan Cernicky
March 5, 2025
Monitor
IMAGO / APAimages
Regional Implications of the Fall of Assad
How do Jordan and Iraq React?
The capture of Damascus by rebel groups led by the Islamist HTS militia ended more than five decades of the Assad regime’s rule. Amman and Baghdad view the new rulers with scepticism, fearing Syria’s destabilization and fragmentation. However, Jordan also sees an opportunity to foster constructive neighbourly relations. In Iraq, mistrust of Syrian interim president Ahmad Sharaa runs deep. Nevertheless, a pragmatic approach toward the new leadership is emerging - one that should ideally be embedded regionally and internationally.
