Publications on the topic of “Freedom needs Security”

China, Latin America, and the United States: Geopolitical Impacts and New Challenges

Latin America is a foreign policy priority for the new U.S. administration, partly due to China's growing influence in the region. We asked Dr. Karin Johnston to assess China's role in Latin America, its implications for the U.S., and the broader geopolitical consequences.

In|vo|lun|ta|ri|ly ce|li|ba|te (Incel)

A misogynistic threat to internal security – on the potential danger of the misogynist incel scene

The term incel stands for involuntarily celibate and describes men who define themselves by their inability to establish sexual and romantic relationships with women. The incel scene is characterised by a strong misogynistic and anti-feminist ideology. Members of the community believe in a world view characterised by the doctrine of ‘Pills’. On this ideological basis, they spread misogynistic content in dedicated forums, but also on social media, and deliberately distort the general discourse by spreading anti-feminist content.

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.

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.

Presidential elections annulled after hybrid attack

Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts

Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts. Firstly, against Russia's hybrid attack on the integrity of the presidential elections. And then on the familiar front against the system of clientelism and corruption, which is supported by forces that continue to prolong the power of the former communist elite. It does not help to ignore one problem in favour of the other. Romania needs a fundamentally different relationship between its institutions, politicians and citizens if it is to become a strong and resilient democracy.

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.

The fall of the Assad regime was as sudden as it was swift. But after more than 13 years of civil war and in view of the complex regional environment, the political reorganisation of Syria is not going to be easy. A heterogeneous alliance of partly jihadist rebels will have to organise the political transition and involve the relevant stakeholders in the process. There is a great sense of optimism in the country, but this is mixed with concerns about revenge and renewed conflict.

Surprise coup against Parliament

In conflict with opposition, South Korea’s President declared martial law

During the night of December 3-4, 2024, martial law prevailed in South Korea for the first time since the days before democracy in 1980/81. President Yoon Suk-yeol declared that the opposition's efforts to cut his budget and for further impeachment proceedings against members of his government were a threat to the country and spoke of infiltration by pro-North Korean forces. A few hours later, he was forced to reverse the decision by successful resistance from parliament and massive demonstrations, and now his government is in ruins. The next few days will probably only decide whether he leaves voluntarily or has to be forced.

Sudan crisis hits Sahel country Chad

An opportunity for Russia?

Chad is increasingly impacted by civil war raging in Sudan. Almost one million Sudanese have fled to eastern Chad, fuelling competition over land with locals who also complain about food prices. More refugees are expected to arrive as the warring parties in Sudan show no signs of willing to lay down arms – Europe is concerned that some will make their way to Libya to catch a boat to Italy. Chad’s President Mahamat Déby meanwhile is diversifying his partnerships by keeping his distance from France, the country’s traditional main partner, while also talking to Russia and working with the United Arab Emirates – the latter stands accused of channelling weapons via Chad to Sudan (Abu Dhabi denies the charges.

Stress test for Germany's domestic security

Responses to multiple crises and internationally networked actors

In 2024, the Federal Republic of Germany faces various threats in the area of domestic security. International crises not only influence extremist actors in their ideological developments, but also motivate them to commit criminal offences and acts of violence. At the same time, the lines between the individual groups and phenomena are becoming blurred as selective collaborations and structural ideological overlaps are emerging. In addition, the influence of foreign actors is growing and links between Germany and abroad are increasing significantly.

The first summit between the EU and GCC ends without breakthroughs

Strategic partnership with little results

On October 16, high-ranking government representatives from EU states and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council met in Brussels. In the wake of a new strategic engagement with the Gulf states, which the EU had already initiated in 2022, the summit marked the first time in history that top politicians from both sides came together in this context. However, there were no major strategic successes to report at the end of the meeting. Rather, the summit once again revealed what ails Europe's Gulf policy in general: a lack of political courage to take concrete steps to raise relations between the two regions to a new level. It was fitting that a key EU member was completely absent from Brussels.