Publications on the topic of “Freedom needs Security”

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.

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.

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.

China at the Munich Security Conference

More than just a short-term PR success for Beijing?

China was able to score diplomatic points at the 61st Munich Security Conference, according to observers – especially in contrast to the behavior of the USA. "Wang Yi appeared to be the only adult in the room," noted Table.Media, and Bayerischer Rundfunk reported on "China's charm offensive." But how is the appearance of the Chinese top diplomat discussed in China's media, and what conclusions are being drawn from the openly revealed differences between the USA and Europe in China's capital?

From Paralysis to Progress? Who will be the new face of the African Union?

A portrait of the candidates for the chairmanship of the AU Commission

The African heads of state will elect a new leadership on February 15th and 16th. Will the new chairman of the African Union Commission be able to tackle existing challenges that have been paralyzing the efficiency of the Union? Who are the candidates for the most powerful position within the AU and what do they stand for? Martino Faccenda and Lukas Kupfernagel have been taking a look behind the scenes to unpack the candidates and potential implications for the future EU-AU relations.

Albania and religion – a globally unique case

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation commissioned a study on religious issues.

Albania is the only country in the world where religion has ever been banned by law. For nearly a quarter of a century, the communist dictator Enver Hoxha waged a war against religion. From 1967 until 1990, religious institutions were closed, the practice of religious rites was banned, and the mere expression of religious beliefs was considered a crime against the state. The latter was specifically included in an article of the penal code, which prescribed a prison sentence of three to ten years.

Between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean: Morocco's maritime security strategy

Complex transnational challenges for the country's maritime security

The geopolitical developments in the Red Sea and Morocco's geostrategic position as an interface between Africa, Europe and the Americas pose complex transnational challenges for the country's maritime security. While Morocco benefits economically from the emerging importance of its ports, Morocco's sea areas are threatened by illegal migration, terrorist activities and international drug trafficking. Through a strategy of regional cooperation, Morocco seeks to use its Atlantic and Mediterranean identity to lower trade barriers while protecting itself from dangers. However, measures taken by the Moroccan navy make it clear that cooperation with both European and African states is indispensable for an effective security strategy.

“Election” in Belarus

Ruler Lukashenko Grants Himself Another Five Years

The result of the “presidential election” in Belarus on January 26th, with 86.82 percent for the 70-year-old Lukashenko, who has been in power for 30 years, and 8.83 percent for the four “alternative” candidates, is completely fictitious. Experts assume that Lukashenko might realistically achieve 40-50 percent of the vote due to the country's hopeless situation in Russia's stranglehold and the lack of alternatives. However, this cannot be verified. OSCE observers were not allowed to attend the “election,” and candidates from opposition parties or independent civilian election observers were not even given a chance to stand. The “election” should actually have taken place in July but was brought forward to January 26th during a visit by Lukashenko to Russia in October last year. The active phase of the election campaign thus fell in the coldest month of the year, with many public holidays, which reduced the likelihood of street protests. The slowdown in economic growth by mid-2025 would also have had a more significant impact on the population's prosperity. In the event of peace negotiations in Ukraine after Donald Trump’s inauguration, Lukashenko wanted to legitimize himself early on with a renewed mandate as the real incumbent to participate in these negotiations. Since the protests against the election fraud in 2020 were brutally suppressed, Belarus has been on the path to becoming a totalitarian state, with close ties to Russia and isolated from the West by extensive sanctions.

Risk and Threat Perception

This project aims to identify and compare the current perceptions of risks and threats among Indo-Pacific countries, and to examine their influence on the respective regional policies and strategies. For each country, three dominant security concerns are presented, how they cause uncertainty, and how the situation and its perceptions have emerged and developed. The reports illustrate the current position and trajectory of these countries in the Indo-Pacific security environment.

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.