Token Study

Blockchain technology fundamentals and application scenarios

The token study analyses the technical properties of distributed ledger technology (DLT) as a central element of a blockchain. The focus is on a structured explanation of the fundamentals of DLT as well as current regulatory developments, with a view to case law in Germany and the EU. Building on this, selected application examples show the impact of DLT on industry and the financial sector. Finally, the study provides an outlook on the further development of the technology.

Victory? Stalemate? Escalation?

Possible developments of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine by 24 February 2024

Ukrainians are fighting for a future in peace and freedom. This also affects us, because what we do or don't do today has a direct impact on the people of Ukraine, on security in Europe and on the international order. For the sake of being better prepared for possible developments in the course of the war, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has devised four scenarios together with experts from 13 European countries.

One year after Russia's invasion: What is the state of international solidarity with Ukraine?

What does the withdrawal of the Bundeswehr mean for Mali and the Sahel region?

Less room for manoeuvre for the UN mission MINUSMA and declining stability foreseeable

Due to the ongoing problems with Mali's military government, the German government has decided to withdraw the Bundeswehr from the Sahel country by May 2024 at the latest. But there is discussion about whether Germany's largest foreign mission could end even earlier.

Russia: Nuclear Dangers and Risks of Escalation

The global security situation is extremely tense. Disputes are hardening and the global conflict between liberal democracies and authoritarian systems is intensifying. The war in Ukraine is not just a war between two former Soviet republics, but a systemic conflict. The assessment of the risks of escalation is a matter of debate. UN Secretary-General António Guterres tells the UN General Assembly in New York: "I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a major war - I fear it is doing so with its eyes wide open". In a speech to both chambers of the Russian parliament on 21 February 2023, Vladimir Putin did fall short of the expectations of Russian hardliners calling for an even more brutal war in Ukraine, not shying away from calls for the use of tactical nuclear weapons. However, Putin announced the unilateral freezing of the "New Start" nuclear disarmament treaty.

Urteilsverkündung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts

Statement unseres Vorsitzenden Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert

Das Bundesverfassungsgericht hat am 22. Februar 2023 sein Urteil in Sachen „Desiderius-Erasmus-Stiftung“ verkündet. Bei dem Verfahren ging es um die Frage, ob die AfD als Partei durch die bisher nicht gewährte staatliche Finanzierung der ihr nahestehenden Stiftung in ihrem Recht auf Chancengleichheit im Parteienwettbewerb verletzt ist.

Radical climate activism

Representative survey on the prevalence of radical attitudes on the issue of climate protection

This study explores the question of how high the acceptance of non-peaceful means in the fight for climate protection is among the population. How widespread are radical attitudes on this issue, including acceptance of violence, in society? The analysis of representative survey data and qualitative in-depth interviews sheds light on these questions.

From Nicaragua's prison to the light of freedom

Interview with José Antonio Peraza Collado, political analyst and former political prisoner

José Antonio Peraza Collado is a Nicaraguan political scientist and expert on the Nicaraguan electoral system. On July 26, 2021, he was imprisoned by the Nicaraguan Re gime after participating in a television program analyzing the political situation in his country. He was one of 222 political prisoners released on February 9 and deported to the United States. KAS Costa Rica interviewed him after his release. The interview was conducted by Evelyn Gaiser, Head of KAS in Costa Rica and Sergio Araya, Project Manager of KAS Costa Rica.

Deportation to freedom

Nicaragua remains a state of injustice

Surprisingly for the public, but also for those affected themselves, the Nicaraguan regime released 222 political prisoners to the United States on February 9. However, the supposedly good news has a bitter aftertaste: The deported prisoners were deprived of their citizenship and all the respective rights. In the future, the international community must continue to demand the granting of human rights and a return to democratic processes.

How to write multilateralism again?

On the question of purchase guarantees and WTO rules

German and European producers are supposed to receive purchase guarantees by the German government in order to boost the development of renewable energies. Nevertheless, this practice violates World Trade Organization rules. However, there are alternatives such as tenders that allow for qualitative aspects. This article discusses the implications of these proposals and notes that deliberate violation of multilateral trade rules is troubling, especially as the importance of such rules in other areas is emphasized.