New engine for a new era?

Why, in 2023, a new approach to Franco-German cooperation is needed in Europe

“The Franco-German engine is indispensable for Europe“. This image is bound to reappear 60 years after Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer signed the Élysée Treaty. In 1963, the two heads of state paved the way for European reconciliation, peace and prosperity in a European Community of six founding member states. Enjoying military protection provided by the US in the Cold War against the Soviet Union.

Right in the Middle, not out on the Sidelines? – Representation and Participation of Women in Europe

Results of a Comparative, Representative Survey in Germany, Italy, Croatia, Poland and Sweden

In a representative survey, attitudes towards the perception of gender equality, stereotypes and gender roles were examined in Germany, Italy, Croatia, Poland and Sweden. The study shows the perspectives of different national populations on women's representation and participation. The results enable classifications, comparisons and conclusions on strengthening the role of women in politics and society.

Giorgia Meloni's wondrous transformation

There was no lack of dire prophecies when the Fratelli d'Italia under Giorgia Meloni, which emerged from neo-fascist movements, clearly won the parliamentary elections on 25 September 2022. But in the first 100 days since taking office, the new right-wing government has been emphatically moderate. Not a few had expected Prime Minister Meloni to slip at the first opportunity on the international stage. But it is not only her outward appearance that has become very smooth. Thematically, she never misses an opportunity to make a clear commitment to Italy's obligations in NATO and the EU. On the subject of Ukraine, Rome is in the front line. And the scandal with France over the landing of refugee ships remained a single anti-European uproar. Without any ambiguity, Meloni has clearly distanced herself from the neo-fascist roots of her party on several occasions and has condemned Mussolini's racial laws, which led to the deportation of Jewish Italians to the extermination camps from 1943 onwards. In opinion polls, the Fratelli d'Italia are currently at 30-32 per cent. And more and more observers are wondering whether Meloni wants to move her hitherto strictly nationalist party to the centre-right in order to lead a new conservative party in Italy in the future.

The Canadians look ahead with mixed feelings

Economic and social issues dominate the demoscopic picture at the start of 2023 - and Prime Minister Trudeau gets poor marks

Traditionally, the relevant Canadian polling institutes present the results of their most important, latest surveys at the beginning of the year. They serve as a barometer of the population's mood on key issues for the coming twelve months. At the beginning of 2023, probably the most important finding from the wealth of data is that Canadians feel that they and their country are in a permanent crisis. The reasons for this are manifold and have both geopolitical and domestic political backgrounds. Politicians seem to have failed so far to effectively counter the pessimistic trend, neither through people nor through policy designs. However, the survey results also contain some paradoxes.

Bundeswehr of the Future

Responsibility and Artificial Intelligence

The Russian war against Ukraine has brought the need for a Bundeswehr ready for operations to the public's attention. Besides a debate on equipment, there is also a need to address the digital transformation of the armed forces and the technological developments of the 21st century. In particular, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) interrogates the German armed forces and German society on the extent to which AI can and should be used militarily. What are the possibilities and limits? How should the autonomy of weapon systems be dealt with in the future, and what role do soldiers play in this?

The Russian Orthodox Church's Disempowerment of Society

Analysis for the Empowerment of the War Enthusiasts

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and Putin's regime are very close. The ROC provides the ideological superstructure for Putin's agenda and empowers the war-mongers in society. At the same time, it promotes indifference and cynicism regarding public affairs. Foreseeably, however, the ROC's propaganda is reaching its limits, as it is finding less of a hearing among post-Soviet socialized age groups and lacks a forward-looking vision.

Fortiter in re suaviter in modo - Clear and powerful in the matter and gentle in the form

On the death of Christoph Stölzl

Christoph Stölzl was an exceptional figure in the German cultural scene. He lent lasting contours to the landscape of historical museums. Without the former Senator for Culture, the city of Berlin would not have the international cultural-political standing it has. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung mourns the loss of its long-time member of the Board of Trustees and a valuable advisor.

Mexico Forecast 2023

Old and new challenges for democracy

An electoral reform that is questionable for Mexican democracy, corruption and plagiarism scandals as well as personnel renewal within the Supreme Court, the continuing attacks against the National Electoral Institute and the last regional elections before the presidential elections in 2024: The start of the new year is rich in events that will shape the country's future in one way or another. What remains unchanged this year is a very polarized mood in Mexican society and an economic situation marked by strong inflation and continued economic weakness, which is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels before 2026, according to forecasts. Internal security also remains characterized by historically high murder rates, a worrisome presence of organized crime and an increasingly visible militarization of the country. In terms of foreign policy, relations with the United States continue to take center stage; in the south of the continent, Mexico has abandoned its traditional position of non-interference, at least in the case of Peru, and has caused considerable irritation.

Terror threatens Brazil's democracy, but it resists

Extremist riots against the country's democratic institutions overshadow a week-long honeymoon after the inauguration of President Lula da Silva

After the peaceful inauguration of President Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva (Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT) on 01 January 2023, the "return to democracy" was overshadowed by violent terrorist attacks on Brazil's democratic institutions. However, even though the buildings and installations have been vandalised by extremists, their functioning has so far remained unaffected. Lula now faces the challenge of continuing to guarantee public security, overcoming polarisation, targeting extremism and implementing his government plans despite the minority in Congress and budget constraints. In this, the international community is backing him. But even though many embraced him joyfully after his inauguration, relieved about the change of government, one has to ask whether the enthusiasm still lasts when it comes to topics such as Ukraine or the EU-Mercosul agreement.

Escape from Russia

The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine is also a turning point in Russia, as more and more people are leaving the country.

The 24th of February 2022 also marks a turning point in Russian society. Over one million people may have already left the country. The exodus movements have different characteristics and can be divided into different groups. The waves of emigration from Russia pose fundamental questions for European states about how to deal with Russian conscientious objectors. In other parts of the world, such as Central Asia, the waves of emigrants are initially raising economic hopes. Contrary to fears, Russia has not (yet) closed its borders. As a rule, citizens are still able to leave the country. In the current situation, the Russian government seems to see an advantage in critical voices and protest potential leaving Russia. The tone for dealing with exiles is set by former President Dmitry Medvedev, Putin's deputy on the National Security Council: "Traitors who hate their country so much that they call for its defeat must be considered enemies of the state. (...) Such people should not be allowed to return to Russia for the rest of their lives. (...) Their return home can only take place in the case of clear public repentance and through amnesty or pardon. Although it would be better for them not to return."