Finland Relies on Popular Politicians in Times of Crisis

Alexander Stubb in first place after the first round of the presidential elections

Finland has enjoyed special attention in the security policy context at least since the country joined NATO in April 2023 and due to its comprehensive strategy of defensive democracy ("total defense"). Hybrid attacks from the Russian side have increased since Russia's attack on Ukraine. Finland recently had to close its border posts in the east due to migration controlled by Russia. The Finnish president, who is directly elected every six years, is the commander-in-chief of the army and is responsible for enacting laws, appointing ministers and foreign and security policy. Sauli Niinistö, who is still in office, negotiated the path from his country's application to NATO membership prudently and purposefully with an overwhelming vote of the Finnish population and thus also received a great deal of international recognition. Alexander Stubb, like Niinistö from the conservative Rally Party, is now likely to succeed him. He received 27.2% of the vote on election night, but was closely followed by Pekka Haavisto, former Green Foreign Minister in the Marin cabinet, with 25.8%.

New defence strategies for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

Baltic Bastions

"[...] they will be treated like pigs in their own country". This sentence comes at the end of a long series of blatant threats by Russian President Putin against the three Baltic States, in this case Latvia. The statement was made in response to the alleged mistreatment of Latvia's Russian-speaking population. Such statements cause great fear of attack in these states, which had to fight hard for their independence from Russia. Faced with the feared reduction of Western support for Ukraine and the resulting sharp increase in the potential threat from Russia, the three Baltic States published new defence strategies in 2023. But how do the Baltic States intend to secure their independence, and are these concepts a blueprint for other states?

Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

How the raids at Christmas 2023 fit into an existing major conflict over resources in Nigeria

Nigeria, a country torn by multiple crisis and conflicts, experienced a series of attacks on Christmas 2023, which gained attention far beyond its own borders. But the search for reasons to explain this outbreak of violence is complex. With a spreading conflict on resources, fueled by climate change and population growth, it becomes evident, that more reasons are underlying then the smouldering religious conflict in the region.

China's powerlessness in the Red Sea

Houthi attacks pose a strategic dilemma for Beijing

Washington has asked Beijing for support to curb attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing US government circles. China's own interest in de-escalation and securing trade and supply chains appears to be obvious. However, why China is holding back in the conflict, even though it is economically heavily dependent on exports, raises questions.

Senegal elects a new president

On the way to a new era

On February 25, 2024, Senegal will elect a new president. It is the twelfth election since Senegal's independence in 1960. Four presidents have been in office so far, now the fifth will be elected. This is the first time in Senegal's history that an incumbent president is no longer standing as a candidate. Although Macky Sall can look back on 12 successful years, there are many voices - especially among the predominantly young population - who would prefer to see a different generation of politicians as future rulers. The controversial opposition politician Ousmane Sonko himself has not been admitted. It remains to be seen whether the weakened but still very present opposition will be able to assert itself.

Beyond PM2.5

Environmental Justice and Insight Urban Solution for the Next Generation

Every year, air pollution known as PM2.5 occurs in Thailand, particularly in the north. It has caused hardship affecting both socio-economics and public health. Meanwhile, climate change is one of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the situation, such as longer periods of smog season caused by drought. Environmental justice as a component of the solution, viewed through the lens of climate change challenges along with insight into the urban solution and the voice of the citizens, may provide some light on the right to breathe.

Call for Abstracts

Submission Deadline: 31st of January 2024

Scholars, policy makers and practitioners are invited to submit their abstracts of 250-300 words for the conference on: "Navigating the Climate Crisis in Northern Himalayan Region of India: Rethinking Federal Governance" (Kashmir, 6th-7th March). The conference specifically welcomes abstracts that delve into the intersection of climate change and federal governance. Submission deadline: 31st of January 2024. Mail to: climatefederalism@gmail.com

Political Thought Nr.67

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Institute for Democracy "Societas Civilis" from Skopje would like to present you the 67th issue of the journal “Political Thought”.

South Africa's Easy Election Guide Official Launch

Who To Vote For in 2024?

Nickolaus Bauer officially launches his book in Cape Town & Johannesburg during the week of the 22nd of January 2024.

Meeting of Czech and Slovak parliamentary assistants in Prague

Inter-parliamentary meeting of parliamentary assistants of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic in Prague

The programme included visits to Czech institutions, as well as discussions on possible political-security and civic activities that could be implemented in the coming years to strengthen information security and resistance to disinformation, authoritarian tendencies and to strengthen the ties between the parliaments of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.