Publications on the topic of “Democracy needs Participation” - Security – Innovation – Democracy
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Publications on the topic of “Democracy needs Participation”
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IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Thailand vor den Wahlen
Richtungswechsel oder Status Quo?
Am 8. Februar 2026 wird in Thailand eine neue Regierung gewählt, weniger als drei Jahre seit dem letzten regulären Urnengang. Notwendig wurden die vorgezogenen Neuwahlen durch die Amtsenthebung von Premierministerin Paetongtarn Shinawatra im August 2025, in deren Folge eine Minderheitsregierung unter Anutin Charnvirakul, dem dritten Premierminister seit 2023, geschäftsführend und befristet die Geschicke übernahm. Diese Zeit geht nun zu Ende – am 12. Dezember 2025 wurde das Parlament aufgelöst, im Januar der Wahltermin bekannt gegeben. Zudem findet am selben Tag ein Referendum zum Für und Wider einer Verfassungsreform statt, die über die grundsätzliche politische Architektur des Landes langfristig entscheidet. Was steht auf dem Spiel, welche Szenarien zeichnen sich ab und was bedeutet das für die Zukunft des Landes? Ein Überblick.
Dr. Angelika Klein
February 6, 2026
Country reports
IMAGO / Zoonar
Mexico Outlook 2026
Mexico under stress: threat of US intervention, erosion of democracy and fragile security
ince the US military intervention in Venezuela, possible US operations in Mexico are no longer considered mere threats. Announcements from Washington are now also perceived in Mexico as a real political risk scenario, presenting President Sheinbaum with a foreign and domestic policy test. At the same time, the country is undergoing a period of profound institutional upheaval. Following the far-reaching weakening of constitutional structures in 2025, the announced electoral reform could also bring the legislature under the de facto control of the ruling party in 2026. If this plan is implemented, it would further substantially damage the already fragile democratic balance. At the same time, the security situation presents a mixed picture. While the number of registered homicides is declining, the number of disappearances continues to rise. At the same time, the population's sense of insecurity remains high.
Hans-Hartwig Blomeier, Nikolaus Rischbieter
February 5, 2026
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Local elections in France in 2026
A barometer for the presidential elections
In March 2026, six years after the last election, local representatives will be re-elected in France. As the last nationwide direct elections before the 2027 presidential election, the parties attach particular importance to this vote, even though local election results traditionally only reflect national sentiment to a limited extent. However, given the unstable national political situation in which this year's local elections will take place, this trend could change. Since the dissolution of the National Assembly in 2024, political control at the state level has been weakened, parliamentary majorities remain unstable and confidence in national institutions is under great pressure. It therefore seems that the political significance of the local elections could have a greater impact at the national level this time or be influenced by it. Accordingly, the focus is shifting to the local authorities: in 2026, they will become key touchstones of political credibility, capacity to act and organisation.
Anja Czymmeck, Max Willem Fricke, Nele Katharina Wissmann
February 5, 2026
Country reports
IMAGO / Avalon.red
U.S. Perspectives One Year Into Trump’s Second Term
“Move Fast and Break Things”
Showing strength, challenging traditions, and putting America’s interests—along with his own—first: the first year of President Trump’s second term has been a whirlwind of national and international change. Nowhere is this more evident than in foreign policy, where he has profoundly reshaped the role of the United States and challenged the existing order.
Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
January 27, 2026
Country reports
MAGO / snowfieldphotography
Poster, Online, Doorstep – Who was Reached by in the Bundestag Election Campaign 2025?
Representative survey on party advertisement in the general election campaign 2025: The perception of posters, flyers, social media ads, canvassing and other ways of campaigning
Parties put a lot of effort into presenting their issues and leaders during the election campaign. They use every means at their disposal: posters, flyers and information brochures, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, advertising on social media, street stands, and even personal contact at the doorstep. But what reaches the voters? Which form of election advertising do they remember? The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung conducted a representative survey on this question. The result in a nutshell: election advertising makes a difference.
Dr. Jochen Roose
January 26, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Xinhua
EU-Jordan Summit
A Symbolic Step for a Strategic Partnership
With the first bilateral summit between the EU and Jordan, both sides sent a signal of their intention to deepen the partnership at a time of heightened regional instability in the Middle East. Through its support for Jordan, the EU aims to strengthen the country in its stabilising role in the region and to contribute to Jordan’s internal stability, particularly by supporting economic resilience and growth. For the EU, the deepening of relations also provides an opportunity to position itself as a reliable partner and actor in the Middle East against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable US foreign policy.
Veronika Ertl, Laura Schranz
January 21, 2026
Country reports
smarterpix / AndreyPopov
Delivering Results: What Makes Governing Effective – and What Doesn’t
Impact over input – delivery units as key to better government outcomes
Governments must deliver – but passing laws and approving budgets aren’t enough. In Germany’s federal system, fragmented responsibilities and complex coordination often slow implementation. This Monitor calls for impact-driven governance: clear goals, indicators, and agile delivery units embedded in the Chancellery and State or Senate Chancelleries. These teams track priorities, remove obstacles, and ensure transparency across ministries – turning promises into measurable results.
Marcel Schepp, Felipe Hinrichsen
January 8, 2026
Monitor
KI-generiert mit ChatGPT, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
Breaking Free from the Polarization Trap!
Clear on substance, fair in tone: Campaign strategies between democratic polarization and populist temptations
The author analyses the growing fragmentation and polarization in Germany’s party system and outlines ways for parties to build a strong profile without undermining the democratic consensus. He distinguishes between productive democratic polarization and destructive affective polarization. Recommended campaign strategies include clear core messages, a respectful engagement with competitors, distancing from extremist parties, and positive, authentic candidate profiling.
Dr. L. Constantin Wurthmann
January 8, 2026
Monitor
Summary of OpenGov for Citizen
In collaboration with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) since 2023
This e-Book compiles proposals and results from all four “OpenGov for Citizen” events, covering a variety of policy schemes, including the development of policies to support the cost of living, welfare and quality of life for the elderly, the restoration and conservation of green spaces, the reduction of carbon emissions from industrial sectors and marine waste management.
December 23, 2025
Single title
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency
Morocco's Youth Before the 2026 Election
Between Lack of Political Participation and New Forms of Engagement
Elections will be held in Morocco in September 2026. The political activities are gradually geared towards the elections. Protests by young adults a year before the elections have once again increased the nervousness of the established parties. Frustration and a lack of development opportunities are repeatedly mentioned, although the country is facing positive economic development. But success seems to be insufficiently received by the young population. The result seems to be frustration and mistrust of parliamentary structures. By 31 December 2025, first-time voters must have registered on the electoral lists to participate in the elections. The four million first-time voters make up about 15 percent of the population eligible to vote and could thus become an important factor.
