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NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization / flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Freedom needs Security

Freedom needs Security

Security is a prerequisite for freedom. On our focused theme page, our experts elucidate why and where peace, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, prosperity, and solidarity are at risk, and what we can do to counter these threats.

News

No peace without freedom!

Konrad Adenauer, 1952

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Content

1. Illuminating the connections

2. Strengthening the Bundeswehr and NATO

3. Protecting a rule-based international order

4. Raising awareness in society

5. Our offers and projects on the topic

6. Publications, events and media contributions on the topic


 

Eine Frau sitzt vor dem Rechner.
Discuss with us on social media under the hashtag: #KAS4Security.

Often, a brief look at the day's news headlines suffices: Wars, military conflicts, and various rivalries claim lives in many regions of the world. Even within our own country, there are individuals and organizations spreading fear and terror, largely because they oppose our freedom and our state's governance.

 

Illuminating the connections

At the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, we have long been observing and analyzing such developments. Our experts, who operate globally, illuminate the connections and explain why our freedom, democracy, and security are not to be taken for granted, as well as how best to deal with these threats. We advocate for 'connected security', which means that we do not view security and defense in isolation but include all relevant developments, actors, and policy areas – both in Germany and around the world.

 

Strengthening the Bundeswehr and NATO

Key priorities for us include the following: For a safe and free life, we need a strong, recognized, well-equipped, and operationally capable Bundeswehr. It is essential to support the men and women who commit their lives to serving our country, whether in the Bundeswehr or in other professions. We are also committed to continuing the debate on mandatory national service.

Furthermore, we believe that improved military cooperation within Europe would strengthen NATO. On the path to forming a European army, significant decisions must be made regarding European arms integration, legal frameworks for deploying armed forces, and establishing joint structures. The ongoing cooperation with the United States within NATO continues to be vital for our continent's security, a role unchanged since the Bundeswehr's establishment in 1955.

From its inception, the Bundeswehr has been an integral part of NATO. Germany alone cannot ensure its security. NATO represents Germany's commitment to the West, a policy that has safeguarded the peace and freedom of the Federal Republic for over 70 years. In this alliance, Germany must assume a leadership role, meaning it should take on more responsibility in the military sphere and strengthen the European pillar of NATO.

 

Protecting a rule-based international order

We advocate for a rule-based and liberal multilateral world order because it aligns with Germany's interests. We should actively contribute to promoting joint solutions in the EU, NATO, and the United Nations.

Only by working together can we effectively combat international terrorism. This necessitates a global perspective on our internal security. Our state faces increasing threats from external and internal extremism and terrorism. Therefore, a robust European security architecture is essential.

 

Raising awareness in society

Today's threats often emerge digitally, targeting our data, information systems, infrastructure, security, freedom, and democracy. These attacks cannot be repelled alone; it requires a collective effort with our European and transatlantic partners.

Being collectively strong also means assuming responsibility within our society and being well-informed. We are committed to contributing to this effort.


Our offers and projects on the topic

International offices and programmes

The issue of security is complex and multidimensional, as security crises, conflicts, wars, or unstable state structures often have global implications due to a closely interconnected and globalized world. Our security dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa aims to contribute to the stabilization of regions heavily affected by crises through intensified dialogue.

Security Policy Dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa

Teilnehmerinnen aus Nigeria und Sierra Leone bei der Konferenz KAS SIPODI

 

In recent years, security crises in Sub-Saharan Africa have significantly increased, underscoring the need for deeper security dialogue in the region. The Security Policy Dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa regional program includes offices in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (SIPODI West), and Kampala, Uganda (SIPODI East) for the Francophone and Anglophone regions, respectively. The program's objectives include strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) through appropriate, often cross-sectoral measures, such as combating terrorism and crime.

 

Learn more about the Security Policy Dialogue in West Africa

Learn more about the Security Policy Dialogue in East Africa


 

Event series

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers a wide range of events on security policy topics. Our regular series of events on current issues and challenges in European and international security policy are particularly noteworthy.

Adenauer Conference

XI. „Adenauer-Konferenz“ KAS / Tina Flemming

 

One of our flagship events on Germany's role in European and international security policy is the Adenauer Conference. At this conference, we discuss with renowned politicians and experts the current security policy challenges and strategic questions for the future: What is NATO's role? Where does Europe stand in systemic competition, and how does the pandemic affect security policy?

 

Learn more about the Adenauer Conference

F.A.Z.-KAS Debate on International Politics

F.A.Z.-KAS-Debatte 2023 KAS / Sven Moschitz

 

The “F.A.Z.-KAS-Debate on International Politics”, organized annually with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, helps strengthen the important discourse on foreign policy issues in Germany. The synergy of the two event partners is notable: the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung with its more than 110 locations abroad and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung with its longstanding foreign policy expertise.

 

Learn more about the F.A.Z.-KAS Debate

GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum

Globsec Bratislava Forum Titelbild KAS Slowakei

 

The GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum, an annual conference held in Slovakia, has established itself as a leading platform in Central and Eastern Europe. This strategic conference, primarily dedicated to security and international relations, is among the most important of its kind globally.

 

Learn more about GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum

Forte de Copacabana

Forte de Copacabana Titelbild KAS Brasilien

 

The Forte de Copacabana international security conference, a multilateral forum for exchange between Europe and South America, is organized jointly with the European Union Delegation and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI). The conference focuses on international security issues and provides an exciting platform for dialogue between Latin American and European security policy representatives.

 

Learn more about Forte de Copacabana


 

Publication and website projects

A number of our publication and website projects are dedicated to exploring various aspects of security. Particularly noteworthy is our project on the “Future of the Bundeswehr” and our comprehensive knowledge portal on extremism.

75 years of NATO

NATO-Hauptquartier mit Flaggen der Mitgliedsstaaten Adobe Stock / cineberg

 

It was not only the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine that showed that our freedom needs security and defence. This year, NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary. On our project page, we offer a comprehensive look at the history of the defence alliance and highlight current developments, challenges, and opportunities. So, take a look and dive into our various publications and formats.

 

Learn more about NATO's 75th anniversary

“The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa”

Coverbild West Africa’s Terrorist Challenge Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

 

In view of the growing threat of Islamist terrorism in West Africa, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation has launched the project “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa” in cooperation with the Counter Extremism Project. As part of the project, we not only analyze the deteriorating security situation in the region in a total of twelve strategy documents and weekly social media analyses, but also focus on general security issues and ways to combat terrorism. The results of the analyses lead to concrete recommendations for action for political decision-makers.

 

Learn more about “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa”

Defensible Democracy

Illustration des Reichstagsgebäudes shutterstock/Carabus • Karl-Michael Constien und racken GmbH, Berlin • yellow too, Pasiek Horntrich GbR

 

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has brought the defense capability of democracy into the public and political spotlight. However, our democracy faces not only the potential military power of other states but also numerous other threats, both external and internal. These threats are the focus of our essay collection and a major campaign.

 

Learn more about the topic “Defensible Democracy” or go directly to the essay volume “The (More) Defensive Democracy”.

Disinformation - threat and danger for democracy and society

Kampf gegen Desinformation KAS

 

The Russian war against Ukraine highlights the military significance of the information space. In the digital age, disinformation has taken on new dimensions, capable of not only causing societal divisions but also endangering our democracy. Our campaign is dedicated to combating disinformation and fostering a resilient democracy.

 

Learn more about the topic “Disinformation - threat and danger for democracy and society”.

Extremism

Extremismus KAS/ Charlotte Becker

 

The Extremism project of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers a comprehensive knowledge portal on aspects of “left-wing extremism,” “right-wing extremism,” “Islamism,” and “conspiracy theories.” Our experts provide detailed information in their articles and analyses on the complexity and various nuances of these topics. Whether you have questions about extremist ideologies, structures, objectives, or organizations, our extremism portal has the answers.

 

Learn more about the Extremism Project

The Road to the Third Nuclear Age – A Timeline

Header (To the Third Nuclear Age – a Timeline) Collage by Florian Egerer, Quelle: San Diego Air and Space Museum/Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament/Pixabay (Public Domain)

 

Our project “The Road to the Third Nuclear Age – A Timeline” provides a comprehensive overview of the nuclear age and arms control. From the inception of the Manhattan Project and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to nuclear weapons testing, dangerous incidents involving nuclear weapons, and international disarmament treaties, this project offers journalists and the politically and historically interested public an in-depth introduction to the topic.

 

Learn more about the nuclear arms control timeline


 

Working groups

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has established working groups for specific thematic focuses. These groups aim to consolidate and deepen expert knowledge and facilitate networking among professionals in their respective fields.

Working Group Young Foreign Policy Experts

In the “Young Foreign Policy Experts” working group, young professionals contribute their knowledge of foreign policy and develop concepts for the political challenges of our time. The range of topics covered by the working group is broad, spanning European policy, transatlantic relations, security and defense policy, and economic, technology, and development policy.

 

Learn more about the Working Group Young Foreign Policy Experts

Working Group on Terrorism and Internal Security

The working group, which has been in existence since 2015, is dedicated to issues of counterterrorism and internal security. Its members discuss and jointly develop solutions for current challenges, focusing particularly on the threats posed by far-right and Islamist extremism and terrorism.

 

Learn more about the Working Group on Terrorism and Internal Security


 

Scholarship and didactic offers

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers an exciting doctoral program for doctoral candidates and postgraduates interested in international security policy as well as complex crisis and conflict situations. The program aims to address current global challenges in this field.

International Doctoral Program “Security and Development in the 21st Century”

The focus of the “Security and Development in the 21st Century” doctoral program is on analyzing current global challenges and developing strategies to manage complex conflict and crisis situations. The program brings together German and international doctoral candidates who receive scholarships as part of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's doctoral support program. This enables recognized scientists and practitioners to work together, allowing doctoral candidates to deepen their theses in constant personal exchange between theory and practice.

 

Learn more about the international Doctoral Program “Security and Development in the 21st Century”

Political education for the Bundeswehr

Flecktarnmuster Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

 

Current political developments and backgrounds in Germany, Europe and the world are often embedded in complex contexts. Our aim is to explain these and thus promote a better understanding in the troops of topics that are sometimes difficult to penetrate. Participants benefit from our many years of experience in political education. Our seminars for political, historical, intercultural and ethical education usually take place as closed events for one unit. We would be happy to send you a tailor-made program!

 

Find out more about our training programs for the Bundeswehr


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Contact

Dr. Christina Catherine Krause

Dr

Head of Department International Politics and Security Affairs

christina.krause@kas.de +49 30 26996-3445 +49 30 26996-53445
Single title
pexels/CC-gemeinfrei
July 4, 2022
read now
Event Reports
KAS / Tina Flemming
May 12, 2023
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#KAS4Security

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Publications, events and media contributions on the topic

Our contributions are as wide-ranging and multifaceted as the topic itself!

Whether it's an expert interview, specialist publication or hot debate - click through and you're guaranteed to find the right format for you!

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Publications to the topic

Platzhalter_schwarzweiß_ZPGRK

Auf dem Weg zu einer „Querfront“?

Linker und rechter Pazifismus in Anbetracht des russischen Angriffskriegs

Baltische Staaten auf der Karte IMAGO / Pond5 Images

New defence strategies for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

Baltic Bastions

Blauer Flecktarn Bundeswehr_hell

Politische Bildung für die Bundeswehr

#Programm 2024

Person trägt Weste mit dem Aufdruck Climate Revolution stock.adobe.com/ink drop

Radicalisation as last resort?

The disorientation in the “climate fight” and the limits of activism in extremism

Cover Bild

Municipal Information Security and Resilience

An analysis of the German approach to support

Threat Perception and Deterrence after the Ukraine War

Threat Perception and Deterrence after the Ukraine War

General Brice Clotair Oligui Nguema

Army seizes power in Gabon

A military coup as a warrant of democracy and the rule of law?

Retro-Flagge der Vereinten Nationen Adobe Stock / Maxim

50 years of Germany in the UN

The world in transition – Uniting for Peace?

Benjamin Netanyahu, Ministerpräsident des Staates Israel IMAGO / IPON

Israel's regional foreign and security policy

Between Domestic Volatility, Regional Frictions and External Threats

Luftaufnahme der chinesischen Bebauung des Johnson South Reef auf den umstrittenen Spratly-Inseln im Jahr 2015 IMAGO / UIG

Geopolitics in the South China Sea

Military Rearmament and Consequences for Europe

Zwei Soldaten hissen die NATO-Flagge auf dem Gipfel des Berges Adobe Stock / vladimirfloyd

A lot of news in the East: NATO combat brigades for the Baltic States

6 countries - 2 ways - 1 common purpose: Scaling the trip wire to heavy ordnance

Zwei Indische Soldaten im Himalaya IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

It's boiling in the Himalayas

Germany's turnaround must now lead to enhanced security cooperation with India

Podiumsdiskussion Fürstenwalde 5.7.23 Stephan Raabe

Probleme der inneren Sicherheit

Wo lauern die größten Gefahren und wie ist ihnen zu begegnen?

Künstliche Intelligenz Pixabay Geralt

ChatGPT in der Schule.

Künstliche Intelligenz als Herausforderung für den Unterricht

UNO-Soldat in Mali IMAGO / Le Pictorium

The Blue Helmet Mission in Mali is facing its end

Further aggravation of the security crisis in the Sahel

Coverbild West Africa’s Terrorist Challenge Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Interlinkage of terrorism and transnational organized crime in West Africa

Fourth Paper of the “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa” project

Coverbild West Africa’s Terrorist Challenge Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Linkages of terrorist groups in West Africa with terrorist networks in other African regions

Third Paper of the “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa” project

Coverbild West Africa’s Terrorist Challenge Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Status of ISWAP and ISGS in West Africa and Sahel

Second paper of the “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa” project

Coverbild West Africa’s Terrorist Challenge Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Development of al-Qaeda in the Western Sahel region and current operational capabilities of JNIM

First paper of the “The Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa” project

Vorstellung der Nationalen Sicherheitsstrategie 14.6.2023 in der BPK Bundesfinanzminister Christian Lindner (FDP), Bundesaußenministerin Annalena Baerbock (B’90 Die Grünen), Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (SPD), Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius (SPD), Bundesinnenministerin Nancy Faeser (SPD). IMAGO / Bernd Elmenthaler

The missed opportunity: An analysis does not make a strategy

German Federal government publishes first national security strategy

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Events on the topic

Mar

2024

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Apr

2024

Vom Grundsätzlichen zum Praktischen
Online-Reihe zum Grundsatzprogramm der CDU

Mar

2024

Berlin
Die Zukunft der deutsch-polnischen Beziehungen im Zuge des russischen Kriegs gegen die Ukraine.
Vier Szenarien für das Jahr 2040

Apr

2024

75 Jahre NATO: Zerreißprobe für das Atlantische Bündnis am Beginn einer neuen Weltordnung?
45. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Atlantischen Gesellschaft

Apr

2024

-

Jul

2024

Bonn
75 Jahre NATO
Ringvorlesung an der Universität Bonn

Event Reports on the topic

Event Reports on the topic

100 Tage Angriff auf Israel

Eine Solidaritätsveranstaltung mit Israel

20230705_194736

"Deutschland und Europa in der „Zeitenwende“ – Zukunftsaufgaben der Sicherheitspolitik"

Vortragsreihe in Kooperation mit der Professur für Internationale Politik der TU Chemnitz

NB 2 A 1

Pazifismus neu denken?

Schulveranstaltung mit Nora Bossong über die Bundeswehr

Lammert

Bundeswehr der Zukunft

Verantwortung und Künstliche Intelligenz

vlnr Vice Admiral Jan C. Kaack, Kusti Salm, Admiral Stuart Munsch, Dr. Bastian Giegerich Jan Kulke

Kiel Security Conference 2023

"Spies, Subs and Melting Ice - Old & New Challenges to the Baltic Sea Region" 17 June 2023

BND_Foto 1

Geheimsache BND

Der Bundesnachrichtendienst in weltpolitischen Wendezeiten

XI. „Adenauer-Konferenz“ KAS / Tina Flemming

XI. „Adenauer-Konferenz“: Germany's role in international security policy

German security policy - between obligations and capabilities

Prof. Dr. Serhii Plokhii bei der Vorstellung seiner Kernthesen bei der Veranstaltung KAS/Wadim Lisovenko

Russia’s War Against Ukraine: A Conversation With Serhii Plokhii

Bericht zur Veranstaltung am 2. Mai 2023

Bonner Rede zur Demokratie 2023 Volker Lannert

„Bonner Rede zur Demokratie“ und das Ringen um Freiheit

Nico Lange Thomas Ehlen / kas.de

Welche Wege weisen in die Zukunft?

Russland, die Ukraine und Perspektiven für eine neue Europäische Friedensordnung / Eine Bilanz des Frankfurter Gesprächs 24. April 2023

Nico Lange Thomas Ehlen / kas.de

Die Zukunft der Bundeswehr

Eine Bilanz des Wiesbadener Tischgesprächs 24. April 2023

Mit dem Angriff Russlands auf die Ukraine sei die Gewalt in die internationalen Beziehungen zurückgekehrt, so Professor Udo Di Fabio, Bundesverfassungsrichter a.D. Durch die militärische Hilfe an die Ukraine und das geschlossene des Westens Auftreten könne die Ukraine dem Angriff bislang standhalten – dennoch sei die Situation offen. Neben den äußeren Bedrohungen ging Di Fabio in seiner Keynote auch auf die inneren Bedrohungen der Demokratie ein. Statt eines staatlich verordneten Demokratieförderungsgesetzes bedürfe es laut Di Fabio einer lebendigen Zivilgesellschaft, die die Demokratie als ihre Angelegenheit betrachte. KAS/Christiane Stahr

Vom Krisenjahr 1923 ins 21. Jahrhundert: Bedrohung und Selbstbehauptung der liberalen Demokratie

Bericht über die wissenschaftliche Konferenz zum Krisenjahr 1923 und die politische Diskussion zu den Gefahren für die liberale Demokratie heute

Dr. Bastian Matteo Scianni Thomas Ehlen / kas.de

„Wir haben völlig verlernt, Kriege zu lesen“

Eindrücke von dem Fuldaer Gespräch 16. März 2023

Unsere Zukunft steht in der Ukraine auf dem Spiel KAS / Marco Urban

„Unsere Zukunft steht in der Ukraine auf dem Spiel“

Navigieren in stürmischen Zeiten – deutsche Sicherheitspolitik 2023

Expertendiskussion zur Rolle (sozialer) Medien in der modernen Kriegsführung Max Volz

The Role of (social) Media in Modern Warfare

Side Event of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung at the Munich Security Conference

The Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and former President of the German Bundestag, Professor Dr. Norbert Lammert, opened the panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities for cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. MSC/Jens Hartmann

"Zeitenwende" in the Eastern Mediterranean?

Discussion Event of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung at the Munich Security Conference

8589f428-4ca8-40f1-b8f4-ae7852122164

Safer Internet Day

Together for the Internet

Christoph Heusgen Verabschiedung als Fellow 2022

Verabschiedung KAS-Fellow 2022

Botschafter Christoph Heusgen spricht über die sicherheitspolitischen Herausforderungen Deutschlands und Europas

Was kostet die Freiheit? Bei der F.A.Z.-KAS-Debatte diskutieren Experten über die Lehren aus dem russischen Überfall auf die Ukraine und die richtige Politik gegenüber China. KAS/Violetta Odenthal

„Ohne die Amerikaner wäre Europa gefallen“

13. F.A.Z.-KAS-Debatte zur Internationalen Politik

221129 Weltunordnung KAS

Eine neue Zukunft für den Westen

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Media library

New episode “Auslandsinfo Spotlight”
Military expert Gustav Gressel: Three scenarios for Ukraine
In this episode of our podcast, we talk to military expert Gustav Gressel about the major challenges facing the Ukrainian armed forces (in German).
Recording of the Event from 23.1.2024
Are we doing enough? - EU sanctions against Russia - a review
In an interview with Prof. Dr. Viktor Winkler LL.M. (Havard), we take a look at the patchwork of EU sanctions and discuss their effects, benefits and risks.
KAS USA / UVA Online Event
Threat Perception and Deterrence after the Ukraine War
This online event launched a new report by the National Security Policy Center at the University of Virginia.
Erststimme 77: Dr. Sven Herpig
Wie schützen wir uns vor Hackerangriffen?
Wir sprechen mit Dr. Sven Herpig über Cybersicherheit, für ihn ist dies die zentrale Kategorie der Sicherheit in unserem Zeitalter.
read now
Neue Podcastfolge von „Auslandsinfo Spotlight“
Signal der Geschlossenheit? Der NATO-Gipfel in Vilnius und die Zukunft der Ukraine
Bald findet der NATO-Gipfel in Vilnius statt. Wir sprechen mit den Expertinnen Dr. Christina Krause und Christina Bellmann u.a. darüber, welches Signal nach Russland gesendet wird.
Einblicke in das Jahr 2022 der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Jahresbericht 2022
Vor dem Hintergrund des Krieges haben sich unsere Kernthemen (Sicherheit, Innovation sowie Repräsentation und Partizipation) im vergangenen Jahr abermals in höchstem Maße bewährt.
read now
Podcast Erststimme #62
Ukraine: Weihnachten im Krieg
Marius Reichert spricht mit Vasyl Mykhailyshyn, unserem Kollegen in Kiew, über das erste Weihnachten, seitdem Russland die Ukraine angegriffen hat.
read now
International conference on energy security
Second Ukrainian Energy Security Dialogue
The 2nd Ukrainian Energy Security Dialogue, held on December 1 in Kyiv, was attended by government officials, industry specialists, experts from Ukraine, EU countries, and the USA.
Podcast Erststimme #58
Bundeswehr der Zukunft - Künstliche Intelligenz für die Landesverteidigung
Wir sprechen mit Generalleutnant Dr. Ansgar Rieks weiß, dem Stellvertreter des Inspekteurs der Luftwaffe über die Zukunft der Bundeswehr und die Rolle von KI dabei.
read now
Forum Kommunalpolitik 2022
Wie zeigt sich die wehrhafte Demokratie auf der lokalen Ebene?
Videostatement von Dr. Andreas Hollstein, Bürgermeister a.D. Stadt Altena, Landesgeschäftsführer VKU-NRW

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Related topics and subject areas of our focus “Freedom needs security”

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung deals with various aspects of security-relevant and freedom-threatening developments. Whether current conflict situations, China's role in the world, or internal security, combating extremism and terrorism - on our topic pages you can find comprehensive information on related topics and various sub-areas of the focus topic “Freedom needs security”.

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