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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.

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No peace without freedom!

Konrad Adenauer, 1952

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At a glance

  • In Deutschland und weltweit beobachten wir die Entwicklungen der sicherheitspolitischen Lage unter Einbeziehung relevanter Akteure und Politikbereiche. Unser Anspruch ist es, Sicherheit vernetzt zu denken.
  • Besonders wichtig ist uns eine gut ausgestattete, einsatzfähige, starke und gesellschaftlich anerkannte Bundeswehr. Daher wollen wir unter anderem die Debatte um die allgemeine Dienstpflicht weiterführen.
  • Als politische Stiftung bekennen wir uns zur NATO und finden, dass Deutschland mehr Verantwortung übernehmen muss. Wir sind außerdem davon überzeugt, dass eine bessere militärische Zusammenarbeit in Europa die NATO nachhaltig stärken würde.
  • Wir halten die regelbasierte und liberale multilaterale Weltordnung für schützenswert und glauben, dass wir unsere Innere Sicherheit global denken müssen, um Extremismus und Terrorismus gemeinsam mit unseren Partnern erfolgreich bekämpfen zu können.
  • Cyberangriffe spielen beim Thema Sicherheit eine zunehmende Rolle. Für diese Bedrohungen gilt es, die Gesellschaft zu sensibilisieren. Mit unserer Arbeit klären wir auf und fördern eine achtsamere Wahrnehmung.

 

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


 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 International Security Conference

 

Forte 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 International Security Conference

Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter

 

Our series of events “Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter” regularly provides information on the various threats posed by the scene. Experts from civil society, academia, security authorities and politics provide assessments of current developments and are available for further discussion in a subsequent Question & Answer session.

 

Learn more about Reichsbürger and Selbstverwalter


 

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

 

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”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Porträt von Dr. Christina Catherine Krause

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
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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 on this topic

Demonstration in Bogota after assassination attempt on presidential candidate IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Colombia: Shots fired in the run-up to the elections

After an attack on an opposition politician, a polarized country fears a return to violent times

Donald Trump am 03.02.2025 im Oval Office IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

The US strategy in West Africa under Trump

America Engaged or America First?

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković IMAGO / NurPhoto

"Plenković is playing chess, everyone else is just playing ‘Ludo’”

The ruling HDZ party emerges surprisingly stronger from the 2025 Croatian local elections

Supporters of Evo Morales went to the electoral court to demand his candidacy in the presidential election in August. IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Elections in crisis

Weeks before the presidential elections, Bolivia is going through deep political and economic turmoil

Euro coin in front of a Bulgarian flag AdobeStock/Rochu_2008

Bulgaria ready for the eurozone

European Commission and European Central Bank with positive convergence report

Friedrich Merz_Donald Trumnp_Oval Office IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Making a Statement in Washington

Chancellor Merz's first visit to President Tump

4 Flaggen zu sehen von links nach rechts: Ukraine, Europa, Deutschland, Israel Adobe-Stock

Principles of German Foreign Policy

Impulses from the Young Foreign Policy Working Group

Ballot box at the local elections in Lebanon in May 2025 IMAGO / Xinhua

Local elections in Lebanon

Important milestone for the new government and indicator of the political balance in the country

Goddess Justice in front of the Mexican flag PantherMedia / JaneUK

Election of judges in Mexico

Between the promise of democracy and the concentration of power

Flags of the European Union and the African Union IMAGO / photothek

Third EU-AU ministerial meeting in Brussels

New impetus for the anniversary?

Friedrich März und Boris Pistorius neben Carsten Breuer in Litauen. Im Hintergrund deutsche Armee IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

The security situation in Lithuania in spring 2025: threat and response on NATO's eastern flank

Lithuania relies on deterrence, armament and close partnerships

Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Chequebooks and Flattery

Lessons for Europe from Trump’s Gulf Visit

President Vladimir Putin and President Alexander Lukashenko IMAGO / SNA

Formally still independent, but hardly sovereign

Belarus in Russia's wake

Prime Minister Rossen Scheljaskow IMAGO / Martin Bertrand

100 Days Cabinet Zheljaskov

A positive interim assessment

Papst Leo XIV IMAGO / Avalon.red

Papst Leo XIV

A "Latino at heart"

Anthony Albanese IMAGO / AAP

A Historic Election for Australia

Labor’s landslide victory and Conservatives in disarray

JD Vance Besuch in Indien IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

100 days Trump – Perspectives from Asia

Navigation between uncertainty, adaptation and new options

Erdbeben in Myanmar IMAGO/ITAR-TASS

Assessing Myanmar’s Earthquake Response

Mechanisms for current and future humanitarian missions

Kas.de

Intelligente Waffensysteme als ethisches Problem?

Die moralischen Herausforderungen autonomer Kriegsführung

AI x Biotech 169

AI x Biotech: Its Cybersecurity Implications

Cybersecurity Implications of the Convergence between AI and Biotechnology

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Events on the topic

Jun

2025

Wie weiter im Westen?

Außen-, außenwirtschafts- und sicherheitspolitische Herausforderungen für Deutschland in Zeiten der zweiten Amtszeit von US-Präsident Donald Trump

Jun

2025

Kiel

Kiel Security Conference 2025

Stormy Seas and Silver Linings: New Realities in the Baltic and Beyond

Jun

2025

fully booked
Fulda

„United Beyond“ – Ein Planspiel zur europäischen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik

Eine Schulveranstaltung

Jun

2025

Wiesbaden

Gedient – vergessen?

Veteranen im Schatten ihrer Einsätze

Event Reports on the topic

Event Reports on the topic

Kas.de

Veranstaltungsbericht: „Wie der Westen seine Werte und Interessen verrät“

KAS-220525 ©Jan-Philipp Burmann City-Press GmbH Bildagentur (11)_web

Deutschlands Nachbarschaft und Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine

Kooperationsveranstaltung mit der Landesvertretung des Freistaates Sachsen in Berlin

Kas.de

Bonner Rede 2025

70 Jahre NATO-Beitritt der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Luftwaffenübung Blue Flag 2021 Bundeswehr

60 Jahre Deutsch-Israelische Beziehungen

Gemeinsame Sicherheitspolitik im Wandel der Zeit

Kas.de

Sicherheit durch Resilienz

Zukunftsaussichten für Deutschland

Besuch des Geländes des Nova Festivals KAS-Büro Israel

The Middle East after the terrorist attacks of 7 October

Visit of Dr. Gerhard Wahlers to Israel and the Palestinian Territories

IMG_0063

Bonn/Berlin – Moskau. Irrungen und Wirrungen.

Die Geschichte der deutschen Russlandpolitik seit 1990: Ein Rückblick beim ersten Wetzlarer Gespräch

Sendker-Glas FB

Was sind die Perspektiven der Ukraine nach drei Jahren Krieg?

Eine Bilanz des 50. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live vom 25. Februar 2025 mit Marion Sendker und Othmara Glas.

Speaker MSC frontal Max Volz Media

Catch me if you can #CyberEdition: How to keep up with non-state hackers acting as digital proxies

Side event organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation at the Munich Security Conference

05_149 Geburtstag Adenauer Friedrich Merz 151

„Lebendige Erinnerung an Konrad Adenauer“

Header Europa-Rede Gerd Markert/KAS

‘Europe must stand on its own two feet’

State of Europe 2024

Kas.de

Wehrdienst, Wehrpflicht, Gesellschaftsjahr – Was braucht Deutschland?

Kas.de

"Wenn wir wirtschaftlich keine Rolle spielen, spielen wir auch politisch keine Rolle"

Bei der F.A.Z.-KAS-Debatte diskutieren Experten über die Wahlen in den USA und ihre möglichen Folgen. Auf Europa sehen sie große Herausforderungen zukommen.

Kas.de

„Die CDU ist DIE Amerika-Partei der Bundesrepublik“

23. Treffen des Ideengeschichtlichen Arbeitskreises

IMG_0010

Welche Wege weisen in die Zukunft?

Die Ukraine, Russland und Perspektiven für eine neue Europäische Friedensordnung

0_Familie (1)

Grundgesetz und Pizza

Workshop mit dem Poetry Slamer Nick Pötter

Drohnenkampftruppe KAS

Braucht die Bundeswehr eine Drohnenkampftruppe?

Dokumentation zur Online-Veranstaltung am 27. Juni 2024

Kiel Security Conference 2024 Header Jan Kulke/KAS

Kiel Security Conference 2024

“Critical Junctures – the Future of the North”

XII. Adenauer Konferenz am 15. Mai 2024 KAS/Edgar Nemschok

„A turning point requires determination“

Report on the XII. Adenauer Conference on 15 May 2024

Sendker Naumann2

75 Jahre NATO: Zerreißprobe für das Atlantische Bündnis am Beginn einer neuen Weltordnung?

Eine Bilanz des 45. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Atlantischen Gesellschaft am 10. April 2024

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Media library

KAS USA Video

Peter Beyer: Stärke zeigen in den transatlantischen Beziehungen

Peter Beyer, one of the most experienced foreign policy experts and transatlanticists in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, visited Washington for a political dialogue program.

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Maritime security: Russia's „shadow fleet“ and the protection of critical infrastructure in the sea.

Foreign policy tensions are also having an impact on the world's oceans. Russia's „shadow fleet“ threatens underwater cables & pipelines. How well prepared is Germany?

KAS USA Online Event

AI x Biotech: Its Cybersecurity Implications

Our report on the convergence of AI and biotechnology analyses threats and possible solutions. Watch the launch event!

Erststimme #106:

Martin Schelleis: How resilient is Germany to crises?

Crises come in many forms - war, natural disasters, pandemics. How resilient is Germany? Erststimme talks to Martin Schelleis about ways to achieve resilience.

Read now
New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Regional power Turkey: geopolitical winner in the Middle East?

Turkey, often described as a bridge between Europe and Asia, is a key player in the Middle East. But what are the central lines of Turkish foreign policy?

New episode of „Auslandsinfo. Spotlight“

Professor of Military History Sönke Neitzel: Is the West at the end?

Is the USA turning its back on Europe and thus breaking up a partnership that for decades was considered essential for European security and freedom?

Multipod #32

Security partnership with Latin America: What is NATO looking for in Colombia?

Colombia is a NATO partner outside Europe. Why is the defense alliance involved in Latin America?

WELT TV - Interview (German)

From TV

“One year to Hamas Massacre – A Day That Changed Israel Forever”. Interview with KAS Director in Israel, Michael Rimmel, on the situation in Israel in year after the Hamas attack.

Read now
SWR culture forum - Radio interview (German)

From the Radio

"The wound of October 7th is very deep in Israel": The director of our office in Jerusalem, Michael Rimmel, spoke in SWR Kultur forum about the current situation in the country.

Read now
KAS USA Online Event

The Future of NATO and Ukraine

NATO’s leaders gathered in Washington, DC, to celebrate the alliance’s founding 75 years ago. This event discussesd next steps after the summit.

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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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