No peace without freedom!
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
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?
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.
GLOBSEC Forum
The annual GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum has established itself as a leading platform in the Central and Eastern European region. Worldwide, the forum ranks among the most important strategic conferences, particularly in the fields of security and international relations.
Cafe Kyiv
The Café Kyiv, organized annually by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, has developed into a central platform for political, cultural, and civil society exchange on Ukraine. Under the motto “We choose freedom,” the event brings together actors from politics, science, business, and culture and sends a strong signal of solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Workshops, discussions, exhibitions, and cultural contributions make Café Kyiv a forum for freedom, security, and reconstruction that is recognized throughout Europe.
Kiel Security Conference
The Kiel Security Conference provides a platform for dialogue among policy makers, military leaders, experts, and representatives of civil society on current security policy challenges, with a particular focus on the Baltic Sea region.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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”
Bundeswehr / Andrea Bienert
U.S. Army / Spc. Nicholas T. Loyd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bundeswehr / Andrea Bienert
Bundeswehr / Andrea Bienert
U.S. Army / Spc. Nicholas T. Loyd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Bundeswehr / Andrea Bienert
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
Publications on this topic
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Power games at sea
When maritime law erodes: The Baltic Sea, the South China Sea and Europe's security vulnerability
IMAGO / Depositphotos
Global Health as a Strategic Imperative – Health in the context of security and peace
Speeches by Hermann Gröhe and General Major Dr. Jürgen Meyer at the World Health Summit 2025
Roman Baluk / the Collection of war.ukraine.ua
Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol X
Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure
IMAGO / Mike Schmidt
No Alternative: The AfD and Israel
Manifestations, functions, and perceptions of Alternative for Germany (AfD)’s “Israel solidarity” policy
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
U.S. Reactions to Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan
Celebrations and Questions after the Ceasefire
https://t.me/monitoringwar/20729
Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol IX
Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure
IMAGO / SNA
Between nuclear threats and diplomatic initiatives: The Zapad 2025 military exercise in Belarus
Even after the military exercises, the country remains a Russian staging area
Statue of Volodymyr I. overlooking river Dnipro in Kyiv, Foto: Maksym Pozniak-Haraburda
Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol VIII
Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure
IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie
Thank you for your service! – Levers for a Combat-Ready Bundeswehr
How can defence be ‘de-socialised’?
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Reactions to US President Trump's peace efforts for Ukraine
Momentum — but toward what end?
IMAGO / UPI Photo
Historic Breakthrough for Peace in the South Caucasus?
Pashinyan and Aliyev sign groundbreaking agreements with Trump on peace and infrastructure projects between Armenia and Azerbaijan
UN Photo/Manuel Elías
The Future of Sustainable Development in Flux
As the global development landscape reorganizes, multilateral cooperation must remain at its core
Privoz Market in Odesa is on fire after a Russian attack, photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU)
Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol VII
Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure
European Union, 2025, CC BY 4.0
Trade Agreement Between the U.S. and EU Enables Further Transatlantic Cooperation
The Stakes Go Beyond Tariffs
IMAGO / Kyodo News
Suddenly in the Lead – Germany’s New Role in Global Health
On the new opportunities for Germany’s foreign, economic and security policy
IMAGO / Bernd Elmenthaler
Unilateral recognition
Motives and consequences of France's recognition of Palestine in the national, European and international context
IMAGO / ITAR-TASS
Foiled Coup in Armenia? Conflict with Church Leadership Escalates
Yerevan reports the thwarting of a violent coup with Moscow's fingerprints
Event Reports on the topic
Transatlantischer und Europäischer Zusammenhalt unter Druck: Die Bündnisfrage unter Donald Trump
Bericht vom Cadenabbia-Seminar in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Atlantischen Gesellschaft e.V.
Kognitive Kriegsführung als neue Kriegsform in alten Krisengebieten
Bericht von der Veranstaltung in Kassel vom 11. Oktober 2025
Gerd Markert/KAS
‘Alone in the wilderness’ – Merkel warns of Europe's weakness at the Pöttering Symposium
Honorary symposium on the occasion of Prof. Hans-Gert Pöttering's 80th birthday
Jan Kulke/KAS
KSC 2025: The Baltic Sea – Connected, Congested, Contested
Looking back at the Kiel Security Conference 2025
Deutschlands Nachbarschaft und Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine
Kooperationsveranstaltung mit der Landesvertretung des Freistaates Sachsen in Berlin
Bundeswehr
60 Jahre Deutsch-Israelische Beziehungen
Gemeinsame Sicherheitspolitik im Wandel der Zeit
KAS-Büro Israel
The Middle East after the terrorist attacks of 7 October
Visit of Dr. Gerhard Wahlers to Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Bonn/Berlin – Moskau. Irrungen und Wirrungen.
Die Geschichte der deutschen Russlandpolitik seit 1990: Ein Rückblick beim ersten Wetzlarer Gespräch
