Publications on the topic of “Freedom needs Security” - Security – Innovation – Democracy
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Publications on the topic of “Freedom needs Security”
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IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Power games at sea
When maritime law erodes: The Baltic Sea, the South China Sea and Europe's security vulnerability
In the wake of global power shifts, the world's oceans are increasingly becoming the focus of authoritarian power politics. Countries such as Russia and China are deliberately undermining maritime law in order to strategically shape maritime spaces, a practice known as “lawfare.” In the Baltic Sea, acts of sabotage reveal Europe's vulnerability, while in the South China Sea, China demonstrates how law becomes a question of power. Both cases illustrate that when maritime law is undermined, Europe's security, capacity to act, and rules-based order are jeopardized.
Lara Müller
November 24, 2025
Facts and Findings
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
Global health is now a strategic imperative: pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, biotechnology, and climate change threaten not only public health but also security and stability worldwide. The speeches delivered at the World Health Summit 2025 analyze how health policy, resilience, and international cooperation can strengthen peace and security – and why investments in health are a central task for the future.
Lukas Lingenthal
November 19, 2025
Monitor
Nordic Unity in Arctic Security
Navigating Tensions and Alliances
In recent decades, the Arctic region has increasingly attracted global interest due to its climatic, economic, and political transformations. The Arctic's strategic relevance has been particularly accentuated amidst rising tensions with Russia, especially post-2022 following its attack on Ukraine. This attention has, in turn, amplified the roles of Nordic countries in regional security dynamics.
The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO in 2023 and 2024, respectively, exemplifies the momentum towards deeper Nordic integration in security domains. This trajectory was further highlighted by U.S. President Trump's comments in January 2025 regarding the control of Greenland, drawing international scrutiny to Greenland’s strategic importance and the internal dynamics within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Dr. Andreas Østhagen
November 12, 2025
Single title
Roman Baluk / the Collection of war.ukraine.ua
Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol X
Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure
The monthly newsletter “Monitor Air War Ukraine” provides in-depth analyses of current waves of attacks and long-term developments in Russia’s air war against Ukraine. It is based on a comprehensive database that has been documenting every recorded airstrike on civilian targets since autumn 2022. The aim is to formulate data-driven recommendations for short- and medium-term support for Ukraine.
The content is intended for political decision-makers, experts in security and military affairs, as well as specialized journalists. The Monitor is published by the Kyiv Dialogue in cooperation with OSINT and data analyst Marcus Welsch and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Маркус Вельш
November 10, 2025
Blickpunkt Ukraine
IMAGO / Mike Schmidt
No Alternative: The AfD and Israel
Manifestations, functions, and perceptions of Alternative for Germany (AfD)’s “Israel solidarity” policy
Representatives of Jewish organisations describe the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a ‘party for anti-Semites’. Nevertheless, the AfD has succeeded, especially internationally, in positioning itself as a champion of Israeli interests and a protector of Jewish life in Germany. This positioning contradicts a number of other positions represented in the party and serves several political functions. These include, above all, the legitimization of Islamophobia, attacks on political opponents and the distraction from extremism and antisemitism within its own ranks.
Dr. Andreas Jacobs, Felix Bäuml
November 7, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
U.S. Reactions to Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan
Celebrations and Questions after the Ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump has achieved a diplomatic breakthrough. Through a combination of negotiation skills, strategic pressure, and personal commitment, he has successfully persuaded Hamas and Israel to sign a peace agreement. As a result, hostilities have ceased, humanitarian aid has been delivered, and—most notably—Israeli hostages have been released. Following celebrations in the region and widespread praise for the president, American experts are now asking: What comes next?
Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
October 16, 2025
Country reports
https://t.me/monitoringwar/20729
Ukraine Air War Monitor Vol IX
Analyses for the Protection of Ukrainian Cities and Infrastructure
The monthly newsletter “Monitor Air War Ukraine” provides in-depth analyses of current waves of attacks and long-term developments in Russia’s air war against Ukraine. It is based on a comprehensive database that has been documenting every recorded airstrike on civilian targets since autumn 2022. The aim is to formulate data-driven recommendations for short- and medium-term support for Ukraine.
The content is intended for political decision-makers, experts in security and military affairs, as well as specialized journalists. The Monitor is published by the Kyiv Dialogue in cooperation with OSINT and data analyst Marcus Welsch and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Маркус Вельш
October 2, 2025
Blickpunkt Ukraine
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
The active phase of the Russian-Belarusian military exercise Zapad 2025, held from September 12 to 16, 2025, ended—just as expected—without major incidents. However, in recent weeks, the threat to countries bordering Belarus has reached a new level. On September 10, at least 19 Russian drones, mostly flying over Belarus, penetrated deep into NATO member Poland. According to security experts, Russia likely intended to test NATO’s defensive response. In reaction, NATO announced Operation "Eastern Sentry" to strengthen defense along its eastern flank. Although only 8,000 troops (including just 2,000 Russian soldiers) were deployed in Belarus this time, with an estimated 30,000 more stationed in Russia, the exercise brought back grim memories of Zapad 2021, after which Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine from Belarusian territory. Back then, however, 200,000 troops participated in the drills. This year’s joint exercises were meant to demonstrate just how closely Belarus and Russia now cooperate militarily. It was also a show of force aimed at the West, with Russian leader Putin maintaining a firm grip on his junior partner, Lukashenko.
Gabriele Baumann
September 18, 2025
Country reports
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
The monthly newsletter “Monitor Air War Ukraine” provides in-depth analyses of current waves of attacks and long-term developments in Russia’s air war against Ukraine. It is based on a comprehensive database that has been documenting every recorded airstrike on civilian targets since autumn 2022. The aim is to formulate data-driven recommendations for short- and medium-term support for Ukraine.
The content is intended for political decision-makers, experts in security and military affairs, as well as specialized journalists. The Monitor is published by the Kyiv Dialogue in cooperation with OSINT and data analyst Marcus Welsch and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Маркус Вельш
September 5, 2025
Blickpunkt Ukraine
IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie
Thank you for your service! – Levers for a Combat-Ready Bundeswehr
How can defence be ‘de-socialised’?
Personnel shortages, outdated equipment, and an over-civilianized force are undermining Germany’s ability to defend itself. The Bundeswehr needs more than money: structural reforms, a renewed military mindset, and societal support are essential. Measures such as a mandatory “Bundeswehr Week”, employer incentives for reservists, a shift back to core military tasks, and a Combat Readiness Score aim to make Germany’s military capable of fighting – before it's too late.
