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IMAGO / Zoonar

Analysis of the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate on 22 March 2026

Analysis based on preliminary results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

The CDU has won the state election in Rhineland-Palatine. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results and examines voter migration and the key determining factors. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
March 23, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
Smarterpix / DavoeWebster

Alarming Decline in Biodiversity

Insights to the value of ecosystem service for the economy

The loss of biodiversity is progressing worldwide on a historic scale and endangers key ecosystem services – from pollination to coastal protection to water supply. Economic activities are among the main drivers of biodiversity decline. At the same time, this creates considerable risks for companies, investments and global value chains. Biodiversity policy should therefore be understood not only as environmental policy, but also as economic policy with all relevant stakeholders playing their part.

Dr. Christoph Biehl
March 19, 2026
Sustainability Monitor
IMAGO / Arnulf Hettrich

State election in Baden-Wuerttemberg on 8 March 2026

Analysis based on preliminary results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

The election results in Baden-Wuerttemberg are influenced by state-specific factors and differ significantly from the political mood at the federal level. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results and examines voter migration and the key determining factors. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
March 9, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
Imago/ Ipon

Does the new military service bring security and equality?

How the Military Service Modernisation Act will strengthen the Bundeswehr and German society

In order to increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr and thus Germany's defence capability, the Federal Government has passed the Military Service Modernisation Act. This is primarily based on voluntariness and attractive conditions. Although the reform is likely to meet the federal government's targets for the number of reservists, experts are advocating for stronger mandatory elements. These should also include women and a legally sound answer to military equality (Wehrgerechtigkeit). Otherwise, there is a risk that the target of 260,000 active troops by 2035 will not be reached.

Martin Bieber
February 16, 2026
Monitor
IMAGO / Zoonar

EU Climate Policy in an Uncertain World

How Europe Should Use Emissions Trading for Partnerships and Resilience – and Why This Requires Social Acceptance and Regulatory Clarity

High costs are putting EU climate policy under pressure as global rules erode. Europe’s response should follow Social Market Economy principles: aligning carbon prices globally and create reliable, rules‑based frameworks. The EU can use its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to incentivize climate clubs and rely on Article 6 for targeted partnerships. This requires strong domestic acceptance: revenues from carbon pricing must be returned transparently, fairly, and visibly – and the EU Emissions Trading System must be strengthened as the central rules‑based instrument of European climate policy.

Dr. Christian Hübner
February 9, 2026
Sustainability Monitor
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
smarterpix / fermate

Concepts of Integration in the Population

A Representative Survey on Perceptions of Coexistence Between Immigrants and Locals

How immigrants integrate in Germany and how they are integrated by locals is the subject of intense debate. Multiculturalism or assimilation, melting pot or salad bowl – the debates are controversial and often emotionally charged. But what are the attitudes of people in Germany? How do people who have immigrated, whose parents have immigrated, or who themselves do not have a migration background think about these issues?

Dr. Jochen Roose
January 17, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
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
smarterpix / Curioso_Travel_Photography

COP30: Alliances, new climate finance and Brazil's balancing act in the fossil phase-out

First climate conference in the Amazon between new beginnings and disillusionment

COP30 brought progress on climate finance, adaptation and gender policy – but failed with regard to a clear phase-out of fossil fuels. Brazil acted as a bridge-builder, not only through the strong participation of indigenous communities, social movements and young actors, but also lost credibility through its own fossil fuel plans. The EU must stabilise its internal climate target architecture and strengthen credible international partnerships even without US support. Although multilateralism remains capable of acting, it does not reach the pace demanded by science.

Maximilian Hedrich, Anuska Soares, Nicole Linsenbold
December 18, 2025
Sustainability Monitor

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About this series

The Monitor series deals with one main topic at a time from the perspective of KAS experts and places it in the political and social context on the basis of a few key points.

Order details

The contributions appear exclusively online and can therefore not be ordered.

 

The current main topics are “Development policy”, “Sustainability” and “Election and social research”. The contributions of these sub-series are presented for you on separate overview pages in addition to the overall series.