Global Security Hub
Since 2017, the Global Security Hub has been the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom's central point of contact for all security and defence-related activities. Together with the Liberal Defence Expert Network, it brings together a broad network of policy advisors and think tank experts from across Europe and beyond.
News
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Strategic reorientation for a new era
At 75 years of age, NATO is looking ahead to the future. The summit in Washington, D.C., not only marked the anniversary of the Alliance, but also signified the transition from reactive measures to a more strategic approach.
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Not Braindead, but Necessary - Clear Majorities for NATO, Nuanced Perception of Security Threats
With the start of the NATO summit on July 9, the 75th anniversary of the alliance is coming into focus. A new survey by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, conducted by the polling institute dimap, shows clear majorities in favor of the transatlantic military alliance in the USA and Germany. The survey also reveals differentiated views on threat perception and the future of the alliance.
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NATO top job goes to Mark Rutte
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially took over as NATO Secretary General today, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. In his new role, he will have to deal with challenges such as the war in Ukraine, hybrid threats and potential geopolitical changes.
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After 75 years, NATO comes full circle
As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, it is possibly more relevant than ever before. With Russia’s aggression presenting an ever-growing threat to the European continent, the Alliance is back as the cornerstone of Europe’s security. However, amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, NATO also finds itself in the middle of a transformation once again. What are the new challenges and where is the Alliance heading?
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Iran-Afghanistan relations - the geostrategic importance of Afghanistan
The security situation in and around Afghanistan has entered a new phase since the Taliban took power in August 2021. In a stakeholder mapping process experts from Afghanistan's neighbouring countries outline the interests and strategies of their respective nations. Dr Bahram Salavati wrote the first article of this series, analysing and describing Iran's strategic interests.
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Podcast: The Defence Café
The Defence Café is the security and defence podcast of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Brussels (FNF Europe).
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Ukraine and NATO: invitation without expiration date
Tomorrow, the NATO summit begins in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for clear signals to join the Alliance after the end of the war. Kira Rudik, member of the Ukrainian parliament and vice-president of the ALDE party, argues in a guest article that both Ukraine and NATO would benefit from membership. For her it is clear: it is time to open the doors to NATO for Ukraine.
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Know each other before you need each other! From societal resilience to readiness for war
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasises the need for the Bundeswehr to be fit for war. This is formulated as a guiding principle in the 2023 Defence Policy Guidelines, but has met with criticism. The challenge lies not only in military readiness, but also in coping with the hybrid threats that Germany and Europe face.
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Dutch election result opens Pandora’s box
In a political earthquake, the far-right Party for Freedom won a resounding victory in the Dutch general elections. Led by long-time MP and political provocateur Geert Wilders, the party won 37 out of 150 seats in the Dutch parliament. The unexpected result sent shock waves through the Netherlands and Europe, as Wilders’ anti-Islam and anti-Europe positions have now gained solid ground in the mainstream.
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Strong Transatlantic unity, but no membership for Ukraine
NATO heads of state and government met in Vilnius on Tuesday and Wednesday for the alliance’s annual summit. With Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, Sweden’s pending membership application and discussions about a possible membership trajectory for Ukraine, the two-day gathering had a full agenda. What was agreed, what was not agreed, and what we can expect as the next steps?
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Dutch government falls, Rutte resigns
The Dutch political landscape is in turmoil. On Friday, the Dutch government led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD) resigned. After months of negotiations, the coalition could not agree on measures to curb immigration. On top of that, Rutte announced that he will not run for office again.
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From North to South - Spain taking over the EU Presidency from Sweden
Sweden has handed over the Presidency of the European Council to Spain. With European elections coming up in 2024, this will be the last opportunity to finalise important legislative files during this mandate. How has the Swedish Presidency performed and what can we expect from the Spanish?
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"New Kids on the Block" – Farmer party wins Dutch elections
A new populist party has rocked the political landscape in the Netherlands by winning the provincial elections last Wednesday. The BoerBurgerBeweging (Farmer-Citizen Movement/BBB) won more than one in five votes nationwide, with a campaign that capitalised on rural anger at the current government’s environmental policies. The result will put pressure on the government’s ability to pass legislation, as the provincial elections determine the makeup of the Dutch Senate, and may lead to increased tensions within the four=party governing coalition.
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Zeitenwende in German Security Policy
Europe is at war, and German security policy has undergone a harsh reality check. A well-equipped Bundeswehr is part of a defensible democracy, and nuclear sharing is an integral part of European security. What’s the strategic significance of nuclear sharing in Germany?
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Ground Zero - the Global War on Terror and the Fight for Liberal Values
September 11, 2001. A day of catastrophic consequences for liberal democracies worldwide - ineffable loss of life, the rise of a new wave of terrorism, the spreading of (newfound) fear and islamophobia in societies. The fight for liberal values elsewhere is contrasted with restricting our own liberal ideals at home – through surveillance and increased policing as preventative security provision.
