Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit
News
-
Machado: The only path for democratic redemption in Venezuela
The recent decision by Venezuela's Supreme Justice Tribunal to uphold the "arbitrary and politically fabricated disqualification" against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has surprised few. This ban legally prevents her from participating in the upcoming presidential election, the date of which has yet to be announced by the Maduro regime. But despite the obstacles, Machado's participation could represent Venezuela's last chance to bring about democratic change. The situation in Venezuela and the international reaction to it raise pressing questions that could have a major impact on the country's future.
-
One year after the earthquake: "People need hope in such disasters"
On 6 February 2023, two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 shook south-eastern Türkiye and northern Syria. According to official figures, 53,537 people lost their lives in Türkiye, many more are missing and more than 500,000 homes were destroyed. Many people in the region continue to live in a state of emergency. At the same time, local elections are just around the corner in the earthquake region and people are waiting for answers to many questions.
-
Argentina ahead of general strike on 24 January - What's next?
The general strike on 24 January will be an important indicator of how much support Milei still has among the majority of the population and whether he can gain further momentum for his ambitious reform course or whether he will have to brace himself for increased headwinds.
-
Tough Schools
In PISA studies, South Korean students achieve top results. Nevertheless, the education system in the country is controversial. The immense pressure to achieve good results has led to a booming market for private tutoring, exacerbating social inequalities. This is especially evident in the test crucial for university admission.
-
The Day after (the War)
Former liberal Knesset member Ksenia Svetlova explores potential scenarios for the time after the Gaza War. Israel, Hamas, and neighboring Arab states face new challenges. She argues that even with a failing strategy of Hamas, only strong people to people relations can lead to a stable post-war order in the Middle East.
-
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.
-
The Foundation for Freedom in Germany and the World
Based on the principles of liberalism, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom offers political education in Germany and abroad. Our headquarter is located in Potsdam, and we maintain offices throughout Germany and in over 60 countries around the world.
With our events and publications, we help people to become actively involved in political affairs. We support talented young students with scholarships.
-
Is El Salvador on the path to an authoritarian regime?
There is a lot at stake in the presidential and parliamentary elections in El Salvador. But the result seems to be a foregone conclusion. The 42-year-old elected president, Nayib Bukele, will probably soon be starting his - unconstitutional - second term in office.
-
South Africa vs. Israel
The International Court of Justice has issued an order in the proceedings between South Africa and Israel. The case is about the application of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip. Although Israel does not have to stop its military operation, the ICJ demands provisional measures to prevent civilian casualties. The decision touches on sensitive issues of genocidal intent while ignoring aspects of international law. The proceedings, initiated by South Africa, also reflect domestic political motivations and warrant global attention.
-
India Outs Its Israel Affair
India's journey in shaping its relationship with Israel reflects a significant shift in its foreign policy, evolving from early skepticism and avoidance to a robust partnership. Initially, India's stance was influenced by concerns related to religion-based statehood and regional dynamics. However, changing geopolitical circumstances, including the collapse of the Soviet Union, paved the way for normalized relations in the 1990s.
-
Liberal Human Rights Work 2023
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) contributes to improving the situation with more than 60 offices around the world, not only in the fight against impunity, but also in the promotion of women's rights and diversity, among other things. The Foundation supports human rights education for human rights defenders, activists and their partners around the world. This report shows just a sample of the FNF's liberal human rights work in 2023.
-
Maria Ressa: "What I want is Action"
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Maria Ressa has been working on promoting freedom of press in the Philippines during her whole career. She returned to the Philippines in 1986 after her education abroad and started her work as a journalist after the People Power Revolution, eventually holding leadership positions in several local and international news organizations. In 2012, she established Rappler, a digital-only news site, dedicated to promoting truth and democracy in journalism. She became the target of lawfare and political harassment by the Duterte government.
-
20 years from Georgia’s Rose Revolution
November 23rd marks twenty years since Georgia’s Rose Revolution, a seminal event in Georgia’s modern history. On the 20th anniversary of the Rose Revolution, its legacy remains controversial due to its importance for current Georgian politics and, in the broader picture, the implication of "color revolutions" for what Russia calls its "near abroad." On the one hand, Georgia made a phenomenal leap forward during 2004-2012. On the other, many avoidable mistakes made by the young leaders of the Rose Revolution continue to haunt the country to date.
-
Resilience against Injustice
Lawyers as Heroes of Freedom: Their courage defies authoritarian regimes. In the new publication 'Resisting Injustice - Lawyers as Human Rights Defenders,' discover how they defend human rights and become targets of persecution. A glimpse into their challenging role in the battle for the rule-of-law.
-
Russia and Iran as new axis against the West
In an exclusive interview Arkady Mil-Man, Russia expert of the Israeli think tank INSS, explains how the attack of Oktober, 7th 2023 influences the relationship between Russia and Israel, and how Iran, Russia and Hamas are already part of a new axis against Western democracies. The relationship of Russia with Iran has become a strategic alliance, which demands rethinking in the West.
