Annual Report Insights into 2018
www.kas.de Contents
Editorial 1 Our Departments 25
European and International Cooperation 26 Academic Promotion and Culture 28 Our Topics 3 Politics and Consulting 30 References and Research Services/ Our Leitmotif: ‘Germany. The Next Chapter’ 4 Archives of Christian-Democratic Politics 32 Artificial Intelligence – A Christian Perspective 6 Civic Education 34 Democracy Requires Education 8 Communication 36 Parties and Democracy 10 China – Restructuring International Politics 12 Sustainability – More Than Just Being ‘Green’ 14 Names, Facts, Annual Accounts 38 The Timelessness of the Social Market Economy 16 Annual Accounts 39 Joint Declaration on the State Funding of Political Foundations 42 The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung 18 Board of Directors of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V. 43 About Us 19 Members of the The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Figures 20 Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V. 45 Award Winners in 2018 24 Board of Trustees of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V. 47 The Villa La Collina in Cadenabbia 49 Academic Promotion Committees 50
Publication Information 51 Editorial 01
Dear Readers,
Although every year represents the beginning of a new story, 2018 began slowly in Germany, mainly because of the lengthy negotiations that were con- ducted over the formation of the governing coalition. Internationally, the political trends from the previous year continued unabated, and their impact is still being felt today: multilateralism is facing considerable pressure; the ongoing Brexit negotiations have almost completely brought the European Union to a political standstill, and the US is withdrawing from multilateral agreements while vehemently calling for stronger Ultimately, the growing sense of insecurity among the commitment from other NATO members. Russia and population, which plays into the populists’ hands, is China have begun taking advantage of this situation also partly driven by globalisation and digitalisation, to pursue their strategic goals and expand their inter- and the impact that the resulting changes are having national influence. At the same time, populist parties on almost all areas of life. and movements have gained strength in countries ranging from Italy to Brazil. The xenophobic riots that These examples are demonstrative of just some of occurred in some German cities are a particularly the many wide-ranging tasks and challenges faced alarming reflection of these broader developments. by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. In line with our three-year leitmotif, ‘Germany. The next chapter’, we contribute to debates that shape Germany’s future. Our leitmotif focuses on the current health of our democracy and the core issue of education, which is crucial to our country’s viability. The Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung also seeks to identify aspects that bind our society together, and that will help carry us forward into the future. 20 Editorial
This annual report provides an overview of some of the many activities that the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung undertook in 2018. Alongside the additional infor- mation available on www.kas.de/en, it is a reflection of the enormous level of commitment, competence and dedication expressed by our staff at home and We would also like to extend our thanks to the com- abroad. We would like to take this opportunity to mittee members for their constructive cooperation, thank every one of them. Our international staff often the ‘Friends of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’, the work under particularly challenging conditions. This donors, sponsors and all of our partners for their con- point was especially underscored five and a half years siderable support. We will continue to do our utmost ago when the Egyptian police searched and closed our to live up to the trust that they place in us. office in Cairo. It was not until December 2018 that an Egyptian court finally acquitted our members of staff. This year’s report clearly demonstrates that peo- ple around the world have begun writing the ‘next chapter’ of their lives and society – whether in digital or analogue form. It is time, therefore, that we also wrote the next chapter of our country together. We hope that you will provide us with your support in doing so.
Berlin/Sankt Augustin, April 2019
Prof. Dr Norbert Lammert Michael Thielen Our Topics 40 Our Topics
Our Leitmotif: ‘Germany. The Next Chapter’
Lukas Lingenthal and Dr Kristin Wesemann
For the first time, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has drawn up a leitmotif to guide its work over the next three years. The foundation intends to use the leitmotif ‘Germany. The next chapter’ to shape With this in mind, the foundation has developed a debates about important issues concerning Germa- leitmotif that will guide our work between 2018 and ny’s future. 2020: ‘Germany. The next chapter’. In doing so, we aim to bring together several issues that will be important There is a growing need for debate in Germany. What for social and political developments over the coming is happening in the country? In which direction is years, focusing on the following questions: Germany heading? How and why is this happening? It’s true that things have never been better: we enjoy ›› How can we improve relations between citizens, the many freedoms offered by a democratic state state, politics and political parties? governed by law and benefit directly from the numer- ous opportunities that this entails. However, although ›› What can and should the state do, and how can most are happy with their current situation, insecurity we strengthen the institutions that secure the rule is growing. Rapid changes in many areas of life are of law? causing people to express concern about their future. ›› Where and how are values formed and experi- The foundation intends to develop political and social enced together? How can the relationship between answers to people’s current concerns. The aim is to urban and rural areas be shaped in socio-political offer explanations, stability and direction but also to terms? help create change wherever it is needed. As people are directly affected by global developments, it is ›› What economic, ethical and socio-political issues essential that Germany redefines its role in the world. arise from digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and how can we overcome the challenges that these issues pose?
›› When it comes to education, what forms of curric- ula are needed? How can we ensure that people receive high-quality education as well as opportu- nities for personal development? Our Topics 05
events hosted there, which dealt with numerous aspects of the ‘next chapter’ facing both Germany and the rest of Europe. The lab also enabled the foun- dation to demonstrate that crucial, often complex, issues such as these can still be presented in a modern, interactive and attractive manner.
A six-month task force, launched in 2018, was com- missioned in order to identify new forms of coopera- tion and future topics relevant to the foundation. The In 2018, we began collating diverse answers to these results of this process fed into new projects – such questions. The video series ‘What makes the country as a contemporary narrative that argues for a united tick?’ captured impressions from various German Europe – as well as into broader concepts. They also federal states about issues that people view as helped establish a modern form of cooperation within crucial for their future. They mentioned topics such the foundation itself, as well as between the founda- as infrastructure in rural areas, how the young and tion and our partners. old will live side-by-side in the future, the nationwide provision of good educational opportunities and the In 2018, more than 80 events were held through- benefits that digitalisation can bring to the joint func- out Germany that addressed issues linked to our tioning of urban and rural areas. This clearly illustrates new leitmotif. The diverse themes that these events the diversity of ideas that people associate with our covered will continue to shape our work in 2019 and leitmotif ‘Germany. The next chapter’. 2020. As was the case in 2018, we hope that you will continue to help us to find answers to the challenges In 2018, the foundation celebrated Konrad- they pose. Adenauer-Stiftung Day under the same banner, using the opportunity to portray itself as innovative and eager for debate, and to present its new image to the public. The belief that debate remains the ‘highest discipline of democracy’ is what led Angela Merkel to call for people to treat one another with greater respect – and particularly in social networks.
The Zum Adenauer pop-up lab, a five-week experimen- tal space that the foundation set up in Berlin’s August- strasse, also focused on issues linked to our leitmotif. The gallery featured large street-facing windows and a cosy atmosphere, offering a unique setting to the 60 Our Topics
Artificial Intelligence – A Christian Perspective
Dr Karlies Abmeier, Christian values can provide a strong foundation for Dr Norbert Arnold a perspective on artificial intelligence that is benefi- and Sebastian Weise cial to humanity.
Algorithms are rules that are used in information technology to solve problems independently; they form the functional core of artificial intelligence (AI), and their potential for innovation helps improve the lives of many people. However, as AI is ambivalent (as are all technologies), the opportunities associ- ated with AI are closely related to its risks. There- fore, the question of whether AI will serve or harm human beings and the common good depends on the normative framework in which AI is developed and applied.
In the past, Christian ethics have played a crucial role in the evaluation of new technologies. Auxiliary Bishop Anton Losinger, who put forward a unique approach to the ethical questions raised by modern technologies at the German Bishops’ Conference, emphasises that ‘technical progress [must be] trans- formed into social and human progress’. Moreover, he maintains that this will only be possible if human dignity and fundamental rights are protected at the same time.
Importantly, the terminology used in AI clearly illus- trates the difficulties that this field will have in fulfilling this task: AI regularly uses terms such as ‘autonomous systems’ without considering the meaning of ‘auton- omy’. In the Christian tradition, ‘autonomy’ refers to an exclusively human attribute. Only human beings have the characteristics – such as free will and intentionality – that are needed for the development of autonomy; moreover, only human beings can take responsibility. Our Topics 07
Moreover, the use of AI should never be permitted to under- mine the unequivocal attribution of human responsibility (Catrin Misselhorn, philosopher). Nor should AI weaken human self- determination. Serious decisions Consequently, AI’s use of ‘auton- about life and death, therefore, omy’ thus leads to ambiguities cannot be left to AI alone. It may be that blur the boundaries between beyond question that responsibility humans and technology, thereby ultimately lies with humans, but it compromising the view of human is not always easy to define who is subjects as beings constructing vol- actually responsible in a particular untary relations with one another case. The complexity of AI deci- in freedom (Elisabeth Gräb-Schmidt, sion-making processes thus leads theologian). Subsequently, it is to ‘gaps in responsibility’, and it can As with all forms of technology, crucial that we distinguish between be impossible to attribute responsi- ethical debate is essential in AI, human freedom and responsibility, bility clearly in all situations. and it needs to be conducted as on the one hand, and the mere an integral aspect of a responsi- ‘functional’ autonomy of AI, which If we are to be able to define ble technology policy. Moreover, follows the implementation of human responsibility, it is cru- ethical debate should be under- technical rules and thus can never cial that AI can be controlled. taken with foresight. It is vital to actually be considered as capable This is not always an easy task in consider two points in this regard: of taking responsibility. AI-based decision-making pro- first, ethical concerns should not cesses, and it is particularly tricky be used to undermine innovation This differentiation is vital when where self-learning algorithms or optimism in the future (which it comes to the debate about AI are concerned. Subsequently, it is is a fundamental aspect of peo- and ‘decision-making’. First, it is important to move away from a ple’s creative will). Second, it is essential to define what is meant focus on specific algorithms and not enough for discussions about by a ‘decision’. AI is already used in towards a holistic view of algo- ethics to take place in one country many fields as a decision-making rithmic decision-making systems alone. Debates about ethics, just tool, for example, to allocate loans, (Katharina A. Zweig, computer like the research projects under- in personnel recruitment and scientist). This means that the data taken in AI, must be held at the insurance, and in so-called ‘auton- and social contexts in which they international level. Importantly, the omous’ vehicles. Decision-mak- are being applied also need to be universality of Christian ethics pro- ing, therefore, can certainly be taken into account. vides a decisive advantage when it delegated to AI. However, AI uses comes to developing a perspective routines to make decisions that on artificial intelligence that could have already been made by people be beneficial to all of humanity. (Joachim Fetzer, theologian and economist). Accordingly, it is peo- ple who are and remain responsi- ble for the decisions ‘made’ with AI. 80 Our Topics
Democracy Requires Education
Dr Melanie Piepenschneider and Nils Thieben
Education plays an essential role in direction and an understanding helping to sustain democracy, but of how to categorise and interpret it involves far more than merely other people’s positions. gaining academic knowledge. In 2018, the foundation’s civic In an age characterised by fake education focused on a group news, ‘alternative facts’ and filter of people that is committed to bubbles, political discourse in society, guarantees our safety democracy is changing. This is also In order to help guide people and security, and cares for, helps due to the increasing availability through the confusing stream of and protects us: the members of of information via the Internet and information currently being made the Federal Agency for Technical social media. Shaping opinions and available, in 2018, the foundation Relief, the police, the German Red building consensus has become increasingly experimented with Cross and the fire brigade. Now- more challenging in today’s soci- new formats as part of its civic edu- adays, these individuals do not ety: the public is currently divided, cation programme. A pop-up lab – always receive the recognition and and there is no single version of Zum Adenauer – was opened for a respect that they deserve; instead, the truth. few weeks in the centre of Berlin they are increasingly exposed to and it provided a space for unlim- hostility and anti-social behaviour. Education plays an essential role in ited debate on political issues. The The foundation provided training democracy, and it becomes all the lab also hosted numerous events, sessions as part of its programme more important in times like these – and the setting opened up a new of civic education to find ways to at least if everyone is to be able to culture of debate between politi- counter this issue. Our 9th Democ- participate actively in democratic cians, academics, representatives racy Congress, which was held in processes. The promotion of liberal of associations and social groups. Dresden, also discussed how these democracy, one of the objectives ‘heroes of everyday life’ contribute of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, is The lab invited people to take part to social cohesion and the role that thus closely linked to the need for in discussions about the issues that they play as individuals in a thriv- civic education. they are most interested in. More- ing democracy. over, it sought to move away from answering specific questions and towards examining the fundamen- tal aspects of democracy, offering Our Topics 09
In addition to social commitment, social cohesion relies on a shared understanding of the issues that should be treated as ‘taboos’. Where do our ethical boundaries lie? With this in mind, the digital academy worked with school children to develop strategies against hate speech on the Internet, train media is only possible to develop a feeling for the diverse literacy and explain the dangers and opportunities needs that exist in society if we understand how other associated with the Internet and social media. people live. Our seminars, therefore, enable scholar- ship holders to be exposed to otherwise unfamiliar Civic education also plays a crucial role in our sup- experiences. In 2018, they were given an insight into port of gifted students. The foundation provides the everyday work of journalists and the lives of scholarships to students and doctoral candidates to refugees in Germany, including the insecurity faced encourage them to assume responsibility as future by the latter. And last year international seminars leaders and active citizens in politics, business, sci- took place in Russia and Mexico where participants ence, media, culture and society. A comprehensive came together to share experiences, thus promoting set of interdisciplinary seminars is at the core of our an understanding of other cultures in Europe and scholarship programme. The curriculum is embed- around the world. ded within a historical and international comparative context that enables scholarship recipients to draw Ultimately, scholarship holders need to become the conclusions they need to take political action. independent and learn to act on their own initiative. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure that they develop As organisers of ‘initiative seminars’, they play a the skills that they require to defend their positions significant role in determining what subject matters during political debates. Scholarship recipients are the seminars cover. Moreover, they also contribute to also offered rhetoric modules where they learn to use the long-term development of the programme via an their knowledge in a targeted way and to put forward educational commission. This is essential as educa- convincing arguments that substantiate their views. tion – understood as a crucial element to inspiring democracy – has to be thought through again and However, education not only entails learning; it also again, and this is even more relevant in a world cur- implies the need to develop understanding. This not rently dominated by ‘alternative facts’. only refers to the importance of understanding other people’s arguments but also to appreciating their different living environments. This is vital because it 10 Our Topics
Parties and Democracy
Franziska Fislage In many countries, populists, nationalists and polit- and Dr habil. Karsten Grabow ical movements are now the challengers to ‘estab- lished’ parties. In France, Italy and the Czech Repub- lic, movements have supplanted traditional parties Political parties and democracies are facing chal- to enter government. In other countries, populist lenges throughout the world. And they increasingly forces are gaining ground and political influence. have to defend themselves against other – not nec- This is resulting in restrictions being placed on peo- essarily better – forms of political participation. ple’s fundamental democratic rights, and in some countries, human rights are being trampled on and Political parties and democracies are under pressure violated. Therefore, it should not be surprising that throughout the world. They are currently facing chal- studies are increasingly pointing to a decline in dem- lenges from populists, nationalists and political move- ocratic standards, even in countries that were once ments. Political parties, party systems and democracies considered fully fledged democracies (The Econo- are also changing at striking speed. A single election mist. Democracy Index 2018. https://www.eiu.com/ can alter an entire party system and force a political topic/democracy-index, accessed 15 February 2019). party that was once the driving force in a particular country into political irrelevance. Although the support gained by nationalists and popu- lists was initially dismissed as harmless protest, these parties have long surpassed this perceived image. In the United Kingdom, UKIP has pushed the country into an unprecedented political crisis and has done so with the active support of other political parties. Given the aggressive nature of Italian governance – where at times disrespectful, abusive politicians are manoeuvring the country to the brink of bankruptcy – it is hard to imagine anyone claiming that nationalists and populists are promoting stability and reliability or improving the quality of democracy. Our Topics 11
decline in democracy. Neverthe- less, the gains made by move- ments underscore the fact that the once ‘established’ parties and their representatives have made fundamental mistakes. Moreo- ver, established parties have lost Populist and nationalist par- almost all of the credibility they ties pose a threat to democracy once had with what has become because they think in terms of an increasingly volatile electorate. enemies, and actually require such In the more favourable cases, such foes in order to present them- as Emmanuel Macron, the grass- selves as the redeemers of social roots movement La République en problems. They are only able to Marche, which he founded, won survive by framing other people as over a large section of voters that ‘foreigners’ or as representatives of had been looking for a breath of the ‘establishment’, casting them fresh air. This enabled a political Political parties have never as scapegoats for all of society’s movement to present itself as a been without controversy. But current ills. These parties discredit beacon of hope. In less construc- as organisations that represent those who do not fit into their own tive cases, populist and nationalist and articulate people’s political world views as threats or ‘good- parties and movements have occu- interests, political participation, for-nothings’, yet the policies they pied the void created by the top decision-making and leadership, promote do not come remotely tier of ‘established’ parties. they are practical and effective. close to solving the problems and This is particularly the case in challenges we currently face. Social movements can also be Germany with the important role prone to populism and a democ- that parties of the political centre Unlike the advance of populist racy deficit. Spain’sPodemos and play when it comes to balancing and nationalist parties, the break- the Italian Five Star Movement people’s interests. through of political movements show clear signs of populism and need not necessarily lead to a lack internal democracy. The Five Germany is a haven of economic Star Movement, which began as a and political stability, not least left-wing project, now rules in Italy because of its well-functioning alongside the right-wing populist party democracy. Organising a Northern League. stable democracy is impossible without political parties. But polit- ical parties also need to take up the challenge of defending their positions against other – not nec- essarily better – forms of political participation. 12 Our Topics
China – Restructuring International Politics
Alexander Badenheim China’s activities on the international stage are changing the world order. As such, the West must engage more intensively with the People’s Republic.
For many years, academics and In addition to the West, many other experts have been discussing parts of the world are critical of the whether the global dominance current situation. They are facing of the US, which characterised an increasing risk of debt due to the 20th century, is coming to an the numerous Chinese invest- end and being superseded by a ments that are being made in their ‘Chinese century’. Even though it countries. Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Laos is still impossible to answer this and Djibouti are just a few of the question definitively, US and Chi- nations that have become heav- nese policies are having an impact ily dependent on Chinese funds. on the world order in several ways. China has already been able to In recent years, Washington has partially leverage this dependence partially withdrawn from a post- into political capital, even in Euro- war multilateral system that it not pean countries such as Greece and only heavily influenced but also Hungary. This has provided China championed more enthusiasti- with better access to critical local cally than any other country in the infrastructure and commodities. world. At the same time, China is using this opportunity to make its Importantly, the fronts are cur- mark. Although initiatives such rently hardening, particularly as the New Silk Road, the Asian between the US and China. After Infrastructure Investment Bank, all, the trade conflict between the the Shanghai Cooperation Organ- two countries, which has been isation, and the 16+1 Summit are smouldering for a year now, is not multilateral in nature, they lead just about trade deficits and the participating states to establish theft of intellectual property; it is stronger bilateral ties with China. also about geostrategic interests The East Asian nation, therefore, and expanding their sphere of is pursuing a multipolar world influence by establishing new alli- order that is not based on shared ances and partnerships. values, but on economic interests and access to raw materials and infrastructure. Our Topics 13
tion’s activities ranged from smaller events organ- ised by our civic education forums to involvement in established conferences such as the Trier China Talks. Moreover, large-scale public formats were also held, including the well-received FAZ-KAS debate, which brought several hundred visitors to Leipzig and Bremen and was watched by many more online.
Our regular dialogue formats with Chinese party and government representatives once again under- scored the vital role played by dialogue with China. The foundation in Germany, and our offices in China’s global ambitions, therefore, have also Beijing and Shanghai, in particular, used delegate become a focus for many of the foundation’s offices programmes, conferences and expert discussions throughout the world. Our staff and local experts to provide numerous German politicians from the have organised events and produced analyses of the federal, state and local level with the opportunity to role that China plays in their respective countries – share their experiences of various topics with Chinese many of these analyses have been published as officials. A particular focus was placed on promoting International Reports. One such publication focused dialogue between young political decision makers and on the significance of the Silk Road Initiative for the multipliers from both countries. Ultimately, many of Mediterranean region. Another study demonstrated the current global challenges, including the reform of the crucial role played by the People’s Republic in multilateral institutions such as the WTO and climate influencing external actors in the Western Balkans. change, can only be solved by working with China. As Others have highlighted China’s activities in Africa such, the promotion of understanding and, above all, and Latin America and its role in regional security knowledge about each other play an essential role in in the Indo-Pacific region. Further analyses have the foundation’s China-related activities. focused on current developments within the People’s Republic. A comparative study of national strategies aimed at promoting artificial intelligence highlighted the rapid progress that China is making in the field of digitisation. Importantly, the considerable focus on Chinese involvement in German politics and media in recent years demonstrates the significant role that China also plays in this country. In 2018, the founda- 14 Our Topics
Sustainability – More Than Just Being ‘Green’
Jasper Eitze, Martina Kaiser and Andreas Kleine-Kraneburg
Far too often, the term ‘sustainability’ is used as a Alongside the visionary aspects of the Agenda, which synonym for environmental protection. This under- is intended as a ‘plan of action for people, planet and standing does not do justice to the complexity of prosperity’ to change the world, it also encourages a the concept. rethink of development policy.
In 2015, the 2030 Agenda was signed by 192 mem- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their bers of the United Nations. It was the result of an 169 targets serve as guidelines for the implementa- unprecedented participatory process that not only tion of the national targets drawn up by all signatory involved governments but also parts of organised states, regardless of their level of development. This civil society and experts from various fields. The led to a replacement of the old dichotomy of devel- 2030 Agenda is based on a set of United Nations oped and developing countries. development and environmental programmes, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and The 2030 Agenda addresses all three dimensions of the Sustainability Agenda (‘Rio Process’). However, sustainability: the economy, social aspects and the financing is essential for the implementation of its environment. Therefore, it also clearly underscores ambitious goals. Shortly before the adoption of the the need to guarantee economic dynamism in order 2030 Agenda, the third UN Conference on Financ- for positive development to occur. This point is crucial ing for Development took place in July 2015 in the because the influence of environmental interest Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where funds for the groups has led a particular understanding of ‘sustain- implementation of the Sustainable Development ability’ to become widespread in the public debates Goals (SDGs) had already been made available. that have been ongoing since the 1980s, especially in Western democracies. ‘Sustainable’ is now usually treated as a synonym for ‘environmentally friendly’. This narrow view of sustainability is understandable because the development policy debate that took place at the end of the 20th century was concerned with anchoring environmental factors alongside the economic and social dimensions of sustainability. Our Topics 15
Unfortunately, this impetus led economic and social issues – if they are mentioned at all in sustainability concepts and requirements – to be reduced to a dependence on environmental criteria.
This moves the focus away from the complex inter- actions that occur within the internationally accepted sustainability triangle (economy–society–environ- ment). Discussions about the economic and social conditions under which environmental awareness and the willingness to protect the environment can effectively evolve in modern societies, for example, receive too little attention. Yet this is precisely where the key to favourable development on a global scale lies. It is not only emerging economies, which are becoming rapidly responsible for an increasing share of global resource consumption, that need to recon- cile longer-term environmental needs with mostly shorter-term economic and social expectations. Wealthier states also face the challenge of addressing Strengthening multilateralism is a crucial aspect of environmental issues in ways that preserve economic this broad global policy agenda and it acts as an performance and social stability. This is essential essential tool with which to address the global chal- because it is the only way to ensure lasting support lenges facing areas such as health, trade, migration, for effective environmental protection. climate and resources. This also needs to be explained and promoted here in Germany. Many challenges and future issues that are already being highlighted and discussed as part of education with a regional focus could also be more clearly embedded in a global con- text. The 2030 Agenda is an important topic, especially for young adults who are often particularly concerned about sustainability, but also for local politicians, who should be supported in their efforts to develop local initiatives and implementation at the individual level. 16 Our Topics
The Timelessness of the Social Market Economy
Thomas Köster The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is committed to and Dr Wolfgang Tischner contributing to the continual development of the Social Market Economy.
The founding fathers of the Social Market Economy were right to avoid drawing up a set of concrete measures to implement their concept. If they had done so, the economic and social model on which the German Federal Republic is based would probably have become outdated, at best, after a generation. Instead, they provided us with timeless principles. This point is made clear in Walter Eucken’s book Prin- ciples of Economic Policy, which provides an overview of the principles behind the Social Market Economy.
When it came to the issue of free markets, during the 1940s and 1950s the founding fathers of the Social Market Economy had to deal with mercantilist nationalism, which has similarities to Donald Trump’s contemporary policy of ‘America first’. The resounding success of the free-trade-oriented German economic model clearly demonstrates the striking benefits that free markets – as advocated as part of the Social Mar- ket Economy – can provide. Nevertheless, free trade should not be viewed as an end in itself; the advan- tage of the international division of labour is that it serves everyone’s best interests.
Globalisation clearly demonstrates the need for con- tinual development of the Social Market Economy. We are witnessing the rise of new phenomena such as international corporations establishing global tax avoidance strategies via accounting loopholes and Internet giants legally building quasi-monopolies throughout the globe. Moreover, activities such as betting against the banks, although economically Our Topics 17
futile, were instrumental in triggering the 2008 global financial crisis. The Social Market Economy, with its demands for state-guaranteed competition and con- trols on monopolies, still provides the tools that are rise of collectivist and libertarian social goals that we needed to face up to today’s challenges. They merely are witnessing around the globe. Solidarity ensures need to be adapted to fit current requirements. that individual wellbeing is never considered as Article 3 of the Lisbon Treaty, which sets out the EU’s detached from the welfare of society as a whole. Sub- objective of achieving ‘a highly competitive social mar- sidiarity defines where competences and responsibil- ket economy’, should also be understood in this vein. ities should lie: what can be most efficiently managed at the lowest possible level should not be transferred The Social Market Economy should not be restricted to the broader community. to the question of Ordoliberal economic policy. By its very nature, the Social Market Economy is an inner- The Social Market Economy also provides a frame- party compromise that is only possible with the CDU/ work of values that are useful in contemporary CSU. Moreover, the merger of economic theory with politics, and these can help counter the arguments the socio-political demands made by Christian trade in favour of basic pensions and universal income. unions has led the Social Market Economy to form The principle of the social state – a coherent set of the socio-political foundation of the German Federal values derived from this framework – ensures that Republic. It is firmly rooted in both Catholic social society helps people who cannot help themselves. At teaching and Protestant social ethics. Its basic prin- the same time, the capability approach provides for ciple of personality, which stems from the Christian an enabling social state in which citizens have rights image of humanity, particularly separates it from the and obligations instead of merely being provided for. Importantly, the performance principle reminds us that effort must be rewarded – whoever pays more The film ‘What is a Social Market Economy?’ by Adenauer into their pension, should get more out. Finally, peo- Campus explains and presents the issues in a manner ple who earn well should not have to pay more than that reflects the age of its young target group. half of their income in taxes and duties. Combined, these policies provide for a productive society that still takes the common good into account.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung carries out numerous activities aimed at promoting the ideas behind this regulatory policy among young target groups. This includes the seminars and expert discussions taking place again as part of the Social Market Economy PhD programme (www.kas.de/web/begabtenfoerderung- und-kultur/promotionskolleg-soziale-marktwirtschaft). Our Adenauer Campus provides a film for school pupils and teachers entitled ‘What is the Social Market Economy?’, as well as questions and answers tailored to this age group and further learning materials (www.adenauercampus.de). The Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung 19
About Us
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foun We bring together people who have ‘something to say’ dation that is active throughout Germany via its at conferences and congresses. In Germany alone, 18 civic education forums and regional offices. Some around 145,000 people attend the approximately 100 international offices manage projects in more 2,500 events that we hold every year. We provide than 120 countries. Our headquarters are split material and non-material support to gifted young between Sankt Augustin near Bonn, and Berlin. people, not only from Germany but also from Central and Eastern Europe and developing countries. Konrad Adenauer and his principles define our guide- lines, our duty and our mission. The foundation has We also keep in close touch with our alumni, whose carried the name of the German Federal Republic’s number has risen to more than 14,000 since 1965. first chancellor since 1964. It grew out of the Society for Christian-Democratic Civic Education, which was Exhibits, readings and awards complete our pro- founded in 1955. gramme. We support young artists and we honour authors with our prestigious Literary Award every We use civic education to promote freedom, peace year. We have awarded a prize for local journalism and justice at home and abroad. Our most important since 1980. We also have a dedicated programme goals are strengthening democracy, furthering Euro- that promotes young journalists. Since 2002, the pean unification, improving transatlantic relations and Social Market Economy Prize has recognised distin- increasing development cooperation. Our political guished personalities who support and encourage activities are based on current and well-researched the development of the Social Market Economy. analyses. The Academy in Berlin acts as our forum for Since 2001, our denkt@g competition has paid trib- dialogue on issues shaping the future – from politics ute to websites by young people that confront issues and the economy to religion, society and science. surrounding the Holocaust and Nazi dictatorship, right-wing extremism, xenophobia, intolerance and violence.
The Archives of Christian Democratic Politics research and explore the history of Christian Democracy in Germany and Europe. Users have access to a large body of documents, state-of-the-art media and a specialised library with some 200,000 titles focused on history and politics. 20 The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
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