Peace and Security Activities Discussing German politics at CSS in Wellington 01.12.2025 In a rapidly changing global landscape, closer exchange among like-minded democracies is of the essence. Discussing current German political affairs at the Center for Strategic Studies in Wellington provided an opportunity. Image: Creator: CSS / Mengdi Zhang Stronger Ties in a Shifting World As seismic shifts are occurring in the global order, the considerable value of increased exchange and cooperation between like-minded partners in Europe and “down under” is frequently being pointed out. During a presentation and joint discussion at the Center for Strategic Studies at the Victoria University of Wellington, the current challenges facing the new German Federal government under Chancellor Merz in his coalition with the Social Democrats were examined. In conversation with the director of FES Australia & New Zealand, Andreas Radtke, participants compared the similarities and the differences in views on current events in Berlin and Wellington. The debate ranged from demographic factors, including questions relating to migration, over challenges to the economic model in view of the rise of China to the consequences of Russia’s ongoing illegal war against Ukraine. FES thanks David Capie and the CSS for bringing this discussion about, providing valuable input for focusing our work with partners in New Zealand and Australia. Contact Image: Creator: FES Dr. Andreas Radtke Executive Director +61 408 474 275 andreas.radtke(at)fes.de Further activities Strengthening Democracy Activities “Democracy Reimagined” - Conference in Canberra Strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions and processes must go hand in hand with efforts to renew the franchise and to re-establish the purpose of democratic deliberation in changing circumstances. Image: Creator: FES ANZ Strengthening Democracy Activities Scoping the potential for social democratic cooperation FES’ international work depends crucially on a close exchange with our partner organizations. Following the opening of the FES office in Canberra in 2025, a visit from Berlin allowed us to deepen those conversations. Image: Creator: FES ANZ / David Beach Shaping a Just Transition Activities Panel discussion on Industrial Policy Australia has the potential to become a Renewable Energy Superpower, but the transition towards Net Zero will be easier when workers and affected communities can participate in shaping the change. Image: Creator: IG Metall / Franziska Linhart
Strengthening Democracy Activities “Democracy Reimagined” - Conference in Canberra Strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions and processes must go hand in hand with efforts to renew the franchise and to re-establish the purpose of democratic deliberation in changing circumstances. Image: Creator: FES ANZ
Strengthening Democracy Activities Scoping the potential for social democratic cooperation FES’ international work depends crucially on a close exchange with our partner organizations. Following the opening of the FES office in Canberra in 2025, a visit from Berlin allowed us to deepen those conversations. Image: Creator: FES ANZ / David Beach
Shaping a Just Transition Activities Panel discussion on Industrial Policy Australia has the potential to become a Renewable Energy Superpower, but the transition towards Net Zero will be easier when workers and affected communities can participate in shaping the change. Image: Creator: IG Metall / Franziska Linhart
