Exploring how peace and security, distorted by authoritarianism, can be rebuilt on the foundations of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
A month ago, I exhibited at the 25th Foreign Policy Conference at Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in #Berlin, titled “Reclaiming Peace? Freedom & Security in a Fragmented World.” During the conference, we discussed how peace and security, today distorted by authoritarianism, can be re-grounded in democracy, freedom, and human rights.
If you missed it, you can listen to the conference podcast, condensing over 6 hours into 37 minutes, featuring talks by Franziska Brantner, Agnieszka Brugger, Sara Nanni, Pavlo Klimkin, Aivazovska Olga, Gustavo Westmann, Marcin Jerzewski, Akira Igata, Beverly Ochieng, Izumi Nakamitsu, and Murithi Mutiga.
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lcp9DqSFYenmT2loERmzB
The dossier also includes my portrait series, a photo gallery, and links to rewatch all the sessions. https://www.boell.de/en/25th-foreign-policy-conference
In an increasingly fragmented world, it is time to rethink peace and security – and to reclaim them from a progressive, green perspective. How can these notions be re-anchored in democratic freedom, dignity, and human rights – rather than surrendered to authoritarian reinterpretation? These questions will be explored at our Annual Foreign Policy Conference.
Monday, 29. September 2025 – 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Headquarters Berlin
The 25th Foreign Policy Conference will explore how peace and security are being redefined in an increasingly fragmented world. What does it take to reclaim peace and security from a progressive, Green perspective? How can these notions be re-anchored in democratic freedom, dignity and human rights — rather than surrendered to authoritarian reinterpretation?
As the international order fragments and authoritarian “peacemaking” gains traction, democratic actors who seek a just and peaceful world urgently need a new vision. This is where the concept of “peace in freedom”, coined by Alliance 90/The Greens during the 2025 election campaign, offers an alternative. “Peace in freedom” recognizes: peace is only sustainable when it is rooted in pluralism, civic participation, and protection of the vulnerable — at home and abroad.
This perspective also reshapes our understanding of security. A comprehensive approach to security emphasizes the importance of integrating civilian and military tools, preventive and reactive measures, and short- and long-term strategies.
At our Foreign Policy Conference we will bring together policymakers, scholars, and civil society leaders from Germany and the Foundation’s international network. Please join us for a shared exploration of how to reclaim and reshape the future of global peace and security:
- How can we reclaim peace and security from populist and authoritarian appropriation and re-anchor it in democratic freedom, justice, pluralism and human rights?
- What joint strategies and investments are necessary to restore and maintain a lasting peace in freedom — from Lisbon to Luhansk and across other regions?
- How can democracies in Europe and beyond develop resilient, whole-of-society responses to hybrid threats?
- How can narratives of peace and a long-term vision of disarmament be aligned with the urgent and necessary increase in defense spending?
- How can Europe ensure that its pursuit of freedom, security, and peace does not come at the expense of others?
On the margins of the conference, we will exhibit illustrations by the artist Gianluca Costantini. In his work, he portrays partners of the Heinrich Böll Foundation from around the world, giving visual expression to their individual voices on peace, freedom and security. The illustrations reflect the diversity of experiences and perspectives and invite us to view global challenges through the eyes of committed human rights activists, researchers, and members of local civil society.
