International Exchange and Advanced Training
Whoever wishes to spread liberal thought and to further its organisation around the world must promote a lively intercultural dialogue and exchange. Active listening and learning are crucial: true dialogue is based on tolerance and mutual respect. The task of the Department for International Exchange and Advanced Training in Germany at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is to foster and implement these liberal principles through facilitating a worldwide exchange of ideas.
News
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Becoming Crisis-Ready: On Leadership, Learning & Resilience
Gareth Morgan joins IAF Continued Conversations to share lessons on crisis-ready leadership, resilience, and building the right teams to face shocks from climate change to global disruptions.
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6 Powerful Conversations to Inspire Your Leadership
Explore the Leadership Collection of the Continued Conversations podcast. Six inspiring episodes with expert voices on leading with vision, empathy, balance, resilience, and hope.
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IAF Seminars 2025
Which seminars will take place at the IAF in Gummersbach in 2025? Here is an overview of our program!
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The Housing Theory of Everything
What if housing policy explains rising inequality, lower growth, and stalled innovation? Sam Bowman joins to discuss zoning, cities, and why housing is more than just a place to live.
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Coalitions that Last: Lessons in Liberal Partnership from Gummersbach
Aditya Alta, Head of Research at the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), shares his experience participating in the IAF Seminar in Gummersbach, Germany, on the topic of “Coalition Building and Strategic Partnership.”
The week-long programs highlight how collaboration and alliance play a key role in strengthening liberal movement in politically fragmented environments. -
Learning about Coalition Building in Gummersbach
Chin-Huat Wong, a professor and political scientist from Sunway University, Malaysia, went on a week-long trip worth of learning and networking in Gummersbach. Wong was in a familiar element. He was among seasoned politicians and activists, eager to exchange experiences, ideas, and burning questions. So, what did he discover about coalition building and strategic partnership? Read more of his extensive recounting in Gummersbach here.
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Delegation of the Democratic Alliance Visits Liberal Partners in Brussels and Berlin
From 22–28 June 2025, a Democratic Alliance delegation visited Brussels and Berlin, hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The trip strengthened ties with European liberal partners, focusing on cooperation, energy, and EU–Africa relations. Highlights included meetings with MEPs, EU officials, FDP leaders, and a “Liberal Afterwork” event featuring Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen. The visit underscored the importance of Global South–Europe liberal dialogue ahead of South Africa’s G20 presidency.
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Publications on geopolitical topics you shouldn't miss
Explore a curated selection of insightful publications on pivotal geopolitical topics, now available for free download! From analyses of shifting global power dynamics to deep dives into regional conflicts, these resources are essential for anyone looking to stay informed on the issues shaping our world. Don't miss out on these expert perspectives and expand your understanding of global affairs.
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What Elon Got Wrong About DOGE: On State Capacity and Government Efficiency
Mike Munger joins the IAF podcast to discuss state capacity, Milei's reforms in Argentina, Musk's failed Doge project, and what liberals get wrong about bureaucracy and the role of the state.
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Readings on Green Topics from a Liberal Perspective
Dive into our exclusive collection of thought-provoking publications that explore the intersection of liberal ideals and environmental sustainability. This carefully curated selection highlights innovative market-based solutions, progressive policies, and the power of international cooperation to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
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Hope and the Long Game: Leadership in an Age of Urgency
Join Marike Groenewald, Clinton du Preez and Brent Colburn in IAF Continued Conversations to explore why hope is the essential starting point for strategic leadership in an age of urgency.
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Unpacking Development in the World
Lant Pritchett on why national development—not just human flourishing—must be at the center of effective aid. What drives real progress? Find out in this wide-ranging conversation.
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When Democracy Defends Itself: Reflections from Berlin to Buenos Aires
How can democracies protect themselves from internal threats? Drawing from Germany's militant democracy, this piece explores what Argentina can learn to strengthen its institutions.
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Start-up Politics
Discover how political entrepreneurship, participatory leadership, and cutting-edge tech are reshaping liberal parties worldwide—from the founding of NEOS to Europe’s first Political Tech Summit.
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Podcast: IAF Continued Conversations
