Democracy under Pressure – A Conversation with Stephan Kramer
Stephan Kramer – Expert on the Protection of Democracy and Internal Security
Stephan J. Kramer is President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution at the Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Local Affairs. Since 2015, he has been analyzing and assessing threats to the liberal democratic order – ranging from extremism and espionage to hybrid threats. He is considered one of Germany’s leading experts on internal security and the protection of democracy.
Hybrid Threats and Changing Security Landscapes
In this video, we speak with Stephan Kramer about the evolving threat landscape of our time. In addition to classical extremist dangers, issues such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage, and foreign influence operations have come into focus. The goal of these strategies is to erode trust in democracy, institutions, and social cohesion.
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution as an Early Warning System
Stephan Kramer describes the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a societal early-warning sensor. The agency’s role is to identify and communicate threats at an early stage – ensuring that politics, business, and society remain capable of action. Prevention and awareness are key components of this mission.
Security and Economic Protection for Businesses
Another central topic of the conversation is the protection of businesses. Espionage and sabotage no longer affect only state institutions but increasingly target the economy and critical infrastructure. A strong security culture, informed employees, and vigilant leadership are crucial to recognizing risks early on.