Basics on Social Democracy “The idea of social democracy has to be implemented and assessed every day.” Conclusion Hopefully, this brochure has helped explain the theory and political action of social democracy. The core values freedom, equality, justice and solidarity have been explained, and it has been shown that laws and constitutions are only the first step to ensure them. Such legal frameworks are important to guarantee equality and freedom before the law, but only active solidarity within the society can provide real freedom and justice for everyone. Therefore, an active state is requested that organizes institutionalized solidarity with an extensive welfare system. But also the readiness of active citizens to stand up for each other and assist each other is required in a more and more competitive world. The social democratic call for positive civil rights does not mean that laws or national security are less important. Specifically in less stable states, it is sometimes of higher priority to concentrate political action on the executive to enforce the law. In the long run, it is fundamental to ask where crime and political turmoil is rooted. It might be a consequence of social inequality and economic challenges. The idea of social democracy has to be implemented and assessed every day. While the core values remain the same, resultant policies must be adjusted to changing circumstances. Special about the debate on social democracy is that it is ever changing; it considers societal developments, perceives risks and opportunities and then uses these possibilities. This distinguishes social democracy from other political models; it neither clings to what has been handed down nor is blind to changed realities and new challenges. One major task of this century is the continuing globalization of trade routes, social exchange, and international politics. This process has produced global companies that frequently show very little corporate responsibility and have more political weight than some governments of smaller states. Important questions for every government are,“How can the investments of those global players turned into the good for the society? How can the democracy be protected against their influence? How can investors be bolstered to seek long term-commitments instead of quick profit? How can the workers' rights be ensured? How can the environment be protected?” As markets have become international, the problems caused by them are difficult to solve on a national level. It has become more and more important to find political solutions in international cooperation. This will decide whether the 21st will be a century of social and economic progression or a century of bitter struggle. Social democrats should try to lead by example and work actively around the world on the implementation of freedom, justice and solidarity. FES has taken up this challenge. 40