The “China shock” and weakening relations with Donald Trump’s United States have made clear that Germany must embark on a quest for new partners. For Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the key criterion for choosing them is whether they’re willing to abide by international rules. 

German policy on Europe is changing fundamentally. The worse the global crises become, the more Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for quick decisions—if necessary, even against Germany's closest partner, France, and in smaller formats.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked some changes in German foreign and security policy. But on scores of issues that are in many cases fundamental, Berlin is finding it hard to abandon old certainties: five examples.

The bitter debate about Germany’s policy mistakes toward Russia has been misguided and inadequate. Nine points for a much-needed adjustment.