The Future of the Zeitenwende

Germany has so far failed to face up to its history as a colonial power in Africa and Asia.

For Poland to seriously consider becoming a nuclear power, its security environment would have to change dramatically. But it’s worth contemplating what the impact of such a scenario would be for Europe. 

Marine Le Pen has a real chance of winning the French presidential elections in 2027. That would pose risks for the whole Europe and suspend the Franco-German engine.

NATO must develop a credible deterrent in order to prevent attacks from Russia. In this, Germany has particular responsibility.

Stubborn stasis. Huge unilateral change. Stubborn stasis. Germany has repeated this pattern for decades, causing gridlock in Europe. Now it is in danger of repeating it yet again.

For too long, there has been a misconception that Germany has to choose between either a “value-oriented” or an “interest-driven” foreign policy.

The United States is already doing much to be prepared in the case of a Chinese invasion of the island. Germany and Europe need to do their bit, especially by supporting Ukraine.

Berlin needs international partners for a successful foreign and security policy. Unfortunately, Germany hasn’t really understood yet what it takes to be a “team power”: five rules to see it win the day.

German foreign policy is still to leave its path dependency behind. It’s high time for Berlin to get more serious.