For strong alliances

Crises and conflicts seem to be omnipresent nowadays. Existing orders are falling apart and the transformation of the world is accelerating. For these reasons alone, it is with all the more resolve that German foreign policy pursues its primary goals: global peace and security. Yet the ways in which it does so need to be adapted to the prevailing conditions. Germany is looking to realign its foreign policy in order to overcome the complex challenges and live up to the high expectations that people in Germany and the world have of it. Many people see the Federal Republic as having to assume a leadership role – in defending human rights, preventing war and violence, diplomatic mediation and humanitarian aid. 

 

The project “Review 2014 – A Fresh Look at German Foreign Policy” shone a light on the new requirements. The Foreign Office asked citizens of Germany, foreign-policy experts and its own staff members to get involved in the debate. Countless people took the opportunity and discussed the reorientation – at forums, simulated negotiations or on the online platform www.review2014.de. This resulted in a wealth of valuable contributions that will be considered in the reorientation process. Many of them contain a deep acknowledgement of the way in which Germany already assumes responsibility in the world – as well as the wish for it to adopt a stronger role. Another indisputable factor was that a contemporary foreign policy must take a very broad perspective. Indeed, alongside defence and disarmament, aspects relating to human rights, the economy, environment and society play an important role. As such Germany works for the protection of human rights, a sustainable economic system, international climate and environmental protection and strong cultural exchange.

 

Take swifter and more decisive action when crises loom. Become more strongly engaged in climate protection, human rights issues and multilateral organizations. These expectations people have of German foreign policy suit a country whose actions are already shaped by the balance of interests and cooperation with partners. Germany’s integration in an ever more closely knit Europe and its strong anchoring in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are already part of the German foreign policy “DNA” today. Germany has manifold roles in multilateral cooperation organizations. Germany joined the United Nations (UN) for instance in 1973. In 2018 it plans to run, for the sixth time, for one of the non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2019/2020. Germany aims to examine how it 

can support the UN in an even more focussed manner in the future – in establishing and maintaining peace. In order to secure political aims, the use of military means may be necessary in this context. 

 

European integration remains one of the central aspects of German politics. With the Maastricht Treaty, in 1993 the EU introduced a “Common Foreign and Security Policy” (CFSP) – born of the realization that the member states only have international weight when they act jointly. Since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force in 2009 the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has coordinated the foreign relations of the European community. Italian Federica Mogherini has held the post since 2014. The range of topics on the EU’s agenda is very broad. Among the most important objectives are maintaining peace and strengthening global security as well as the development of democracy and the rule of law. Specific fields of action include humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. In terms of climate protection the EU is working to create an alliance in favour of a legally binding treaty. It has neighbourhood policies with its Eastern and Southern Mediterranean partners, concerns itself with migration and terrorism and is engaged in promoting a freer and fairer international trade system. Fulfilling so many tasks requires committed people: The Treaty of Lisbon also provided for the establishment of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic corps with 3,500 staff members, including numerous German diplomats.

 

Together with its European partners the German Federal Government protects human rights standards and continually develops them further. This takes place particularly in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. In this context German politics is committed fully to creating viable conditions for the elimination of oppression, arbitrariness and exploitation. An aspiration that derives from the German Basic Law: Article 1 names human rights as the basis of every human community, of peace and of justice.

 

The Federal Government closely aligns its actions with the objectives of a sustainable economy and lifestyle. It considers sustainability to be a holistic concept encompassing the economic, ecological and social dimension. The Federal Government outlined key points of orientation in a national sustainability strategy in 2002, which is continually updated. Moreover, Germany is involved in the introduction of sustainability standards on a European and global level. After the deadline expired for the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals in 2015, the international community faced the challenge of creating an agenda for the future that ensures also future generations the chance to lead a fulfilled life. The most pressing matters include the fight against poverty and preserving natural resources as well as promoting decent work, good government leadership and social participation. Core positions formulated by Germany also helped shape the new agenda. During Germany’s G7 presidency and the G7 summit in June 2015 at Schloss Elmau in Bavaria too, the question of sustainability played a decisive role. The Post-15 Development Agenda has set an important course.

 

In other words, foreign policy is not only geared towards crises and conflicts, but also aims to ­create the preconditions for a good life. Globalization means that everyday life, including in Germany, is radically changing. Increasing global networking not only leads to innovation, achievements and simplification, but also brings new questions and challenges. Digitalization for instance means that a specific cyber foreign policy is necessary today. New questions relating to the protection of data and personal freedoms must urgently and comprehensively be answered. Here too, Germany seeks to assume responsibility.