Priorities For The Next German Government

The end of Angela Merkel’s 16-year chancellorship gives Germany the opportunity to rethink its foreign policy and tackle the new mix of problems arising from great power competition and complex transnational challenges. To preserve Germany’s strong commitment to the multilateral institutions that frame its economic prosperity and security, its next government will have to work out what the 2014 “Munich Consensus” about meeting international responsibilities actually entails. This requires redesigning national institutions and policies, driving European reform processes, and developing robust positions toward allies and competitors beyond Europe’s borders.

The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) advances German foreign policy thinking. We have created this series of policy memos to offer non-partisan recommendations on issues that may be overlooked on the campaign trail but will certainly require attention. In them, our international experts explain the changes – and in some cases the continuity – that will be required from Germans along three themes:

1. Making German Foreign Policy Fit for Purpose
2. (Re-)Positioning Germany in Europe
3. Germany and the World: Challenges and Opportunities

From creating a digital grand strategy for Germany in Europe to addressing the foreign policy side of climate change and defining the role of the Federal Republic in reforming the eurozone, our experts examine how best to reinforce multilateral institutions, increase German capacities in security and defense, and achieve better crisis management strategies – including those related to pandemic mitigation and prevention, as well as migration dynamics and extremism. Underlying all of this is Germany’s relationship to the United States and China, the resilience of EU democracies, and the implications for Europe of Sino-American rivalry.

Germany can expand its economic and political strengths if it takes the opportunity to meaningfully connect its foreign, defense, climate, digital, and development policy – and commits to investing in its strengths. That will require a renewed and engaged dialogue with the German public, something that DGAP does routinely as a membership organization. Consequently, these memos are designed for policy-makers and the public alike and will remain a benchmark beyond the election.

Read the DGAP Memos below. Also, browse through our main dossier on the German federal elections 2021, where you will find more in-depth policy analysis and event formats to complement these memos.