International Order & Democracy

The global order is constantly changing. These changes are driven by developments in the tech sector, as well as shifts in economic, political, military, and demographic power. The US is calling established systems into question. Non-western – and in some cases authoritarian – states are increasingly influencing regional and international structures.

International order and democracy is one of DGAP’s core themes. Through it, DGAP helps answer questions about how Germany and Europe can shape regional and international aspects of the evolving global order in the policy realm. We explore options in the areas of sustainability and climate, digitalization and technology, finance, and the regulation of outer space, as well as which policies will be most effective in strengthening democracy and human rights on a regional and international level.

Recent publications

Die deutsche Russlandpolitik braucht eine neue Strategie

The End of German Ostpolitik

What a Change in Germany’s Russia Strategy Might Look Like

Relations between the European Union (EU) and Russia have hit a new low after the attempted poisoning of Alexei Navalny and the Kremlin’s continued support for Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, despite massive electoral fraud in that country. A new Russia policy in Berlin will require a paradigm shift, using incentives and leverage to improve Germany’s negotiating position with Moscow. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline project should be under intense scrutiny. If Moscow shows itself unwilling to cooperate, construction should be stopped.