German Council on Foreign Relations

Germany After the 2025 Federal Election

A New Role in Europe, New Responsibility in the World

The 2025 Munich Security Conference underscored a pivotal shift in transatlantic relations: Europe must learn to stand more firmly on its own. With the outcome of Germany’s federal election, the country now faces a crucial test—shouldering greater security responsibilities beyond its traditional role as an economic powerhouse. In response, DGAP experts provide clear, actionable recommendations for how the new government can bolster Germany’s position in a world that is becoming increasingly fragmented.

Author/s
Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff
Dr. Stefan Meister
Dr. Aylin Matlé
et al.

Germany Needs a Strategy—Grand and Democratic

German leaders have long been reluctant to discuss, let alone set, grand strategy. Now, with the world in flux and the old ways no longer working, Berlin needs to step up and clearly lay out what it wants—and how it plans to get it.

Author/s
Dr. Roderick Parkes
Florence Schimmel
Dr. Benjamin Tallis
IPQ
Creation date

Into the Unknown

2024 will likely test Germany when it comes to its two most important defense and security tasks: helping Ukraine and improving the Bundeswehr.

Author/s
Dr. Henning Hoff
IPQ
Berlin Cable
Creation date

The EU’s New Anti-Coercion Instrument Will Be a Success if It Isn’t Used

For the first time, the EU has made a nexus between trade policy, which is the European Commission’s domain, and security policy, which still largely rests with the member states. Its Anti-Coercion Instrument is a deterrence tool.

Author/s
Dr. Kim B. Olsen
Dr. Claudia Schmucker
IPQ
Quarterly Concerns
Creation date

New in our Media Center

Europe’s Turn: Insights from the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum

DGAP's Morning Briefing

Germany will have to act swiftly with its European partners to address the US withdrawal from transatlantic security. Our guests share fresh insights from the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum hosted by President Emmanuel Macron from March 11 to 13. They also identify priorities for Franco-German relations.

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08:30 - 10:00 | 18 Mar 2025

Balkan Breakfast

Update on Serbia’s Mass Protests and Bosnia’s Power Struggle: Regional Implications
Berlin
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Women@DGAP

The Power of Female Leadership: Transforming Politics, Business, and Culture

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