The DNA of German foreign policy
A commitment to a resilient global order is in the basic interests of Europe’s biggest economy
other countries, a commitment to a just, peaceful, and resilient international order is a fundamental interest of our foreign policy.
That means adjusting to the long-term changes in the existing order’s parameters — changes that have been wrought, above all, by China’s rapid rise. As the tectonic plates of world politics shift, Germany must be more precise in defining its own contributions to maintaining existing structures of international order and establishing new ones. We must think more deeply about ways to safeguard valuable public goods: the seas, space, and the internet.
Then there is Europe, which remains the foundation of Germany’s foreign policy. But here, too, new challenges require new answers. Above all, we must prevent a strategic dilemma in which Germany felt forced to decide between its competitiveness in a globalised world and European integration. Europe should benefit from Germany’s strength, just as we benefit from Europe’s.
As Europe’s largest economy, we must invest in integration. That is the source of our strength.
Within any effective peace strategy for the 21st century, foreign policy must simultaneously focus on crisis prevention and diplomacy, and bolster efforts that support transformation. For Germany, all of these objectives must be pursued within the framework of a strong and integrated European Union in which we assume our leadership responsibilities for global peace and prosperity. Germany has much to offer to the world, and we will do so with self-confidence and humility.
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