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Contrary to widely held beliefs, Angela Merkel’s positions are easy to identify. She has made three fundamental decisions that have defined the structure of her foreign policy.
Despite areas of potential friction between Berlin and Washington, the fruitful transatlantic relationship of the last seventy years looks set to continue after Germany’s election.
Will the next German government finally assume the role of Europe’s political leader? Substantial change in Germany’s approach is unlikely—unless the euro crisis gets even worse.
Britain’s David Cameron hopes that Germany’s Angela Merkel will support his desire to repatriate certain EU powers from Brussels to the member states. He might be disappointed.
Warsaw wants more of the same from Berlin. But the depth of Polish-German relations will depend on Germany maintaining its role as the guardian of cohesion in the EU.
Germany will take a low-cost, low-risk approach to the management of international peace and security no matter who governs the country.
The German federal election will have enormous repercussions for Europe as, regardless of the election outcome, the Chancellor will have to deal with major challenges.
The EU needs a new strategy on Russia that is informed by Europe’s values and focuses on Europe’s interests. But first, Germany needs to show more foreign policy leadership.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will soon face parliamentary elections. There is much unfinished business that the next chancellor, be it Merkel or someone else, will have to manage.
With elections due in September, Merkel cannot afford to alienate her staunchly anti-war electorate. But staying on the sidelines over Syria also carries a high price.
