A Wake-Up Call for a New Era: Learning from History to Avoid a Tragic Repeat
In a thought-provoking piece, we explore the shift towards great-power politics and its implications for global stability. Europe, once on a 'vacation from history', now finds itself in a darker era, where power dynamics are once again at the forefront. The United States' global leadership is being challenged, and the rights-based international order is no more.
Russia's brutal war on Ukraine is a stark reminder of this new reality. China, too, asserts its great-power status, strategically building its influence over world affairs. This era is characterized by a struggle for dominance, where dependencies and allegiances are key.
But here's where it gets controversial: this return to power politics isn't solely about major power rivalries. It's also a response to the internal turmoil within societies, where revolutionary technological change is driving a desire for strong leadership. Great-power politics offers simple, fast solutions - but at what cost?
These politics are zero-sum, exploiting others' dependencies. Raw materials, technologies, and supply chains become tools of power. It's a dangerous game, and one that the United States is rapidly adapting to. Germany, too, is preparing for this new era, recognizing the need for a unified European response.
Germany's foreign and security policy aims for freedom, security, and strength. Its constitution, history, and geography demand a united European approach. In the face of this new reality, Germany must update its perspective on state power.
As Radoslaw Sikorski once said, 'I fear German power less than German inaction.' Germany must find a balance, recognizing that both too much and too little state power can threaten freedom.
In this era of great powers, Germany must lead through partnership, not power politics. It must defend its freedom with its neighbors, allies, and partners, building on solidarity and strength. Germany's agenda for freedom is rooted in principled realism, and its implementation has already begun.
Germany is strengthening itself militarily, politically, economically, and technologically. It's reducing dependencies, investing in defense, and supporting Ukraine's resistance against Russian imperialism. Germany is also making its economy and society more resilient, driving progress in future technologies, and protecting its democratic order.
Europe must unite and bolster its sovereignty, focusing on preserving and increasing freedom, security, and competitiveness. It must become a global political player, with its own security policy, and open itself to new opportunities.
Germany is working to strengthen Europe, entering confidential talks with France about nuclear deterrence. It's standardizing and simplifying weapons systems, and driving progressive military integration. Uniting in this way will open Europe to new strategic partners, including in trade.
Diplomatically, Germany is squaring the circle in Europe, working for peace in Ukraine. It's navigating this complex landscape with agility, knowing that its long-term success depends on bringing other Europeans along.
One of Europe's greatest dilemmas is the speed of global realignment, driven by major powers. Despite this, Germany believes in establishing a new transatlantic partnership. The transatlantic partnership, though facing challenges, remains a strong potential.
Being part of NATO is Europe's competitive advantage, and Washington needs trusted partners. Europe is committed to repairing and reviving transatlantic trust. Democracies rely on allies and partners, and Europe should take this to heart.
Germany is building a strong network of global partnerships, recognizing that European integration and the transatlantic partnership are no longer enough to preserve freedom. It's reaching out to new partners, reducing dependencies, and opening opportunities. This era of great-power politics demands a new approach.
And this is the part most people miss: Germans know the costs of a world governed by power alone. Our country's history is a stark reminder of the dangers of such an approach. Today, we take a different path, anchored in the European Union, NATO, and a growing network of strategic partnerships. We believe in the value of reliable partnership, based on shared values, mutual respect, and trust.
As we move forward, we must remember the lessons of history and steer clear of the dark path of power politics. Germany remains faithful to the idea of a strong, unified alliance, and together with its allies and partners, it wants to translate this idea for the new era.
