Between a rock and a hard place? Navigating domestic and international expectations on German foreign policy

This article takes stock of German foreign policy during Angela Merkel's third term in office (2013–17). It argues that the longer-term significance of Germany's foreign policy during this period is twofold. First, the Merkel government was confronted with multiple European and international crises which worked as a magnifying glass for the growing international expectations on Germany to become more actively engaged on the international stage. Second, the tenure of the Grand Coalition saw a significant shift in the German domestic foreign policy discourse that was marked by a concerted effort of leading decision-makers to make the case for Germany to accept greater international responsibilities. This emerging consensus among foreign policy elites expresses a changed self-conception of German foreign policy which, however, continues to be viewed with scepticism in the broader public. Informed by such a broad two-level perspective that focuses on the interplay between international and domestic expectations on German foreign policy, the article explores the record of the Grand Coalition in the main international crises it had to engage with. It suggests that the Merkel government was better able to live up to its own aspirations in two-level contexts which left it with greater domestic room for manoeuvre

Welche Macht darf es denn Sein? Tracing ‘Power’ in German Foreign Policy Discourse

The relationship between ‘Germany’ and ‘power’ remains a sensitive issue. While observers tend to agree that Germany has regained the status of the most powerful country in Europe, there is debate whether that is to be welcomed or whether that is a problem. Underpinning this debate are views, both within Germany and amongst its neighbours, regarding the kind of power Germany has, or should (not) have. Against this backdrop, the article reviews the dominant role conceptions used in the expert discourse on German foreign policy since the Cold War that depict Germany as a particular type of ‘power’. Specifically, we sketch the evolution of three prominent conceptions (constrained power, civilian power, hegemonic power) and the recent emergence of a new one (shaping power). The article discusses how these labels have emerged to give meaning to Germany’s position in international relations, points to their normative and political function, and to the limited ability of such role images to tell us much about how Germany actually exercises power

Der Westfälische Friede als Denkmodell für den Mittleren Osten

Textdokumentation zur Podiumsveranstaltung der Osnabrücker Friedensgespräche am 12. Juli 201

"Bei der Arbeit, da ist's, wo der Mann sich zeigt...". Die frühe Sozialdemokratie war die Partei der Leistungsbereiten

Welskopp T. "Bei der Arbeit, da ist's, wo der Mann sich zeigt..". Die frühe Sozialdemokratie war die Partei der Leistungsbereiten. In: Platzeck M, Steinbrück P, Steinmeier F-W, eds. Auf der Höhe der Zeit. Soziale Demokratie und Fortschritt im 21. Jahrhundert. Berlin: Vorwärts Buch Verlag; 2007: 42-46