According to Merkel: Dare to go further east

by time news

Angela Merkel’s visit to US President Joe Biden is a farewell visit – and Americans feel that way too. The swan song for the long-term chancellor is not particularly euphoric. The Washington Post accuses the Chancellor, albeit moderately in tone, of undermining the transatlantic alliance in favor of the interests of German business.

This applies above all to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is a thorn in the side of the US energy industry. Indeed, the pipeline is primarily a commercial project. It is in the nature of things that the German government supports the project as well as the Russian government. The US lobbyists seem particularly annoyed that the sanctions did not work either: The pipeline should be completed – despite all threats and disapproval from Washington. However, it is not yet clear whether the pipeline will also be a lucrative business for the companies involved. The Washington Post writes that the hopes of the Biden government lie in government participation by the Greens – who have always been vehemently against Nord Stream 2.

But for the Americans, Europe’s relationship with China is far more important than the pipeline. Biden is continuing the tough course of his predecessor Donald Trump, but with a slightly different accent: He wants an international alliance to unite the West and parts of Asia against China. Barack Obama, who failed in his attempt to prevent the British from participating in Beijing’s most important project, the “New Silk Road”, did not succeed.

Obama had to acknowledge that the world has become multipolar. Many centers of power oscillate, interests intertwine, surprising alliances such as those of Israel and the United Arab Emirates are changing the map. In such a fluid environment, it is an irony of history that Merkel, as an East German, was unable to use her origins to benefit a modern Germany.

It was strongly integrated into the old West German pattern and did not realize that the previously divided Germany would actually be an ideal pilot project for the reconciliation of economic, political and social differences in a rapidly changing world due to the heterogeneity of its population. Merkel, by nature rather fearful as well as politically professional and opportunistic, failed to bring something of the anarchist, daring and dynamic spirit of East Germany into the cabinet.

Under Merkel, Germany did not provide any impetus on the world stage

So she made German foreign policy a marginal note in the age of digital change. Even more: She played the simple-minded game of discrediting East German criticism of the prevailing conditions too quickly as right-wing extremists. Instead of a courageous discourse, including on geopolitical issues, there was a well-known West German righteousness that has given the country in the heart of Europe little reputation, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.

It has also brought no new transatlantic friendships to Germany. Many Americans look at Germany with a certain amount of admiration and say: “You already had the big break – tell us how change is going?” Germany, under Merkel, did not provide any impetus on the world stage. This would have been very welcome. Because the Americans have long recognized that the world is changing. Many of their powerhouse actions are an expression of deep insecurity.

And the other side? The Chinese idea of ​​underpinning their new global ambitions with their own sanctions regime is not particularly original. The Chinese – masters of imitation – are looking for role models. You would listen well to the Germans if they have something original to say.

Merkel’s heirs would be well advised to shake off the old patterns and recognize: In a new multipolar world – a term that even the representatives of the European Council on Foreign Relations use – values ​​are more important than networks. The fragile, bulky, constantly struggling Germany can bring in a lot: for example, the experience that freedom and prosperity are two sides of the same coin. To this end, the next federal government should “dare several East Germany” in order to be heard and respected on the other side of the Atlantic.

You may also like

Leave a Comment