“Now we are experiencing that a one-sided economic orientation is making us vulnerable.”
(Photo: IMAGO/Political Moments)
Berlin In view of the Russian war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underlined Germany’s willingness to step up its international commitment to peace and security. Russia’s aggressive approach is clear: “No country, not even Germany, can be neutral on questions of war and peace, on questions of justice and injustice,” said the Green politician on Friday at the start of work on a new national security strategy for Germany. This is particularly true in view of German history.
The German guilt for war and genocide means the obligation “to stand by those whose lives, freedom and rights are threatened,” said Baerbock. The war waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which violates international law, confronts us with a new reality in terms of security policy.
You feel “a longing that we probably haven’t felt for a long time – and perhaps my generation has never really felt it: a longing for security,” said the 41-year-old. An overview of which areas are taken into account in the security strategy.
Strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank – alliance defense
To strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, Baerbock said: “The previous tripwire logic, which signals through minimum presences in the Baltic states and Poland that an attack on one NATO country is an attack on everyone, will no longer be sufficient in its current form.” Recent reinforcements would have to be designed for the long term, and military exercises would have to reflect the new realities. The entire eastern alliance area is subject to a new threat.
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nuclear deterrent
In view of Putin’s threats with nuclear weapons, NATO’s nuclear deterrence must remain credible, Baerbock demanded. The goal remains a nuclear weapons-free world. However, an honest debate about the prerequisites for disarmament must be held with the partners. “This is not possible with unilateral demands on our western allies.” Real disarmament will only happen “if all nuclear-armed states take credible steps”.
Strengthen defensiveness and the ability to form alliances
The decisive factor for Germany’s ability to act is the ability to defend itself in the alliance, said Baerbock. This means both the ability and the will to defend yourself. For a long time, defensiveness was also a word that you didn’t just put into your mouth, said the ex-Greens leader. But she is convinced: “Our defense decides our security.”
Own strategy towards China
Looking at China and its “Belt and Road” initiative with trade and infrastructure initiatives in Africa, Asia and Europe, Baerbock said investments in infrastructure are also relevant to security. You can only act independently if you are not completely dependent on others. In view of China’s investments in the power supply in the Indo-Pacific region, questions of sovereignty and territorial integrity also arose there. The federal government is also working on a new China strategy.
Energy dependency and climate crisis
Germany must become more independent of energy supplies, but at the same time “must not slide into a new dependency on other countries,” said the minister. The climate crisis is exacerbating crises between countries in the African Sahel region, for example, with food insecurity and migration. That is why climate foreign policy is an integral part of the new security strategy.
Strengthening the European defense industry
The former leader of the Greens called for the European defense industry to be strengthened and become more effective. The EU has six times as many weapon systems in use as the USA. “We have to overcome this fragmentation,” said Baerbock.
cyber threat
The greatest challenge is the threat of cyber attacks as a central component of modern warfare, said Baerbock. “What used to be an attack on a gas line with a bomb or a rocket is now a hack on hospitals.”
The process of a new security strategy
The new security strategy is to be developed under the leadership of the Federal Foreign Office together with other ministries, the Bundestag and national and international partners and linked to corresponding efforts at EU and NATO level. The traffic light coalition agreement states: “In the first year of the new federal government, we will present a comprehensive national security strategy.”
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