Germany

Research focuses on the country’s relationship with the UK and EU and its political evolution over the past few decades.

Germany’s position as a leader of the European Union positions it as a key global influencer, especially in its relationships with the US, Russia and China.

However, a changing political landscape within the country, especially around its attitudes to immigration, reflects an increasing recognition within the main political parties that the country is under pressure to change.

As the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) enters its post-Merkel era, it seems likely that foreign policy will play a bigger role, with Germany aiming to take more leadership and responsibility, and for the European Union to play a bigger role in security, defence and international affairs.

Stark recommendations in the report risk being thwarted by a European leadership vacuum – and a lacking sense of urgency.

Far right parties’ vote share did not increase on the scale some expected. But in the long-term, their ideas may affect EU policy on migration, environment, security and enlargement.

Germany’s national identity is being challenged amid its response to the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and a fraught relationship with France.

French farmers stop their tractors on the A16 motorway in France

Events in France and Germany show that policies to deliver sustainable food, transport and energy systems need to take far better account of the needs of rural communities.

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Short animation explaining the issues around the growing use of drones and what should be done to address them.

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The Rt Hon James Cleverly made the remarks during his opening address to the 2023 Chatham House London conference.

There are significant challenges to member states of the European Union (EU) working together, and a growing gap between EU capabilities and expectations.

As European attitudes towards refugees harden, Anna Vallianatou speaks to Lisa Toremark about the ongoing reform negotiations and key policy issues at stake.

Member content

Europe’s great song competition may strive for continental harmony, but bitter conflicts and voting blocs often drag it off key, writes Saskia Postema.

Pepijn Bergsen discusses the nuances behind populist protest and explains why economic inequality undermines democracy in Europe.

Member content

Berlin’s key role in shoring up Europe’s strategic autonomy should be high on the agenda at the Munich Security Conference, Mike Higgins reports.

Episode 12 of our weekly podcast analyses the deployment of international battle tanks to Ukraine and the contentious diplomacy putting pressure on Germany.

Chancellor Scholz is set to perform another U-turn and give Ukraine what it desperately seeks to expel Russian forces and restore its territorial integrity.

Johannes Wagner discusses green energy transitions, Germany’s support for Ukraine and how Common Futures Conversations helped prepare him for a life in politics.

This paper assesses plans for investment in a sustainable economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and examines how such efforts could transform international development cooperation.

The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has become the main platform for US–EU trade and tech cooperation. But the US and the EU must turn ambitions into tangible outcomes if the TTC is to tackle significant global issues.

Bernhard Blumenau explains the significance of Olaf Scholz’s Zeitenwende speech in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Europe and the US recognize that their policies and strategies on the Indo-Pacific need to be more coherent. Existing structures such as the G7 and the Quad could become key forums for enhanced cooperation.

Members of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) arrive on the frontline on the eastern outskirts of Raqa on July 18, 2017. The photo focuses on two women sat on top of the vehicle dressed in army uniform. One of them holds a gun.

Member content

‘FFP2.0’ would have a less gendered focus, broader fairness and better alignment with domestic policy, say Eirliani Abdul Rahman and Jesse Bump.

In 2021 G7 leaders pledged to build back a better world. They now need to redouble their efforts to make sure that this ambition is fulfilled.

As the war in Ukraine becomes prolonged and unpredictable, risks for the transatlantic alliance will increase, as will the global shockwaves of the conflict.

Drawing on his recent article in International Affairs, Rafał Ulatowski analyzes Germany’s strategy on China and its implications for the wider Indo-Pacific.

Despite its stance on Ukraine winning plaudits, questions remain over the UK’s wider record on Russia and whether its tone will help achieve longer-term goals.

The fourth episode of our podcast mini-series examines how reliant the European Union (EU) is on Russian energy.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine reinforces the reality that only France and the UK can lead a European contribution to Indo-Pacific security.

Member content

Tony Yates on a brave attempt to unravel the Gordian knot of oil and geopolitics

Member content

The lawyer talks to Mike Higgins about how victims of the Syrian regime organised a grassroots movement for justice

Member content

Catherine Fieschi on why Europe failed to foresee the invasion of Ukraine

Member content

Janet Anderson on the principle of universal jurisdiction that bridged the ‘impunity gap’ and led to the conviction of a Syrian war criminal

Culture and history create different ideas of what good democracy is, but comparisons in Europe still help improve the overall debate about potential reform.

Open access

Roxanne Escobales talks to the author who discovered a nest of Cold War secret service poets in East Germany

Member content

The human rights lawyer helped to prosecute a former officer of the Assad regime for crimes against humanity. He tells Mike Higgins about the landmark case.

After heavy criticism for an initially timid response, the approach of Germany’s new government to the Ukraine crisis is improving as its position on Russia evolves.

Recent events regarding Ukraine show an active UK responding quickly while EU powers deliberate. But pulling ahead of the pack is not the same as leadership.

Open access

Marissa Conway charts the growth of feminist influence in foreign affairs and outlines the challenges still to be overcome to create a safer, more just world

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Experts map out the stakes and challenges faced by the Union in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

What are the security challenges facing the region?

Drawing from the latest issue of International Affairs, experts discuss the future of the EU’s foreign policy and challenges it faces.

Key policymakers discuss how the UK, Germany and their allies can coordinate their approaches while engaging with China on global issues.

How G7 countries should best respond to global economic and security challenges in order to defend the liberal international order.

This event explores France and Germany’s policies towards Russia and what they mean for EU-Russia relations.

With relations between Berlin and Moscow at their lowest ebb since Cold War days, what is the outlook for Germany’s Russia policy after Merkel’s departure?