11 January 2007

GPPi publishes op-ed on the need for a "Global Atlanticism"

GPPi’s Thorsten Benner and Sergey Lagodinsky published an op-ed on the need to strengthen Germany’s "strategic community" when it comes to foreign policymaking. They argue for a "global atlanticism" that takes the EU-US relationship not as an end in itself but as the key to tackling pressing global problems.

The article appeared in the 11 January 2007 edition of Handelsblatt, Germany’s leading business daily, and discusses the mounting expectations of what Germany can achieve as Berlin takes over the dual presidencies of the EU and the G-8. German leadership is supposed to breathe new life into the ailing EU and energize a G-8 that is treading uncertainly in an increasingly multipolar world, not to mention put out the many diplomatic fires in the Balkans, the Middle East and beyond. Benner and Lagodinky argue that in many respects German foreign policy rests on weak foundations. Germany’s "richly deserved 60-year holiday from leadership abroad" (Washington Post) has taken a toll on its strategic capacity and imagination, as seen by Germany's lack of a vibrant, globally-oriented community of foreign policy professionals and think tanks. The article also discusses a number of factors that contribute to this weakness, including the lack of a "revolving door" between politics, business, civil society and think tanks/academia. The authors argue that a "global atlanticism" should be the bedrock for strengthening Germany’s strategic capacity. Foundations and corporations alike should invest in a stronger "strategic community" that brings together the public sector, NGOs, business and academia.

Please click here to read the article (in German).

For further information please contact Thorsten Benner or Sergey Lagodinsky.

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