Berlin Observer
Critical notes on German foreign policy and a peek behind the curtain of a newly indispensable nation
Merkel’s Red Twin
Olaf Scholz’ early nomination as “chancellor candidate” bodes ill for the stability of Germany’s new European policy.
No Change Through Trade
For its own sake and that of the EU, Germany needs to say goodbye to its geo-economic approach to foreign policy. Seven years ago …
Op-Ed: Justice Matters, Impunity Is Unacceptable
The Syrian regime has violated practically every article of international law. These crimes against humanity will not go unpunished, argues Minister of State Niels Annen.
Keeping an Equidistance
Trends in German public opinion point to a weakening commitment to both European integration and the transatlantic alliance.
Merkel in the Middle
Germany’s policy of West-orientation has been fading under Angela Merkel, but it might soon see a revival.
The Führer and the Prince
How much did Wilhelm of Prussia, son of Germany’s last emperor, help Adolf Hitler in his rise to power?
Rethinking Germany’s Sahel Policy
Germany needs to change its approach to the Sahel region and that includes rethinking its assumptions, being more flexible and standing up for itself when it comes to its international partners.
Brace for Change in Germany
Angela Merkel’s chosen successor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has thrown in the towel. Expect fierce leadership and policy struggles.
Germany’s Inadequate Culture of Remembrance
75 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, Germany needs to rethink how it remembers—and why it does.
The Berlin Malaise
Germany’s capital is astonishingly short on politicians with a nation-wide appeal.
Chronicle of an End Foretold
SPD members have elected a new leadership: two unknown left-wingers. It is hard to see Angela Merkel’s coalition surviving. On Saturday morning, Chancellor Angela …
Silence is Silver
No other challenge facing German politics and industry is harder to discuss frankly than how to handle China. Why?
A Big Step Away from German Orthodoxy
Isabel Schnabel, Germany’s nominee to the ECB board, has a pragmatic approach to monetary and fiscal policy.
The Winds of Change
Shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall Bettina Vestring spent two years reporting from the East German city of Dresden.
Enhancing Germany’s Conflict Prevention Strategies
The German government’s three new prevention strategies set high conceptual standards, but they need more focus.
