Publication

This brief examines 1) the factors that shape Germany’s security policy, both globally and regionally, and 2) the implications of the current policy for NATO. The brief's conclusions are familiar enough – despite its political and economic power, Germany’s military potential remains limited and its political culture is unenthusiastic about using the hard power it has. Berlin, in short, continues to privilege dialogue and compromise in conflict situations, even though the preference poses a genuine risk to NATO's cohesion and credibility.