2022 Year in Review

Stream, which was founded during the Merkel tenure, has made it difficult for
Germany to impose impactful sanctions. This raises international critique stating
that Germany has made too few adjustments in policies in relation to Russia and
thus is undermining international efforts to end the war. This shows that even
though Merkel’s tenure ended, her handling of international affairs prevails.
Moreover, it highlights Scholz’s current incapacity to act according to his
coalition’s moral standards - freedom, justice and solidarity.
UPCOMING SHIFTS IN GERMANY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH
CHINA
With respect to the relationship between Germany and China, small political
changes to moral intervention politics are starting to come into action. Given
that China is its top commercial partner, German foreign policy is in a bind.
Berlin may run the risk of a serious crisis, especially from an economic
standpoint, if it takes a strong stance against Chinese attempts to reclaim
Taiwan. However, if Germany remains silent, it would likely disprove its assertion
that its foreign policy is values-based. The Scholz cabinet shows efforts to slowly
distance itself from the Indo Pacific superpower and apply higher moral
standards to international partners. At a meeting of the G7 economic ministers
in September, German vice chancellor Robert Habeck declared: "The naivety
toward China is over." This risky undertaking is highly critiqued even by coalition
partners, and mostly supported by the German Greens. Considering China's vast
economic activities, this relationship is increasingly important.
THE FUTURE
Since the inauguration of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, shifts in foreign policies have
occurred. Up until now, the changes have been minor, thus preserving the status
quo, but could lead to a shift in Germany’s status in the international arena. In
particular, its relationships with France and Russia are being put to the test.
Depending on the future actions of China, this might be a relationship to keep an
eye on.
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P H O T O : N O R B E R T B R A U N / U N S P L A S H