Germany’s Strategic Reorientations, Present and Past

Abstract

Germany’s strategic reorientation under the Olaf Scholz-led coalition means the end of the civilian-power paradigm and the return of garrison states to European security following the shock of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Lessons can be drawn from the previous revolution in Germany’s strategic culture that took place in the 1950s under Konrad Adenauer and from the failures of adaptation in Germany’s security policies since reunification in 1990. Scholz leads a Germany facing a very different domestic and European political constellation than the one Adenauer faced. The role of economic actors and interests is much different in Germany’s relationship with Russia. Scholz also has a less predictable ally in a United States that is divided at home and faces a growing rival in China. Yet, as in Adenauer’s day, the perception of a direct threat and consequent urgency of alliance solidarity have helped diminish partisan differences and legacy biases.