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Germany, the “Zeitenwende” and the Future of NATO

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Visions franco-allemandes
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Visions franco-allemandes, No. 33, August 2022
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NATO has adopted a new strategic concept, which should provide guidance for the next ten years. But the Russian aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has changed everything.
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Brussels Belgium. March 3, 2022. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor, at the press conference after NATO's extraordinary Summit 2022.
Brussels Belgium. March 3, 2022. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor, at the press conference after NATO's extraordinary Summit 2022.
Gints Ivuskans/Shutterstock
Corps analyses
Chancellor Scholz speaks of a new era. Is the strategic concept up to the challenges that arise? China's ambitions are defined for the first time as a threat to our security. But aren't they first and foremost for the United States? The scope of Alliance missions continues to expand. Is there a risk of being overloaded? Does enhanced cooperation with the European Union provide a solution? Its “Strategic Compass” defines broad ambitions. NATO and EU strategic documents provide limited answers. Germany's security policy is changing radically. Expectations for Berlin to take on a pivotal role in Europe are high. Is the country ready for this? This is by no means certain.

 

Detlef Puhl worked until 2016 as "Senior Advisor for Strategic Communication" for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges Division (ESCD). From 2011 to 2016, he was in charge of the strategic communication of this new division of the Atlantic Alliance Headquarters in Brussels.

 

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The Pariser Platz (Paris Square) on the east side of the Brandenburg Gate at Berlin, Germany
The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa)
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The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) was created in 1954 by an inter-governmental agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and France, in order to raise awareness of Germany in France and analyze Franco-German relations, including in their European and international dimensions. In its conferences and seminars, which bring together experts, political leaders, senior decision-makers and representatives of civil society from both countries, Cerfa develops the Franco-German debate and stimulates political proposals. It regularly publishes studies through two collections: Cerfa notes and studies as well as Franco-German visions.

Cerfa maintains close relations with the network of German foundations and think tanks. In addition to its research and debate activities, Cerfa promotes the emergence of a new Franco-German generation through original cooperation programs. This is how in 2021-2022, Cerfa led a program on multilateralism with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Paris. This program is aimed at young professionals from both countries interested in the issues of multilateralism in the context of their activities. It covered a wide range of themes relating to multilateralism, such as international trade, health, human rights and migration, non-proliferation and disarmament. Previously, Cerfa had participated in the Franco-German future dialogue, co-led with the DGAP from 2007 to 2020, and supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Daniel Vernet group (formerly the Franco-German Reflection Group) which was founded in 2014 upon the initiative of the Genshagen Foundation.

MAGA and AfD: Toward a Transatlantic Alliance of Nationalist Right-Wing Parties

Date de publication
07 October 2026
Accroche

The rapprochement between Donald Trump’s MAGA movement and Germany’s AfD has accelerated significantly since Trump’s return to the White House.

Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW Face Off Against Donald Trump

Date de publication
07 October 2026
Accroche

The German automotive industry faces a threefold challenge: competition from China; a difficult transition to electric vehicles; and US tariffs.

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A Partnership Built on Security: Post-Brexit Rapprochement between Germany and the United Kingdom

Date de publication
12 October 2026
Accroche

Since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, UK-German relations have undergone a remarkable transformation: from Berlin’s deliberate distancing from London during the Brexit negotiations, when Germany consistently prioritised EU-27 unity over bilateral arrangements, to a gradual rapprochement, culminating, for the time being, in the 2025 Kensington Treaty of Friendship.

Nicolai von ONDARZA
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Recalibrating Europe’s Security: Building Partnerships in an Era of ‘Wrecking-Ball Politics

Date de publication
22 September 2026
Accroche

The 2026 Munich Security Conference report observes that “the world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics.” Indeed, the era of Western predominance, dependable alliances and capable multilateral institutions has given way to shifting balances of power and deepening uncertainty.

Marie KRPATA Sarah BRESSAN
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Brussels Belgium. March 3, 2022. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor, at the press conference after NATO's extraordinary Summit 2022.
Gints Ivuskans/Shutterstock

How can this study be cited?

Detlef PUHL, « Germany, the “Zeitenwende” and the Future of NATO », Papers, Visions franco-allemandes, Ifri, 31 August 2022.
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