Notes du Cerfa - Sustaining Multilateralism in a Multipolar World. What France and Germany Can Do to Preserve the Multilateral Order Notes du Cerfa, No. 148, Ifri, June 2019
While international multilateralism is under strain, it is vital for France and Germany to defend it, since it is the most appropriate system for preserving their interests – particularly in terms of welfare, security, prosperity and environmental protection. Against this backdrop, three political fields offer opportunities for joint initiatives: trade, conventional arms control and climate change.
On these issues, both governments share not only concerns, but also common positions. However, when it comes to concrete measures, they often face differences of interest that are difficult to overcome. In addition, they must also engage like-minded partners on a case-by-case basis, not only inside but also outside the EU.
This publication is composed of three case studies, exploring potential for action by Paris and Berlin:
Chapter 1 | International trade
Elvire Fabry (Jacques Delors Institute, Paris)
Claudia Schmucker (German Council on Foreign Relations - DGAP, Berlin)
Chapter 2 | Conventional Arms Control
Barbara Kunz (Study Committee for French-German Relations - Cerfa at Ifri, Paris)
Eric-André Martin (Ifri, Paris)
Wolfgang Richter (German Institute for International and Security Affairs - SWP, Berlin)
Chapter 3 | Climate
Carole Mathieu (Center for Energy at Ifri, Paris)
This paper was edited by Claire DEMESMAY [1] (German Council on Foreign Relations - DGAP, Berlin) and Barbara KUNZ [2] (Cerfa, Ifri, Paris).