The New "Special Relationship": Redefining America's Strategic Partnership With Germany
Abstract
Germany is the undisputed economic and political powerhouse of Europe. However, the balance of Berlin's instruments of national power is disproportionate, underscoring a long-standing doctrine of military restraint. President Joachim Gauck's 2013-2014 calls for Germany to assume more global responsibility have materialized via several forms: Germany's significant contributions in Afghanistan, response to Ebola, delivery of weapons to the Iraqi Kurds, and attempts to diplomatically resolve the crisis in Ukraine. As Germany's influence on the international scene increases, so must its commitment to invest, train, and employ military forces in defense of the international order from which it has so greatly benefited. The United States should encourage Germany in this regard and must take into account power shifts in the European status quo. Washington should deepen its political, economic, and military ties to Germany, investing in the long-term "special relationship" of the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1012809
Entities
People
- Jacob S. Sotiriadis
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College