In light of Trump's upset victory: Germany and Europe must reevaluate their approach to international collaboration
In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Germany and Europe are intensifying efforts to address global challenges, particularly in conflict prevention and the promotion of democracy. This shift in foreign policy is crucial, as an authoritarian ruler in the East poses a threat to Europe, while a former ally has become an unpredictable adversary in the West.
Germany is redefining its relations with the Global South, moving away from a colonial superiority complex and towards strategic, respectful partnerships. This approach involves adopting a pragmatic, long-term economic diplomacy focused on mutual interests, such as connectivity, vocational training, sustainable transition financing, and governance modernization.
Germany should accelerate and clarify its Africa engagement strategy, moving from passive observation to active economic and political partnership. Economic cooperation initiatives must recognise and embrace bloc-building trends in the Global South and allow for fair value exchange, including paying higher prices for processed products from these regions to build equitable trade ties.
Promoting gender equality is a key lever for sustainable development, including greater participation of women and LGBTIQ+ people in political and economic processes. Europe, and Germany in particular, must invest in state capacity to create transparent and inclusive institutions, including building education and health systems that benefit all citizens.
Strengthening multilateralism and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with Global South countries, particularly in health, gender equality, decent work, and environmental protection, will promote civil society development and conflict prevention.
Europe, and Germany, face a historically unique challenge due to the actions of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who dismantled decades-long international cooperation and international law. Europe must avoid double standards and support an international order based on international law and multilateral institutions.
Humanitarian aid should strengthen the rule of law and the ability of states to provide public services for the common good. Allocating 0.7 percent of gross domestic product to official development assistance (ODA) is a minimum requirement for a rich country like Germany.
Ursula von der Leyen has proposed the concept of 'Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships', which should be implemented. Investing in state capacity is necessary to create transparent and inclusive institutions, including building education and health systems that benefit all citizens.
Carlos Lopes, former Secretary-General of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, emphasised the need to overcome Europe's 'colonial superiority complex'. Europe, and Germany, must promote mutual respect and build shared interests in this transforming geopolitical landscape.
The United States' 'soft power' is being undermined in favor of a power claim based on fear. Europe must shape and defend principled global cooperation based on international law, sustainability, and respect. Strengthening local civil society actors is crucial for promoting democracy and resilient societies.
In conclusion, Germany's foreign economic policy must reflect a dialogue of equals, strategic neutrality, and respect for the changing global multipolar order. This approach will strengthen trust, which is Germany's strongest geopolitical currency, and help Germany become a reliable partner in political, economic, and technological arenas, especially in Africa where other global players have been more active.
- Germany's strategic partnerships with the Global South, aimed at addressing mutual interests such as connectivity, vocational training, and sustainable transition financing, are designed to move away from a colonial superiority complex and instead embrace equal dialogue and cooperation.
- Integration of gender equality into political and economic processes, particularly in Europe and Germany, is vital for sustainable development, ensuring greater participation of women and the LGBTIQ+ community in decision-making processes.
- Strengthening multilateralism and collaboration with Global South countries in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will foster civil society development and conflict prevention, with a focus on health, gender equality, decent work, and environmental protection.
- Climate change and environmental degradation call for transformative policies and legislation, necessitating a shift from traditional foreign economic policies to ones that prioritize sustainable development and environmental protection, similarly to the concept of 'Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships'.
- In the context of war and conflicts, Germany and Europe should invest in humanitarian aid and the rule of law, providing public services for the common good and allocating at least 0.7 percent of gross domestic product to official development assistance (ODA).
- In the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, Europe, including Germany, should avoid double standards, uphold international law, and promote mutual respect, building shared interests and strengthening local civil society actors to promote democracy and resilient societies.
