"Inquisition concerning the international policy of left-wing ideologies, directed at Mr. Van Aken?"
Germany's Left Party Advocates for Peaceful Foreign Policy
The Left Party (Die Linke) in Germany has established a clear foreign policy focus on peace, cooperation, and a civilian-centric security policy. This approach stands in contrast to military escalation and aims to create a more multipolar, less militarized world order.
Jan van Aken, one of the party's co-chairs and a peace activist with a background in disarmament and peace policy, is at the forefront of this movement. Last year, he published a book titled "Words Instead of Weapons. How Wars End and Peace Can Be Negotiated."
Van Aken's vision includes a new détente policy that prioritizes reducing insecurities and avoiding violent conflicts. He advocates for cooperative, structurally defensive defense rather than offensive military buildup or aggressive interventions. The party also takes a clear stance for freedom and democracy in international relations, opposing imperial powers that violate international law, while rejecting simplistic militaristic narratives.
Promotion of global peace, stability, and sustainable development is another key aspect of Die Linke's foreign policy. They advocate for cooperation, including party-to-party dialogues with countries like Vietnam, focusing on theoretical and practical exchanges to advance peace and counter political extremism.
However, the party's peace-oriented positions have faced criticism. Some observers argue that Die Linke’s rhetoric sometimes aligns with broader German imperial interests, though phrased in peace terms. The party's stance on military budgets and rearmament remains contested within and outside the party.
In the context of the war in Ukraine, Van Aken criticizes the Western policy for not contributing effectively to ending the war and for potentially prolonging it. He believes that restoring trust between parties will take several years. On the issue of Ukraine, Van Aken stands on the side of the people but does not support arms deliveries to the country.
Regarding Israel, the party believes a change in policy is necessary due to the current situation. The Israeli policy aims to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip and fully annex the West Bank, with the full support of the USA and Europe. Israeli and Palestinian peace activists propose a model of permeable states for both, with joint use of land as a solution to the conflict.
The Left Party has ensured critical discussions about foreign deployments and arms exports, resulting in fewer German soldiers abroad. Germany, as a power, should use its influence for peaceful purposes, with the goal being to transition from violent to peaceful international relations, with a focus on strengthening international standards and curbing the power of wealth.
In conclusion, the current foreign policy cornerstones of the Left Party emphasize civilian-led security, diplomatic cooperation, anti-imperialism, and challenging military escalation. They aim for a more peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable world order.
[1] Die Linke, "Foreign Policy Statement 2019" [2] Die Linke, "Position Paper on Peace and Security Policy" [3] Die Linke, "Critical Analysis of the Party's Foreign Policy"
["The Left Party's foreign policy advocacy is rooted in policy-and-legislation, with strategic documents such as the 'Foreign Policy Statement 2019,' 'Position Paper on Peace and Security Policy,' and 'Critical Analysis of the Party's Foreign Policy' outlining their objectives.""In politics and general news discourse, Jan van Aken, a co-chair of the Left Party and peace activist, has been a key figure in promoting their vision of a more peaceful, civilian-centric world order, as seen in his book 'Words Instead of Weapons'."]
