Germany

Germany

Germany is a key player in the transatlantic relationship and—in cooperation with the United States—has been part of the backbone of the international order for decades. Germany is crucial to the European continent’s defense, with the role it played in reinvigorating NATO, and also Europe’s economic and political integration. Since war returned to the European continent in February 2022, the United States and Germany continue to bolster their cooperation, helping to pave the way for a strong US-European partnership, the benefits of which reverberate far beyond transatlantic shores.

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

In Germany, Social Democrats Hold Merkel’s Future in their Hands

Issue Brief
May 8, 2026

Can Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship survive?

By
Phyllis Berry

One year into his chancellorship, Friedrich Merz heads a government beset by economic stagnation, low public approval, and coalition tensions.

Economy & Business
Elections

In Germany, Social Democrats Hold Merkel’s Future in their Hands

Dispatches
May 5, 2026

‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power

By
Anna Wieslander

The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.

Defense Policy
Germany

In Germany, Social Democrats Hold Merkel’s Future in their Hands

Report
Nov 10, 2025

Germany’s policy on China: From win-win to strategic competition

By
Valbona Zeneli

Germany’s China policy has shifted from economic optimism to cautious competition—balancing trade interests with mounting security concerns. Once built on deep interdependence, Berlin now prioritizes “de-risking” and resilience in its approach to Beijing.

China
Economy & Business

Events

Public Event
Tue, October 28, 2025 • 5:00 am ET

Summit on the Future of Energy Security

Energy & Environment
France
Germany
Italy

Public Event
Thu, July 24, 2025 • 8:45 am ET

Germany’s digital minister on Europe’s digital competitiveness

Digital Policy
Economy & Business
Germany

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2018

In Germany, Social Democrats Hold Merkel’s Future in their Hands

By Jörn Fleck

The SPD’s upcoming vote on the future of coalition negotiations government will not only dictate the trajectory of the country’s politics, but could have serious ramifications for the future of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. For a brief moment on January 21, all eyes in German politics will shift from Berlin to Bonn. In the predicted […]

Germany

In the News

Dec 30, 2017

Braw in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Argues in Favor of More Permanent US basing in Germany

By Elisabeth Braw

Read the full article here.

Germany
President Donald Trump, Prescott Valley, Arizona, Oct. 4, 2016

NATOSource

Dec 13, 2017

Trump Again Questions US Commitment to Defend NATO Allies

By Donald Trump, Real Clear Politics

I’ve strengthen our relationships with America’s allies and asked other NATO members to pay their fair share and now the money is pouring in. The money is pouring in.

Germany NATO

In the News

Dec 7, 2017

Scholl in Foreign Policy: Edgar on Strategy (Part XI): Strategy, or Slip-Up? The Willkommen That Was Heard Round the World

By Ellen Scholl

Read the full article here.

Germany

New Atlanticist

Nov 20, 2017

The Importance of Being Angela Merkel

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Chancellor is vital for European solidarity on Russia sanctions, says Atlantic Council’s Fran Burwell If German Chancellor Angela Merkel were to step down from her role it would create uncertainty over the fate of sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, according to Fran Burwell, a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic […]

European Union Germany

New Atlanticist

Nov 16, 2017

Building Transatlantic Common Ground in Combating Global Warming

By Sonja Thielges

As the world gathered in Bonn for its twenty-third Conference of the Parties (COP23), the newly published Emissions Gap Report 2017 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) helped to underline the mantra of the conference: all countries need to raise their climate protection efforts quickly and substantially. The report shows that even if fully […]

Germany United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Nov 7, 2017

Bonn and Berlin: COP23 and Coalition Negotiations Face Climate Challenges

By Ellen Scholl

Both the international climate talks this week in the former West German capital of Bonn, and the negotiations over the future composition of the German government continuing this week in Berlin, will focus on the country’s approach to climate policy. While all eyes may be on Bonn, the discussions in Berlin provide a preview, and […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
Hawk missile system fired during Saber Guardian exercise in Romania, July 19, 2017

NATOSource

Oct 25, 2017

NATO Faces Serious Shortcomings in Command Revamp

By Matthias Gebauer, Konstantin von Hammerstein, Peter Müller, and Christoph Schult, Spiegel

Since the end of June, a report marked “NATO SECRET” has been circulating in headquarters in Brussels that unsparingly lists the alliance’s weaknesses.

Germany NATO

In the News

Oct 25, 2017

Braw in WSJ: How Much Can Germany’s Military Expand?

By Elizabeth Braw

Read the full article here.

Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 4, 2017

AfD’s Rise Puts Xenophobia Front and Center in Germany

By Adham Sahloul

The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is unwelcome news for Germany’s minorities, particularly its four-million-plus Muslim community. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s re-election to a fourth term in office on September 24 was marred by the fact that the AfD made history by becoming the first nationalist political party to win seats in […]

Germany
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Experts

Staff

Jacopo Pastorelli

Program Assistant

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Didi Kirsten Tatlow 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global China Hub

China Politics & Diplomacy