The choice for Europe's foreign policy
How can Europe assert itself as a power prepared to use the traditional tools of power when necessary, while promoting a vision of power that aims at constraining them? Europe needs to find a delicate balance between an assertive posture that upholds values and principles, and a deliberative process of diplomacy and engagement with the new world that is emerging.
Germany, probably more than any country in the world, is concerned about the legitimacy of its foreign policy.
Which country would ask citizens of other countries -even close allies- what is wrong about its foreign policy? Germany may well be unique in asking such a provocative question.
It can be interpreted as a sign of self-confidence and democratic openness or, on the contrary, as a symptom of deep insecurity, as if Germany, more than sixty years after the end of WWII, was still unsure whether it can legitimately assert its own interests, and needs the approval of friends and allies. The question actually tells a lot about what is right and what may sometimes be wrong in German foreign policy.
Germany, probably more than any country in the world, is concerned about the legitimacy of its foreign policy: internal legitimacy, which calls for parliamentary support, sometimes at the risk of delaying action in a crisis; and external legitimacy, which requires that German foreign policy not only conform with international norms but also meet with the broad acceptance of the international community.
Germany is clear about what a foreign policy should not be, and that clarity could help enormously in the ongoing debate on a European common foreign and security policy. It lays the ground for a policy that would have solid institutional legitimacy, and would be anchored in a principled approach to world affairs.
This is undoubtedly a more acceptable foundation for a European consensus on foreign policy than a narrowly "realpolitik" analysis of European strategic interests that would make many EU members uncomfortable.
Overview for this article
1
German economic policy is clear about what foreign policy should not be!
2
A dominant economic policy
3
Europe has to take more responsibility
4
The European Neighbourhood as a security challenge
5
Europe's awaking as a powerful alliance
