Arms export and arms control policies: two sides of the same coin
Those who want to rethink foreign policy must not content themselves with a minimal consensus in arms export policy. And even if the ministers responsible for the topic have traditionally regarded it as a nuisance, there is an obligation to conduct this debate in a way that goes beyond defensiveness. Only then can there be genuine transparency.
In order for foreign policy to be credible, the role of arms exports must be redefined politically and the scope needed to do so must be created.
Actions speak louder than words. Germany's arms exports to third countries thus not only contradict the frequently cited "culture of military restraint", but also undermine the credibility of its calls for global arms control.
Although the new Federal Government has promised to impose tighter restrictions on arms sales in the future and to create greater transparency, these adjustments are more a reflection of the lowest common denominator between the coalition partners than of what is right and necessary in foreign policy. And what's more, old export licences with a fatal impact on foreign policy will remain valid for years.
No instruments are available to correct mistakes made in the past. The primacy of politics in dealing with arms exports is thus overridden. In order for foreign policy to be credible, the role of arms exports must be redefined politically and the scope needed to do so must be created. I see four measures as essential here:
- The "Political Principles Adopted by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Export of War Weapons and Other Military Equipment" in 2000 must be enacted. Only in this way will they become properly binding.
- The provisional approval reservation in the licensing procedure must be drafted in a way that makes it possible to halt arms exports when a political situation has been re-evaluated, without fears of excessive claims for damages.
- Overall responsibility for licensing arms exports should be transferred from the Economic Affairs Ministry to the Federal Foreign Office.
- Not only should there be transparency as regards the contents of export licences, but information should also be made available on why a particular licence is justified politically under the exceptions contained in Section III (2) of the "Political Principles" of 2000.
Overview for this article
1
Germany's arms exports undermine its credibility
2
Making the "Political Principles" more binding
3
It must become possible to reverse export licences
4
Both arms export and arms control policies should be part of the remit of the Federal Foreign Office
5
There must be political accountability for arms exports
