- September 24, 2025
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- September 24, 2025
Since taking office in spring 2025, the new German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been confronted with immense foreign and security policy challenges.
The second term of Donald Trump has placed the transatlantic partnership under considerable strain, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to grip Europe, and the situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. Against this backdrop, the German government has moved quickly to set a new tone: it has announced plans to significantly increase defense spending by 2030 and is underlining its ambition to enhance Germany’s capacity to act in matters of security policy. Meanwhile, domestic debate over the possible reintroduction of conscription is gaining momentum. At the same time, the coalition continues to grapple with the question of strategic direction: What does leadership mean in a world of fragile alliances and increasingly complex threats? Aspen Institute Germany explored key questions regarding Germany’s foreign and security policy with experts from politics, the military and academia. The panelists exchanged perspectives on various discussion points including which role Germany is playing in the evolving European and transatlantic security architecture, and how long-term strategic planning can be reconciled with the demand for swift, visible action. The panel discussion was held in German on September 24 together with Dr. Patrick Keller, Head of the Center for Security and Defense at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), Roderich Kiesewetter, MdB (CDU/CSU) and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Michael Kniepen, Ministerialrat at the Federal Ministry of Defense.
