Zeitenwende: a new Germany for new times?

Zeitenwende: a new Germany for new times?

This conference examined the ramifications of the "Zeitenwende" – a German term signifying the end of one era and the beginning of another – following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and its impact on German foreign and security policy, as well as its allies. While the impact was initially described as a revolutionary moment, the response has settled into a more gradual, evolutionary pattern, with a current risk that the necessary momentum for lasting change could be lost. Discussions explored whether the significant changes achieved, such as cutting ties with Russia and supplying weapons to Ukraine, were permanent and sufficient to address new geopolitical realities, including challenges posed by China and the evolving relationship with the US. Participants, including diplomatic representatives, military analysts, politicians, and academics, considered the need for the change to encompass more than just the military, requiring a fundamental shift in economic policy, diplomatic engagement, and public consensus to survive future elections and budgetary constraints. A key focus was on the expectations of allies for a credible German security commitment, the need for greater strategic coherence between national security and business interests, and Germany's potential leadership role in both Europe and wider global security issues.