| ID | 184952 |
| Title Proper | Germany in the Indo-Pacific region |
| Other Title Information | strengthening the liberal order and regional security |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ulatowski, Rafał |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In the twenty-first century, the Indo-Pacific region became the focal point of great power competition. In 2020, Germany published its ‘Policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific. Germany—Europe—Asia: shaping the twenty-first century together’. The publication of the Indo-Pacific guidelines and the deployment of frigate Bayern to the Indo-Pacific in early August 2021 offer a starting point for a discussion on a German grand strategy in the post-liberal world order. This article argues that the publication of the German Indo-Pacific guidelines and Germany's increased engagement in the region are a consequence of a change in how Germany perceives China. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, the rise of China was seen as an opportunity for Germany, but this has changed, with China now increasingly seen as a threat to Germany's national interests. Consequently, Germany is strengthening its cooperation with like-minded countries in Asia and is engaging in soft balancing against China. Germany's Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer stops short of using the word alliance, calling for ‘an international network of like-minded countries’ and also stops short of declaring a containment strategy against China, saying that Germany works together with China where this is possible, but digs its heels in against China where it has to. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Affairs Vol. 98, No.2; Mar 2022: p.383–402 |
| Journal Source | International Affairs Vol: 98 No 2 |
| Key Words | Regional Security ; Germany ; Indo-Pacific Region ; Liberal Order |