ChinaTalk UkraineTalk: The View from Berlin
Mar 11, 2022
Noah Barkin, managing editor of Rhodium Group's China practice based in Berlin, dives into Germany's evolving foreign policy in light of the Ukraine crisis. He explores how Germany's military stance is shifting and the pressures on Chancellor Olaf Scholz from European leaders. The conversation also dissects Europe's expectations for China to influence Russia and examines the emerging divide between democracies and authoritarian regimes. Barkin's insights reveal the intricate ties between historical context, energy dependencies, and geopolitical challenges.
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Post-Reunification German Policy
- Post-reunification Germany focused on economic interests, relying on the US for security.
- It embraced "Wandel durch Handel" (change through trade), believing trade would liberalize authoritarian states.
Wandel durch Handel
- The "change through trade" idea wasn't unique to Germany; American presidents also bought into it.
- This approach began to crumble around five years ago, possibly earlier upon closer examination.
2021 German Election Campaign
- During the German election campaign, Annalena Baerbock uniquely advocated for changing Germany's foreign policy regarding China.
- Her opponents, Olaf Scholz and Armin Laschet, favored maintaining economic ties with China and Russia.