A Greater Military Role for Germany?

Author discusses that the German government will publish a new defence white paper later in 2016, a strategy document setting out guidelines for German defense policy, the first since 2006.

He suggests that European (or other) partners should not expect too much from German defence policy. Germany’s new military ambition should be welcomed. But a stronger German military contribution to European defence will remain constrained by domestic politics and should therefore not unduly raise the hopes or fears of allies.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Toward a European Defense Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/toward-a-european-defense-union/

ESO: Background information: Germany's defence doublespeak http://www.europeansources.info/record/germanys-defence-doublespeak/

Deutsche Welle, 18.02.15: Germany kick-starts work on a new White Paper http://dw.com/p/1EdTy

Germany: German Missions in Australia: New White Paper by 2016 http://www.australien.diplo.de/__Zentrale_20Komponenten/Ganze-Seiten/en/Politik/Weissbuch.html?site=434757

EurActiv, 14.07.16: Germany proposes allowing foreigners to join its army http://www.euractiv.com/section/security/news/germany-proposes-allowing-non-germans-to-join-its-army/

EurActiv, 02.09.16: German army starts training refugees http://www.euractiv.com/section/social-europe-jobs/news/german-army-starts-training-refugees/

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