How Militarised is Germany’s Foreign Policy?
German foreign policy is often described as peace-oriented, moderate and scarcely militarized. But the image of Germany as a "civilian power" cannot be upheld against Berlin's record in defense spending and arms exports. There is little evidence that Germany prioritizes civilian instruments over military power in its foreign policy.
A feminist critique by the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy and the German Section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, financially supported by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
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Table of contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
2 MILITARISATION, MILITARISM, AND SECURITY
2.1 What is militarisation? What is militarism?
2.2. What are the gendered effects of militarisation?
2.3. What is a feminist understanding of security?
2.4. How can militarisation be measured?
3 GERMANY’S SECURITY PRIORITIES
3.1. What does the German government define as security?
3.2. Whose security is being prioritised?
3.3. Nuclear Disarmament
3.4. Arms Export Control
3.5. Whose security is Germany investing in?
3.6. Who is influencing Germany’s foreign policy?
4 GERMANY’S ENGAGEMENT FOR SECURITY
4.1. Militarising the Humanitarian Space
4.1.1. Militarising State-Building
4.1.2. Militarising Borders
4.2. Militarising Multilateralism
4.2.1. Germany’s EU Presidency
4.2.2. Germany’s Non-permanent Membership in the UN Security Council
5 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1. Short-term recommendations:
5.1.1. Focus (politically and financially) on a feminist understanding of security
5.1.2. Prioritise disarmament and truly restrictive arms export control
5.1.3. Reverse the militarisation of the humanitarian space
5.1.4. Design inclusive and democratic decision-making processes to shape peace and security policies
5.1.5. Foster a feminist understanding of security within the multilateral system
5.2. Long-term recommendations:
5.2.1. Focus (politically and financially) on a feminist understanding of security
5.2.2. Prioritise disarmament and truly restrictive arms export control
5.2.3. Foster a feminist understanding of security within the multilateral system
6 CONCLUSION
7 REFERENCES