An Analysis Of EU Defense Policy In Germany Under Merkel

As an important part of European integration,defense integration has been a long-term goal pursued by EU.Since the Cold War,the European Community began the early exploration of European defense integration.In recent years,with the enhancement of its economic strength and political influence,the EU is increasingly willing to seek “Strategic Autonomy” and is committed to deepening defense integration.Brexit and “Trump Shock Wave” are two important factors that stimulate EU to deepen defense cooperation.In addition,the refugee crisis,terrorist attacks,COVID-19 and the surrounding turbulence have made the EU's security situation more serious and complex,which has also prompted the EU to strengthen its defense capacity in order to jointly deal with security threats and challenges.Germany is a big European country and a core member of the European Union.It is an important force to promote the process of European integration.On the issue of European security and defense,Germany adopts a “dual-track” strategy.On the one hand,it firmly supports the development of independent defense of the European Union,on the other hand,it continues to maintain good relations with the United States and maintains the transatlantic alliance.In the process of European defense integration,Germany's role and policy tendency also have obvious stage changes.During the Cold War,Germany's European defense policy was cautious,conservative and passive.In most cases,Germany is a “safe consumer” or a “vulnerable participant”.After Merkel came to power in 2005,Germany sought a position commensurate with its own strength,assumed more international responsibilities and obligations,and gradually changed its role to “security provider”.In 2016,Merkel's government explicitly proposed to implement a more active and promising EU defense policy.While becoming a “security provider”,Germany is striving to become a “security leader” in Europe.Brexit and “Trump Shock Wave” have a complex impact on EU defense construction,and have also affected Germany's EU defense policy to a certain extent.The outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic has further influenced Germany's EU defense policy,making it more pragmatic and rational.At present,it seems that Germany may continue its current policy direction and take the rational middle road in the “post-Merkel era”.