01. Januar 2025

The Contemporary German Navy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy The Contemporary German Navy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy

Moritz Brake

In "The Contemporary German Navy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy," Moritz Brake demonstrates how the German Navy has established itself as an increasingly important instrument of foreign policy since the Cold War and the "Zeitenwende" (turning point). Brake outlines the development of the Navy and its growing role in maritime security and ocean governance, highlighting the rising significance of the Navy in the context of Germany's shifting geopolitical role in the 21st century. Over the past decades, the Navy has not only seen personnel growth but also received relatively higher investments compared to the Army and Air Force, reflecting its increased importance to German foreign policy.

The Contemporary German Navy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy
The Contemporary German Navy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy © Springer
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In The Contemporary German Navy as an Instrument of Foreign Policy, Moritz Brake analyzes the evolving role of the German Navy since the end of the Cold War and the subsequent "Zeitenwende" (turning point). The Navy has transformed from a purely defensive tool into a flexible player in foreign policy, supporting both maritime security and ocean governance. Particularly after the reunification of Germany and the resulting adaptation of its foreign policy strategy, the perception of the Navy as a useful geopolitical instrument has shifted. It has become a key component of Germany’s broader "maritime shift" in the 21st century.

Brake shows that in recent decades, the Navy has not only grown in terms of personnel but has also received more resources and investment than the other branches of the Bundeswehr. This underscores the Navy's increased strategic importance, especially in light of changing global threats and Germany’s new international role. In the turbulent geopolitical context of the "Zeitenwende," this development has already paid off, as the Navy enables Germany to exert influence on a global scale and participate in international security operations. The analysis highlights that the German Navy today is an indispensable tool for achieving Germany's foreign policy objectives and could play an even more central role in the future.

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