Assessing the Zeitenwende:

The Zeitenwende marks a major turning point in German security policy. Fundamental shifts in Germany’s energy-security strategy, policies on security cooperation, conventional military strength, approach toward Russia, and more have unfolded since February 2022. In many respects, these changes remain works in progress. Nonetheless, the decisions and actions triggered in Berlin by Russia’s devastating expansion of its war against Ukraine already appear transformative in many ways.
The changes in German security policy have had broad-based and wide-ranging implications. In particular, because German-American relations lie at the heart of the broader transatlantic relationship, when Germany promulgates a dramatic shift in strategy or policy, the implications stretch far beyond Berlin and indeed across the Atlantic. Hence, the Zeitenwende matters greatly for American policymakers as well as those across the rest of NATO and those in the EU.
Will the changes brought about by the Zeitenwende endure and be far-reaching enough to strengthen German and European deterrence and defense? The answer remains unclear. Nonetheless, assessing whether and how the Zeitenwende has met expectations and what this all means for American policymakers is particularly timely and important. The recent election in the United States and the election in Germany mean significant change in the German-American relationship may be on the horizon. Building on the successes of the Zeitenwende and identifying, correcting, or mitigating its shortcomings could provide a road map of sorts to aid Berlin and Washington in navigating the way ahead. For this reason, the US Army War College is pleased to partner with Johns Hopkins University’s American-German Institute to publish this collection of insightful, forward-looking essays.