On German foreign and security policy

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Beginning in 2014, high-level German politicians emphasized the need for a more responsible foreign policy, advocating for stronger military contributions in Africa. However, three years of mixed outcomes have raised questions about the factors influencing Germany's military engagements on the continent and how these align with Berlin's aim to assume greater responsibility in global security. This analysis focuses on case studies in Libya and Mali, arguing that Germany's decision-making is shaped by a complex interplay of six key factors: strategic approaches, multilateral imperatives, mission frameworks, cultural and conceptual beliefs, domestic politics, and the influence of policy-makers. Each military engagement must meet criteria of being externally required, politically desired, militarily feasible, and domestically justifiable. The findings suggest that the principles of "empowering others," "being restrained," and "being responsible" are central to German foreign and security policy, which has led to Germany's active yet modest military involvement in Africa following the situation in Libya.