Zeitenwende – Perceptions and Desires Regarding German Foreign Policy

Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz declared the “Zeitenwende” in his speech in the Bundestag. In his address, Scholz emphasized not only his support for Ukraine and the condemnation of Russia’s illegal invasion but also signaled a turning point in German foreign policy. This speech is often seen as a pivotal moment, where Germany increasingly distances itself from the long-held motto of “Wandel durch Handel” — the goal to influence on other states through trade relations. Subsequently, the defense capability of Germany was strengthened through special budgets and an increase in the defense budget. The envisioned version of the Zeitenwende by the German government includes not only a change in German foreign and security policy but fundamentally aims to rethink German foreign policy and to reduce dependencies on foreign nations, especially in energy policy.

Public opinion on this matter in Germany have been little explored. Therefore, on behalf of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), we are conducting focus groups with the population in six German cities. How is Germany’s role in foreign policy perceived? How does the population evaluate the measures taken so far of the Zeitenwende? What wishes and concerns exist regarding the Zeitenwende? These questions will not only be discussed with the population but also in focus groups with members of the DGAP. Thus, we will not only gather perspectives from the population in various cities in Germany but also compare them with the positions of experts. Finally, we will conduct participatory observations of public discussions with members of the German Bundestag in the six cities, organized by the Action Group Zeitenwende of the DGAP.

The project aims to provide in-depth insights into how the population has perceived the Zeitenwende so far, how measures are being evaluated, and what desires exist in the population regarding foreign policy.