Between Vision and Reality – The Perception of the Zeitenwende in the German Population
Our study on German foreign policy in the context of the Zeitenwende (turning point), announced by Olaf Scholz in 2022, examines public perception in Germany. It highlights differences between the general population and an engaged public, the latter being either professionally involved in or deeply focused on foreign and security policy issues. While the general public often perceives foreign policy as abstract and distant from their daily lives, the engaged public attributes this perception to insufficient communication of strategic goals and a lack of public involvement.
A key finding is the widespread pessimism and mistrust among the population. Many people are skeptical about whether the government is capable of successfully implementing significant changes like the “Zeitenwende.” This skepticism is reinforced by fears of war, economic uncertainties, and disappointment with the government’s past crisis management. In contrast, the engaged public calls for a clearer and more strategic foreign policy, particularly a stronger role for Germany in relation to Russia and China, as well as improved military capabilities and EU action.
There is less consensus within the general population on key foreign policy issues, especially regarding support for Ukraine, which evokes mixed reactions. Many citizens view foreign policy challenges in the context of domestic issues, such as education and infrastructure, and prioritize these over a more active foreign policy. Meanwhile, the engaged public advocates for greater investment in foreign and security policy.
The limited resonance of the “Zeitenwende” among the broader public can be attributed to uncertainties, past crises, and widespread mistrust in politics. The study emphasizes that the significance of the “Zeitenwende” has not been adequately communicated, partly due to a lack of connection to domestic issues.
The study is based on focus groups in six German cities and a representative survey. It is the result of a joint project with the “Aktionswerkstatt Zeitenwende” of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).