A way to rebuild the US-German relations
The US-German relations go through a hard period nowadays. Since the NSA spy scandal in 2013, the discord between the German and US government is at a low point. However, the spy scandal was not that challenging neither for the US government nor for the German government. Both sides made an effort to end the scandal as soon as possible.
The problems in the bilateral relation since President Donald Trump came into power have a different quality. Now the crisis is more profound and comprehensive. Trump sees Germany as the selfish economic powerhouse of Europe which seeks to push through its interests at the expense of other states such as the US. On the other side, Merkel, since 12 years chancellor of Germany, is perplexed by the impulsiveness and the unpredictability of the new US President. She expressed her disappointment of the current relationship by calling Germany and the European Union to become more self-sufficient.
Trump’s attempt to break with the policy of his predecessor leads to unpleasant outcomes for the German side. Projects like the global fight against climate change and a common free trade area are seen as harmful by the US administration. Moreover, the common Western values seem to evaporate. The consequence is mistrust. Obviously the US-German relations need a new impulse.
In order not to deteriorate the situation, mechanisms should be installed which can prevent misunderstandings and rebuild trust. A useful tool could be government consultations that would take place regularly. This way, governments on both sides of the Atlantic could exchange ideas and opinions and misunderstandings would become less. Such a step is overdue, as Germany has had such kinds of consultations for a long time with other countries. It is a proven way to foster cooperation and invest in trustful bilateral relations.
Furthermore, there should be platforms for diverse civic societies in Germany and the US to conduct a fruitful dialog and foster mutual understanding. This effort can unite groups from both countries so that their voices can be heard louder. Based on common ideas, it would be easier to elaborate common projects for the society. Even in the face of disharmony on the governmental level things could develop positively.
Finally, consultations on the governmental level as well as platforms for dialog for civil society are suitable to create synergies. These mechanisms can reduce distrust and promote a trustful cooperation. Even in times when the US-German relationship seems to stutter an active civil society and a comprehensive approach can end blockades or at least find new ways of communication.
Dear Andreas, thank you for your article. What I would find especially interesting is connecting the two approaches you mention. While government consultations are surely important, they are mostly disconnected from the public. Perhaps an additional element (e.g. town hall) that includes civil society groups working on an issue discussed between the governments could help bridge the gap between both levels. What do you think?
Dear Charlotte! That was my idea, to create a connection between both levels. I like your suggestion of town hall meetings. The notion of platforms which include civil society and governmental structures is worth to be reconsidered! Thank you!
Dear Andreas,
thank you for your article! I agree with you that a strong civil society is needed to modernize transatlantic relations, especially in times when governments appear to follow isolationist tendencies. I am curious as to what common projects you imagine these groups could elaborate?
Dear Christin, thank you for your comment. In my view, representatives of civil society from the US and Germany should elaborate common positions in areas such as transatlantic security concept, climate policy and free trade. I guess there wil be more common ground than it seems at the moment. By that, a coordinated position of the civil society would also excert pressure on both governments to act collectively.
Hi Andreas,
Thank you for sharing your creative concept. Given President Donald Trump’s continuous criticism of Germany (even calling the Germans “very bad” because of their trade surplus with the US), I am curious to hear your thoughts on how you would convince US decision makers to participate in these government consultations with Germany? Do you think they would be open to hearing Germany’s opinions? Best, Johanna
Hi Johanna, you make a good point, but I would also add that President Trump has a recent history of correcting some of his more ill-advised statements if the he gets enough blowback. For example, he recently reaffirmed NATO Article 5 during a speech in Poland, hinted at the *possibility* that Russia was behind the interference in the U.S. elections, and took back his inappropriate quip on a Russian-U.S. cyber security cooperation. Granted, this is still a PR nightmare relative to other presidencies and the back-and-forth and half-hearted acknowledgements are juvenile and unprofessional, but the content of some of his “walk-backs” is more reassuring than if he doesn’t say anything. My argument here is that, while the “very bad” quote was used in a large number of essays, I’m not sure that he has yet said anything irreversible as to the personal relationship between him and Chancellor Merkel if he can find a diplomatic tune in the near future. I’m certainly not saying that his comments were appropriate by any means, but I do think we are still early in this presidency and we don’t have to assume that his views are static. Would you agree or disagree? -Mike
Hi Johanna, thanks to your comment. I’m sceptical, like Michael too, that Trump wil maintain his rebellious stance on Germany in the long run. Furthermore, in consultations, as I see them, also ministers and their deputies would play an important role. As we know from former times the Republican Party is interested in maintaing solid relations with the US allies in Europe. So there is reason to be hopeful.
Hi Andreas, I agree that a combination of government and civil society initiatives is crucial to a strong transatlantic partnership. How would you assess the probability of “official” German-American government consultations under the current US administration and also considering Merkel’s recent remark that “We as Europeans have to take our fate in our own hands”? Could you also envision a parliamentarian exchange? Best, Carolin
Hi Carolin! Thanks for your remark. I’m pretty sure that government comsultations will be more realistic and less driven by emotions when the general parliamentary elections in Germany will have taken place in september. So Merkel’s remark needs to be seen in the light of the election campaign where has to take a critical position vis-a-vis Trump. Im my opinion a parliamentarian exchange should be given a try. Even if to start first with a group of parlamentarians to elaborate common positions in a specific policy field.
Hi Andreas, thanks for sharing your ideas. I am curious to find out more about the government consultations you are referring to. How formalized are they?Who is talking to whom? When? Where? Costs?
Hi Claudia, thank you for your input. I can imagine that both governments compose a memorandum of understanding which enshrines issues such as the composition of government meetings, topics and the frequency of the consultations. They might take place every two years for example and the place of consultation would rotate. To prepare meetings head of departments could meet first and a meeting of ministers would follow.
Hi Andreas, I really enjoyed your article here. As you correctly point out, U.S. – German governmental relations are certainly at a recent low. Perhaps it is now a better time than ever to invest in government consultants to look to smooth out relations. Yet, do you see any benefit to adjusting course during the current tension? Perhaps looking to focus more exclusively on U.S. – German civil society initiatives (as you suggested)? Or what about the viability of looking to foster a closer transatlantic relationship at the local level (i.e. connecting U.S. state officials with German state officials)? That could be a productive way to foster closer cooperation amidst the tension at the national level. Do you agree?
Hi Andreas,
thanks for your exciting essay! In addition to your proposals I would suggest two points. First there should be regulatory parliamentary debates and government consultations between Germany, the E.U. and the U. S. at ministerial level according to government consultations of the German federal government with France, Spain, India, Brasilia and China. Further the German Federal Government should establish a Consul General in the heart of the Midwest of the US to intensify the dialogue, common meetings and the gathering of information in this region. For me the presidential elections have shown the world that the US are more than the east and west coast regions.
Best regards
Tim