The German Elephant in Libyan China Shop. Implications of the Position on the Events in Libya in 2011 for German Foreign and Security Policy

Abstract

This paper strives to explain what implications for German foreign and security policy - its principles, doctrines and long-time trends - Berlin’s reaction to the Libyan crisis in 2011 could have. The author discusses Germany’s dilemma regarding the use of its army on foreign missions, as well as the international negotiations about the no-fly zone over Libya. This will help analyze two possible explanations of the German position on Libya. One possible justification is that this position has its origins in the short-term domestic interests of the ruling parties. Another explanation is that Berlin’s stance is one of the elements of a broader change in German foreign and security policy. It is a part of a trend to emancipate itself from ideological restraints and to put more emphasis on economic interests.