German Foreign Relations

Germany's role has been changing in the post-Cold War era. Previously bound to a close trans-Atlantic relationship with the United States, in 2003 Germany resisted pressure from the United States to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Germany also distanced itself from the United States by supporting the Kyoto Protocol on climate change and the International Criminal Court.

These steps reflected, in part, Germany's belief in the primacy of the United Nations (UN) in settling international disputes. Germany also is seeking a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as a means of asserting a more independent international role.

Many observers expect an improvement in U.S.-German relations following the emergence of Angela Merkel as chancellor in the fall of 2005.

Germany is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In general, Germany advocates the solidification and expansion of the European Union, although it has not committed to admitting Turkey into the organization.

Germany often joins forces with France on foreign policy issues. Germany gives priority to economics over human rights in its relationship with China. The country also is pursuing deeper economic and political ties to Russia.

Germany helped spearhead the Group of 8 (G–8) decision in June 2005 to cancel US$55 billion of debt owed by the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.