Events Have Molded the Weltanschauung of Gerhard Schröder

In its run for parliament in 1998, the Social Democrats didn't even include foreign policy in its list of 10 main policy platforms. But developments abroad soon forced Gerhard Schröder to take a stand.

From the allied bombing of Yugoslavia to the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York, all these events contributed to the increasing weight of German foreign policy in current German politics. But unlike many other political issues – such as the economy – most Germans support Schröder's decision-making when it comes to the country's relations with the rest of the world.

EU, Russia and the U.S.

Most Germans believe Germany should continue its current course of maintaining a strong role in both the European Union and NATO, while at the same time expanding relations with Russia.

A key point in Germany's foreign policy is its tight relationship with the United States, to which Germany pledged "unlimited solidarity" after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Since that tragic day, Germany has sent numerous troops to take part in the US-led war against international terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom. At the same time, it has also sent German soldiers to serve in the International security force maintaining peace in and helping to rebuild Afghanistan.

In addition, Germany has troops deployed in three countries in the Balkans regions. Four of these five military deployments were ordered under Schröder's leadership as chancellor.

"Germany can't shirk its increased responsibility in the world," Schröder said earlier this year, defending the dramatic increase of German Army soldiers participating in foreign military deployments.

Currently, close to 10,000 German troops are engaged in missions abroad – including some major missions beyond Europe’s borders. Curbing violence – in some cases using counter-violence – and crisis prevention – take the deployment of german troops to Macedonia- have become key components of German security policy. Even in the Middle East, Schröder has not – at least not on principle - ruled out the possibility of military deployment.

Military budget cuts

As part of its 2002-2006 government programme, the SPD has pledged to expand its common military policies with the European Union as well as the strength of the role of EU member states within NATO. However, Germany has discouraged its NATO partners with successive cuts in defense spending. With the government pledging to balance its budget by 2006, few anticipate the German military, the Bundeswehr, will receive any windfall spending.

Instead, Schröder wants to focus new spending on development policies. The SPD's election platform specifically states that by 2006 it will make 0.33 percent of its gross national product available to fight poverty in developing nations. Germany currently spends 0.27 percent of GNP on development aid. The international goal agreed upon decades ago is 0.7 percent of GDP, a fact the party's election platform does not shy away from.