Table of contents:

About the author(s):

Description:

The year 2022 marked a significant milestone in German history as it saw the first full year in office of the first three-party coalition government at the federal level. This coalition is comprised of the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP.As a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the economic sanctions against Russia, the German economy faces serious uncertainty, public satisfaction with the work of the Scholz's government continues to decline, and the government's leadership is increasingly challenged. In the face of the “turning point” (“Zeitenwende”) caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Germany has in the domestic sphere addressed energy supply bottlenecks and climate issues as well as social issues caused by high energy prices. The result has been a further strengthening of dependence on the US and NATO for energy and security issues, while the pursuit of European strategic autonomy has been put on hold. As Germany enters 2023,further constraints on Scholz's governance manifest themselves: the economy is in technical recession, economic and social challenges remain daunting, and the rise in right-wing populism continues unabated. Germany has launched its first National Security Strategy, but if it is to achieve a genuine “turning point” and play a truly leading role in the construction of the European and international order, longer-term strategic thinking, a new strategic culture, and the resolve to translate the policy declarations in the Strategy into practical and effective action will be required.

Keywords: Germany; Internal Affairs and Diplomacy; “Traffic Light” Coalition Government; Russia-Ukraine Conflict; “Turning Point”