Post-Merkel Foreign and Security Policy after German Federal Election 

Ko Sangtu 

(stko@yonsei.ac.kr) 

Professor, 

Yonsei University 

Abstract

Germany's foreign and security policies are consistent with the traditional practice of separating politics and the economy. However, if Chancellor Merkel resigns--after 16 years since taking office--and the center-left administration comes, there will be a lot of changes. First of all, it is expected that the Prime Minister's Office will strengthen its authority over foreign policy. Second, Germany may withdraw from NATO's nuclear sharing program among five European countries. Third, it will take a tougher stance against China. Fourth, Germany's leadership in Europe, which was limited to economic and trade, will expand to military defense.