The Global South and German Foreign Policy under the Next Government

The inauguration of US President Trump, tense relations with China, and the breaking away of Russia as an important trading partner have seen Germany’s three main pillars of non-European relations waver. Even more reason why Germany and the EU need sustainable relationships in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. We outline four trends to which the new German government must respond.

• In view of growing South–South relations, Germany has lost importance in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Many states and societies in the Global South are united by a historical scepticism towards the West. In turn, a more multipolar world is generally viewed positively there. China, Russia, and other non-Western states benefit from this.

• The number of autocracies in the Global South is growing. Germany will continue to rely on constructive relations with many of them in the future. The associated risks can be minimised through diversification. At the same time, many governments in the Global South are unstable. Supporting democratic forces in non-European regions of the world therefore remains important.

• Most states in the Global South are not anti-Western. But international politics is becoming more transactional. Binding alliances are the exception, loose cooperation the rule.

• The international order is fragmenting. Especially small and medium-sized countries in the Global South are calling for better-functioning multilateral institutions that give all states a seat at the table and a voice, not only large ones.

Policy Implications

In a more transactional international environment, German foreign policy must open up more to collaboration with the Global South in the economic, scientific, and security realms. This will help position Europe as an alternative to the US under Trump and to China. Together with the Global South countries, Germany should work to expand the world’s multilateral institutions, even without the US.

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The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) – Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien in Hamburg publishes the Focus series on Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and global issues. The GIGA Focus is edited and published by the GIGA. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the institute. Authors alone are responsible for the content of their articles. GIGA and the authors cannot be held liable for any errors and omissions, or for any consequences arising from the use of the information provided.