Global Partnerships – Between Values, Interests and Geopolitical Competition

• Editorial of the issue: “Global Partnerships”

  Between Values, Interests and Geopolitical Competition

  The international order is undergoing profound changes. New centres of power are emerging, traditional alliances are being reassessed, and strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly important across the globe. From Latin America and Africa to the Mediterranean region, Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific, Germany and Europe face the challenge of rethinking their foreign relations. Which regions are becoming more relevant, what interests are at stake, and how can Europe strengthen its position in an increasingly multipolar world?

  by Caroline Kanter

• The EU’s ­Partnership Policy in ­Transition

  Adapting to a Geopolitically Turbulent World

  The European Union is reshaping its partnership policy in response to growing geopolitical competition, economic uncertainty and security challenges. Initiatives such as Global Gateway, new trade agreements and strategic partnerships reflect this shift towards a more interest-driven approach. Can the EU combine geopolitical pragmatism with its commitment to European values and credibility on the global stage?

  by Olaf Wientzek, Sven Nicolay

• Prospects for Closer German–Argentine Cooperation in an Era of Global Diversification

  Pampas and Partnership

  Argentina is becoming increasingly important for Germany and Europe as they seek to diversify supply chains and strengthen strategic partnerships. Energy cooperation, critical raw materials and innovation offer significant opportunities for closer ties. What role can Argentina play in Europe’s economic and geopolitical future, and how can risks be managed alongside new opportunities?

  by Carmen Dragon

• Partnership Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea

  Raw Materials, Migration, Security

  Europe’s view of West Africa is often shaped by crises in the Sahel, overlooking the opportunities offered by the Gulf of Guinea states. With growing importance for security, trade, raw materials and migration, these countries are becoming increasingly relevant strategic partners. What opportunities does deeper engagement create, and what are the risks of inaction?

  by Stefanie Brinkel, Anna Wasserfall

• Kenya’s Global Player Ambitions

  A Strategic Opportunity for Germany

  As global power dynamics shift, Germany is seeking stronger partnerships across Africa. Kenya stands out as a stable, influential and internationally engaged actor with shared interests in security, climate, migration and economic development. Could a closer partnership between Germany and Kenya become a model for a more strategic European approach to Africa?

  by Mathias Kamp, Thomas B. Amolo

• The Pact for the Mediterranean as a Building Block for Diversifying European Partnerships

  More than Just a New Label?

  With the Pact for the Mediterranean, the EU aims to strategically redefine its relations with its southern neighbours. Yet geopolitical competition, growing expectations among partner countries and past setbacks place clear limits on what can be achieved. Can Europe build credible partnerships based on equality, and what role can Germany play in this effort?

  by Lukas Kupfernagel

• Central Asia between Russia, China, and the West

  At the Heart of Geopolitical Competition

  Central Asia is emerging as a key region linking Europe and Asia in an era of geopolitical change. Energy resources, critical raw materials, security cooperation and new trade routes are increasing its strategic significance for Germany and the European Union. What opportunities does this create, and how can Europe strengthen its role in a region shaped by competitive global powers?

  by André Algermißen

• Why Australia’s New Foreign Policy Role Creates Opportunities for Germany

  A Partnership for a New Era

  Australia is emerging from the constraints of its geographic position and playing an increasingly active role in the Indo-Pacific. As competition between the major powers intensifies, Canberra is redefining its geopolitical role in the region, opening new opportunities for cooperation with Europe and especially Germany. What opportunities does this strategic shift in Australia’s foreign policy create for German foreign, security and development policy?

  by Christian E. Rieck, Sabina Wölkner

• The Foreign Policy Dimension of Germany’s New Approach to Migration

  Migration Policy is Partnership Policy

  Migration is increasingly shaping Germany’s foreign policy agenda. Managing irregular migration, supporting protection systems and attracting skilled workers all depend on reliable international partnerships. Which forms of cooperation are proving effective, and where do current approaches fall short? An analysis of how migration policy is becoming a strategic foreign policy challenge for Germany and Europe.

  by Caroline Schmidt