In the latest post on the Future of Globalisation Blog, Sven Grimm, Head of Research Programme on Inter- and Transnational Cooperation at IDOS and co-editor of this blog, looks into the “Zeitenwende” in international cooperation in the face of multiple challenges.
Photo by jplenio on Pixabay
The term “Zeitenwende” was coined by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz when announcing far-reaching changes in German foreign policy doctrine in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor Scholz’ announcement before the German Bundestag on 27 February implied fundamental changes. We have seen profound shifts and disruptions in the international order before, as Grimm states, with international reactions resulting in multilateral agreements and ad hoc work arounds and club settings established to circumvent subsequent blockages.
Overall, global politics is more than the pursuit of self-interests; we are interdependent, living on the same small planet with limited resources, argues Grimm, and a rules-based order working towards sustainability is ever more important. At the same time, cooperation is based on interaction and mutual trust, which Grimm sees in short supply. He argues for a principled and self-critical Europe that can engage in listening. Aggression cannot and should not take hostage of the efforts to strive for more sustainability on a broader basis, Grimm pleads.
Please read the blog post here:
“Zeitenwende”: The heat is on!