Germany’s strength lies in its networks
Why the Federal Republic of Germany needs more international cooperation now – not less. A guest article by Johannes Ebert, Helena Melnikov, Kai Sicks and Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel.
A year after Friedrich Merz was elected Federal Chancellor, Germany faces an ongoing test with regard to foreign policy. The international order is in flux: close ties with the US that have existed for decades are fraying, Russia has been waging war on the border with Europe for four years, and China has stated its objective to become the ‘world’s leader in science and technology’ by 2049. Multilateral rules are losing their relevance, and national interests are taking centre stage. In short: the conditions that enabled Germany to ensure prosperity, security and influence for decades have changed significantly.
As an export-oriented economy, a political actor in Europe and a society that relies on international skilled workers, dialogue and cooperation, Germany cannot respond to this situation with military force or withdrawal. On the contrary: Germany’s true strength lies in its ability to organise international cooperation. In a world of growing rivalries, Germany must think and act strategically as a networking power.
Germany’s influence does not emerge from the projection of power, but from its ability to organise cooperation. This is precisely where the true strength of networking power lies.
The Federal Government has set out this objective in the coalition agreement: foreign policy, foreign trade, education, culture, development policy and security policy should coherently represent German interests abroad. To achieve this, Germany can draw on its broad international network – supported, for example, by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce and its network of over 150 German chambers of commerce abroad, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Goethe-Institut. Our organisations connect business, academia and science, culture, and international cooperation. Together, they create a global network that builds partnerships, strengthens trust and secures Germany’s presence and influence in many regions of the world.
These networks serve as ‘early warning systems’. They complement traditional diplomacy to foster a deeper understanding for situations in other countries and help Germany identify and shape global developments at an early stage.
The strategic importance of these networks is particularly evident right now: in transatlantic relations, for example, which need to be rebalanced in light of political polarisation and economic competition, close ties between academia and science, business, and civil society ensure that dialogue continues – even when governments are distancing themselves from one another. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the focus is on long-term partnerships, in some cases amid growing competition with China and Russia.
These partnerships contribute to promoting security and stability, for example through investment in local education and employment, while simultaneously strengthening reliable economic relations in order to secure access to critical raw materials and develop resilient supply chains. India and countries in East Asia – which are setting global technological standards, shaping new markets and steadily expanding their geopolitical influence – will play a decisive role in whether Germany maintains access to cutting-edge innovations, highly qualified skilled workers and growing future markets. Cooperation with these regions offers not only economic opportunities but also the chance to participate as partners in global progress.
If Germany wants to maintain its influence in a fragmented, geopolitically divided world, it must strengthen these international networks – in business, academia and science, culture, and development.
In this complex landscape, international cooperation has become more challenging: more political, more conflict-prone and less self-evident. This is precisely why established trust-based relationships, local expertise and a sustained local presence are becoming increasingly important in many parts of the world. Networks ensure access to knowledge, talent and markets – and build trust where traditional power politics falls short.
If Germany wants to maintain its influence in a fragmented, geopolitically divided world, it must strengthen these international networks – in business, academia and science, culture, and development. This is recognised in the political realm, but in practice, reliability and sufficient resources are still too often lacking. It remains clear: Germany’s influence does not emerge from the projection of power, but from its ability to organise cooperation. This is precisely where the true strength of networking power lies.
This guest article was first published on 4 May 2026 in Europe.Table on Table.Briefings.
