The significance of the Federal Armed Forces in the context of German foreign and security policy changed after the end of the Cold War. Since 1992 German soldiers have taken part in numerous international operations ranging from small missions in Cambodia or East Timor to larger missions on the Balkans and in Afghanistan. Whereas individual operations have repeatedly been the subject of political controversy, the basic question of the role of the armed forces in German foreign and security policy is seldom discussed.

At the 146th Bergedorf Round Table in Berlin, which was chaired by former German President Richard von Weizsäcker, politicians, diplomats and experts from Germany, the US, France and Britain talked about the kind of role the military tool should be playing in German foreign policy. The discussion centred on the net result of the missions to date and the lessons that may perhaps be learned from them. How has Germany behaved as a member of the alliance? Is the comprehensive approach a viable concept for future missions? And how well do the various ministries work together? The participants also discussed the decision-making powers of the German Parliament inasmuch as they pertain to the foreign missions of the Federal Armed Forces, and whether or not the general public approves of them.

Contents:
– Foreign Missions of the Federal Armed Forces
– Lessons Learned from Afghanistan
– The Multilateral Framework and Alliance Politics
– Decision-Making Processes and Comprehensive Approach
– The Federal Armed Forces and the General Public