German Foreign Policy towards the Global South in the Aftermath of the Federal Elections

German foreign policy is experiencing a dramatic shift: Along with navigating trans-Atlantic relations, the war on Ukraine, and the redefinition of Europe’s role, Germany must pay close attention to the increasing importance of the Global South on the global political stage. 

In the new topical collection of the GIGA Focus series, “German Foreign Policy towards the Global South in the Aftermath of the Federal Elections,” GIGA scholars focus on the prospects for German foreign policy vis-à-vis the Global South following the most recent federal election. Multipolarity, authoritarian regimes gaining strength, and growing transactionalism characterise the current international balance of power. GIGA researchers elucidate what the new German government should be prioritising – for everywhere from Latin America to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. 

The Global South and German Foreign Policy: What the New Government Can Expect 

In the first issue of the special topical series of the GIGA Focus, Dr. Julia Gurol-Haller and Dr. Johannes Plagemann analyse how geopolitical rivalries with China, the collapse of trade relations with Russia, and the radical paradigm shift in US policy under Trump are influencing international cooperation. Their core thesis is: Germany needs to find reliable partners in the Global South. They point to four key trends of importance for the new government. 

Further GIGA Focus issues offer analyses on the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America: 

German Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa 

Houssein Al Malla argues in an issue of the GIGA Focus Middle East that Germany should use its leverage within the EU to foster multilateral reconstruction in Syria and Lebanon. He advocates for deepening economic partnerships with the Maghreb states and a strategic integration of Gulf states vis-à-vis the energy transition. He further highlights the necessity to recalibrate arms export policies to safeguard security without prolonging ongoing conflicts. Targeted diplomatic engagement with Iran and support for governance reforms in MENA states could contribute to long-term stability in the region. 

Strengthening Cross-Sectorial Work in Development Cooperation 

In this GIGA Focus Africa, Prof. Dr. Jann Lay underscores the importance of a clearly defined role for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). He argues that the BMZ should not be operated as a second Federal Foreign Office; rather, its tasks should be to coordinate and implement Germany’s development and multilateral policy within a coherent security, trade, and foreign policy framework. 

Latin America: So far from God, so close to Trump 

In this GIGA Focus Latin America, experts from the GIGA’s Institute for Latin American Studies examine the effects of US policy under Trump on the region. Washington’s aggressive strategy is creating huge challenges for Latin America, whether in terms of mass deportations, looming trade wars, the consequences for multilateral organisations such as the Organization of American States, or US support for far-right politicians across the hemisphere. GIGA researchers demonstrate what this means for European and German foreign policy towards the region.  

The GIGA Focus series provides in-depth analyses of the challenges and strategic directions of German foreign policy. Stay informed - the next articles will be published shortly.