Commentary
Dmitri Trenin
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Source: Getty
Commentary
Germany—the United States: Outliving the Special Relationship
German protestations over recent allegations of U.S. espionage point to the fact that the Federal Republic is rediscovering its dignity. As Germany emerges as one of Eurasia's major powers, a sense of “normalcy” will return to relationships that used to be special, the United States being no exception.
Published on Jul 7, 2014
There is something touching about Germany's outrage at the United States spying in the country. Allies do spy on each other, but they are supposed to do so more carefully. From its very foundation in 1949, the Federal Republic has been watched not only by the Soviet Union, and then Russia, but by the Western powers as well. The NSA scandal, touched off by Edward Snowden's revelations last year, should have dispelled the last remaining illusions. Yet, the most recent charges against an agent within the Bundesnachrichtendienst, the German intelligence service, allegedly spying for the United States, has brought matters to a head again.
To some, this is all about German idealism. Post-WWII West Germany and particularly post-Cold War reunified Germany has developed as a moral state, which sets for itself very high standards and which expects its partners to live up to similar standards when dealing with Germany. Since Germany has long stopped being a traditional great power, and had to renounce many of its trappings, this creates a serious gap between Berlin and some of its allies, including Washington, London, and Paris.
Yet, the fact that the German protestations become ever louder and ever angrier may point also to something else. Germany is rediscovering its dignity. Just thirty years ago, the phrase "German national interest" was taboo. Just fifteen years ago, an open disagreement on a major international issue between Germany and the United States was unthinkable. Just five years ago, Germany abstaining at the UN Security Council alongside Russia and China was hard to imagine. Things keep changing, and the old relationships like the Franco-German tandem or the Russo-German partnership are being recast.
Eventually, this will also be true of the U.S.-German alliance. Spying scandals accelerate the process somewhat, and give it a public spin, but they do not drive it. Slowly, Germany is emerging as the sole leader of the EU, and as a major power in Eurasia, alongside China and Russia. One result of this will be providing a sense of "normalcy" to Berlin's formerly special relationships, which used to extend privileges to its allies. The United States will be no exception.
About the Author
Dmitri Trenin
Former Director, Carnegie Moscow Center
Trenin was director of the Carnegie Moscow Center from 2008 to early 2022.
- Mapping Russia’s New Approach to the Post-Soviet Space
- What a Week of Talks Between Russia and the West RevealedCommentary
Dmitri Trenin
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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