Understanding German Development Cooperation

Motivations, Strategies and Perspectives

herausgegeben von: Wolfgang Gieler, Meik Nowak

Verlag: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Buchreihe : Contributions to Political Science

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Über dieses Buch

This book outlines the history of German development policy, provides important insights into Germany's motivations for development aid and closes an important research gap in this field. From its beginnings to the present day, German development cooperation has undergone various political and institutional changes. This volume offers a comprehensive analysis of these phases and highlights the milestones that have shaped Germany's approach to international development. It is aimed at academics, students, political decision-makers and anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of the developments and challenges of German development policy.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Phases of German State Development Cooperation: An Analysis

Abstract

This paper has examined the milestones of German state development cooperation since the 1960s and its role in the context of German foreign policy. Over time, development cooperation has evolved from humanitarian aid and infrastructure development in countries of the Global South to a more strategic orientation with long-term development policy goals. The reunification of Germany in the 1990s brought about comprehensive restructuring, including the integration of the new federal states and a stronger focus on regional cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the strategic goals, institutional changes, and priorities of German development cooperation. It now also includes the promotion of self-responsibility, good governance, and economic development. Present trends such as climate change, conflicts, and migration pose new challenges.

Wolfgang Gieler, Meik Nowak

Chapter 2. Beginnings of (West) German Development Policy Between Continuity and Priorities

Abstract

An examination of the various development policy concepts at the beginning of state (West) German development policy is undertaken, with particular emphasis on the Gymnich theses, which have played a significant role in the development of this policy. In the course of the analysis, the transformation of state German development policy from a pure “development aid” to a more comprehensive “development cooperation” is thoroughly illuminated. Both the influences of the Gymnich theses and the development and implementation of various development policy concepts and strategies are critically examined. The political, economic and social influences that have shaped the development of (West) German development policy are taken into account. Overall, this in-depth analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of state German development policy and highlights its significance in the international context.

Wolfgang Gieler

Chapter 3. State Development Policy in German-German Comparison: FRG and GDR

Abstract

The development policy of the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) and the GDR (German Democratic Republic) during the Cold War showed clear differences in their approaches and symbolisms. The GDR placed great emphasis on “socialist fraternal aid”, especially towards other communist countries of the CMEA. This support emphasised solidarity and cohesion within the Eastern Bloc and strengthened the geopolitical position of the GDR. In contrast, the FRG pursued an independent development policy, closely linked to its foreign policy. The establishment of the independent Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) demonstrated the strategic intention to establish development aid as an independent policy field and to pursue the development policy objectives of the FRG. These different approaches reflect the political, ideological and geopolitical realities of the Cold War. While the GDR viewed its aid as part of an ideological alliance in the Eastern Bloc, the FRG pursued a development policy strategy to strengthen its position in the West.

Wolfgang Gieler

Chapter 4. Development Policy in Reunified Germany Between 1990 and 2021

Abstract

The focus is on the analysis of the first 31 years of German state development policy after the end of the East-West confrontation and the reunification of Germany. From a contemporary historical perspective, global political changes and the transformation processes of the ministerial self-understanding are evaluated. In addition, key interfaces to other policy areas, such as security policy after 11 September 2001, and the global role of binding development goals such as the MDGs up to the SDGs and the global changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are in focus.

Meik Nowak

Chapter 5. German State Development Cooperation in and with Fragile States

Abstract

To pave the way for a country’s development, actors in development cooperation rely on the establishment of a functioning nation-state—because only in this context can bilateral and legally binding agreements ultimately be concluded. If one tries to break out of this ethnocentric perspective, the question arises whether the idea of the developing nation-state is practically applicable everywhere. Can pacification and democratisation in the case of wars and conflicts be achieved from the outside? And if so, how can “failed states” occur? This article deals with the German approach to engagement in fragile states and highlights the importance of the SDGs in this endeavour of German state development cooperation.

Meik Nowak

Chapter 6. German Development Cooperation in the Context of the Ukraine Conflict

Abstract

The German state development cooperation in the context of the Ukraine conflict is an increasingly relevant and multifaceted topic. The effects of the conflict on German development cooperation and the associated political and strategic decisions are examined. The challenges and opportunities that Germany faces in providing humanitarian aid, reconstruction and long-term development cooperation in Ukraine and the surrounding regions are analysed. Special attention is given to Germany’s diplomatic efforts to shape development cooperation with the aim of stabilising the region and promoting peace and security. The investigation is based on present political developments and the principles of German development cooperation in conflict and crisis areas. Finally, possible future scenarios are outlined, and recommendations for action for German development cooperation in the context of the Ukraine conflict are presented.

Wolfgang Gieler, Meik Nowak

Chapter 7. The Bundeswehr as Actor in the Field of Developmental Policy: A New Perspective on Security and Development

Abstract

The question of the development policy impact of the Bundeswehr and a consideration of German and international security policy through the lens of development cooperation may still be unusual even after the experiences in Afghanistan. Traditionally, the Bundeswehr is a valued partner in cases of international disaster relief and humanitarian aid; the first international deployment of the Bundeswehr was the logistical support of emergency aid during the earthquake in Agadir in Algeria in 1960. Since then, much has changed, and this article takes a look at the recent history of the Bundeswehr in the field of ICM (international crisis management). In particular, the longest armed deployment in the history of the Bundeswehr in Afghanistan and the White Paper 2016 as a response to the growing security policy tasks are viewed from a development policy perspective.

Meik Nowak

Chapter 8. Visions and Strategies: The Future of German Government Development Cooperation

Abstract

At the centre of the discussion is the so-called Zeitenwende of 2022 as a response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The effects of the “Zeitenwende” on the design of strategies and implications of German development policy are highlighted. Furthermore, the implementation of the development policy “design year” 2015 and the present development policy discussion are analysed. In particular, the resulting challenges and opportunities that arise at the actor level within the framework of German government development cooperation are discussed. Based on nine trend indicators, interfaces and theses for the perspectives of future German government development cooperation are formulated.

Meik Nowak

Backmatter

Titel: Understanding German Development Cooperation
herausgegeben von: Wolfgang Gieler
Meik Nowak
Verlag: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-658-45596-5
Print ISBN: 978-3-658-45595-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-45596-5