Examining Germany's Russia Policy Failures Under Merkel

Katja Gloger, a respected Russia expert, critically assesses the shortcomings of Germany’s Russia policy, particularly during former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s tenure. Initially, Merkel's approach centered around engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin through détente and increased diplomatic and economic cooperation. However, this policy unraveled following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, exposing its fundamental flaws. Gloger points out that Merkel’s decision to enhance Germany’s reliance on Russian energy, especially via the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, compounded the country’s vulnerability and limited its political leverage.

This perspective highlights how Germany’s strategy, once deemed prudent, ultimately failed to prevent Moscow’s assertive actions and left Germany increasingly dependent on Russian gas imports. While other political discussions, such as internal SPD dynamics and challenges in transportation policy, were prominent in related political discourse, they were largely separate from this critique of Germany's Russia policy.

Gloger’s analysis urges a reconsideration of past assumptions and policies, emphasizing the need for Germany to reevaluate its energy dependence and diplomatic tactics towards Russia in light of recent geopolitical realities.