Germany's Strategic Adversaries in the 21st Century

Germany's strategic adversaries in the international arena can be different, depending on the political, economic and military situation. Germany is one of the leading countries of the European Union and NATO, so its adversaries are often presented in the context of geopolitical competition, security and economic interests. Here are some of the key strategic adversaries of Germany:

1. Russia:
Russia is one of Germany's most important strategic adversaries, especially in the context of geopolitics, security and conflicts in Europe. Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and intervention in Ukraine, Germany and other Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia. Russia is seen as a threat to the stability and security of Europe, especially due to its military ambitions and influence in the former Soviet republics. Germany actively supports Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia and participates in sanctions against Russia, which increases tensions in the relationship.

2. China:
Although China is an important economic partner for Germany, with the growth of Chinese influence in the international arena, contradictions have arisen. Germany and other Western countries are concerned about China’s growing economic and technological influence, especially in technologies such as 5G. Germany also criticizes China for its actions in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and on the international stage, especially regarding human rights. Germany is concerned about over-reliance on Chinese supplies and China’s influence on global trade.

3. North Korea:
While North Korea is not a direct military adversary of Germany, its nuclear program and ballistic missile tests pose a threat to international security, including Germany’s. Germany supports international efforts to impose sanctions and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to curb its military ambitions.

4. Islamic terrorist groups:
Germany also faces threats from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaeda, and other radical Islamist organizations. These groups pose a security threat not only to Germany, but also to other European countries. Germany is actively involved in international counterterrorism efforts, including military operations and diplomatic efforts to curb terrorist activity.

5. Turkey:
Despite Turkey being a NATO member, relations between Germany and Turkey have been strained in recent years over various political and economic issues. The standoff has arisen over Turkey’s domestic politics, its stance on human rights, and Turkey’s military activities in Syria and elsewhere. Germany has criticized Turkey’s record on democratic freedoms and human rights, as well as its approach to the Kurdish issue, which affects the German population of Turkish descent.

6. The United States of America (in some respects):
Despite years of partnership, Germany and the United States sometimes disagree on foreign policy issues. For example, during the Donald Trump administration, Germany and other European allies have faced criticism from the United States for not spending enough on defense within NATO. Disagreements also arose over issues such as climate policy (such as the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement) and trade disputes, including tariffs and the "America First" policy. However, relations between the two countries have improved somewhat since Joe Biden came to power.

7. Some Arab countries:
Germany faces challenges in its relations with some Arab countries, especially in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict, Islamic terrorism and the refugee crises. Germany actively supports diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflicts, which is not always supported by some Arab countries, which criticize Germany's position on Palestine and other political issues.

8. Autocratic regimes and opponents of democracy:
Germany actively opposes the rise of authoritarian regimes, both in Europe and beyond. In particular, Germany supports democracy and human rights, and confrontation with countries such as Belarus, Venezuela and Nicaragua is becoming an important part of the country's foreign policy. Germany actively supports sanctions and political pressure against these regimes.

9. Internal threats and separatism:
Germany also faces internal threats, such as separatism in some regions (e.g. Bavaria) and growing political divisions within the country. Although separatism is not an immediate threat to the integrity of the country, political instability or support for radical movements could affect its international position.

Conclusion:
Germany's strategic adversaries are primarily major world powers such as Russia and China, as well as terrorist and radical Islamic groups that Germany faces in the context of international security. In addition, confrontations with Turkey on human rights and foreign policy issues, as well as disagreements with other states on issues of democracy, human rights and security, pose challenges for Germany..