taz.de
German Peace Institutes Declare Transatlantic Partnership 'Over,' Urge European Security Self-Reliance
German peace institutes' 2025 report declares the transatlantic partnership 'over' due to the US's shift toward autocracy, urging Europe to become self-reliant in security while also emphasizing the need for a cooperative peace order; the report details the worsening global conflict situation and advocates specific actions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- How do the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza illustrate the report's assessment of the global peace situation and the erosion of trust in international institutions?
- The report connects the US's shift toward autocracy under Trump with the erosion of trust in international security institutions. This, combined with the war in Ukraine, has led to a worsening global conflict situation affecting over 122 million displaced people last year alone. The authors advocate for a cooperative European peace order and maintaining a rules-based international order.
- What are the immediate implications of leading German peace research institutes declaring the transatlantic partnership 'over' and the US a destabilizing factor?
- Leading German peace research institutes believe the transatlantic partnership is 'over' due to the US's shift toward autocracy, urging Europe to become defensible without or against the US. The 2025 Peace Report states that global peace is in a dire state, with trust in key security institutions deeply shaken. The report highlights the US's transformation into an 'uncertainty factor'.
- What long-term strategies does the report propose for achieving a cooperative European peace order, considering the challenges posed by the US's shift toward autocracy and the ongoing conflicts?
- The report's analysis forecasts a future where Europe must strengthen its own security, potentially through increased military spending, while simultaneously pursuing a cooperative peace order. The authors warn against solely relying on military deterrence, emphasizing the risk of escalating conflict. They suggest a long-term solution involves collaborating with other nations to prevent Palestinian displacement and recognizing a Palestinian state.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately set a negative tone, emphasizing the pessimism of German peace institutes regarding NATO's future. The article consistently highlights concerns and warnings, structuring the narrative to emphasize the perceived failures of existing institutions and the bleak outlook for peace. This framing might unduly influence reader perception toward a pessimistic worldview.
Language Bias
The choice of words such as "düstere Aussichten" (gloomy prospects) and the overall negative tone contribute to a biased presentation. Phrases like "am Ende" (at the end) regarding the transatlantic partnership are loaded and present a definitive judgment. More neutral language could be used; for instance, instead of "am Ende", a phrase like "facing significant challenges" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the opinions of German peace institutes and largely omits perspectives from NATO, the US government, or other international organizations. While it mentions the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, it lacks detailed counterarguments or alternative analyses of the conflict. The views of Palestinians, beyond a general call for their resettlement, are largely absent. This omission limits a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical issues discussed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the future of European security as a choice between relying on the US (presented as unreliable) or achieving complete self-reliance. It overlooks the possibility of nuanced cooperation with allies beyond the US, or the potential for reform within existing alliances. The framing of the US as solely an "uncertainty factor" ignores potential for future collaboration.
Gender Bias
The article uses gender-neutral language ("Wissenschaftler:innen") throughout, demonstrating an effort towards inclusivity. However, a deeper analysis of the sources and the perspectives presented would be needed to fully assess potential gender biases.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a decline in global peace and trust in international security institutions, citing the war in Ukraine and the erosion of transatlantic partnership due to political shifts in the US. The erosion of trust in institutions and the rise of authoritarianism directly undermines SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which aims for peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The increase in global conflict and displacement further exacerbates this negative impact.