Publications
Russian Foreign Policy between Security and Economics
Posted on 2009-11-05.
A key question for international policy-makers is whether it is primarily security or economic concerns that drive Russia’s foreign policy, especially in strategic economic sectors. The author of this study provides an answer by analysing two cases – Russian gas exports to Belarus and Russian arms exports to China. He draws the conclusion that, in contradiction to an alleged “securitisation” of Russian foreign policy, it is economic rationales of relevant sub-state actors, rather than the state’s security rationales, that have determined Russian foreign policy on exports in strategic branches.
Climate Politics: The Motor Sputters Germany’s Foreign Policy Needs a New Major Project
Posted on 2009-10-15.
There is little left of the leadership that Germany once held in international climate politics. However, climate policy could become the next major project of Germany’s foreign policy. A committed climate policy would not only strengthen Germany’s economy and the security of its energy supply. Berlin would, as a leader in climate politics, also gain a greater international reputation and scope within initiatives in other sectors.
IRENA and RuDEA—Germany Promotes Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Globally
Posted on 2009-07-01.
The fight against climate change and a tightening competition for energy sources pose global challenges for our energy supply. Germany has propagated renewable energy and energy efficiency as elements of its foreign energy policy in order to address these challenges. Two organizations are currently in the focus of attention: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), founded at the end of January 2009 at German instigation, is currently in the setup-process. The Russian-German Energy Agency (RuDEA), aimed at improving the energy efficiency in Russia, is planned to launch in mid-July. The complementary strategies of IRENA and RuDEA were the topics of two expert discussions conducted by DGAP’s Foreign Energy Policy Program: Economies worldwide shall become independent of fossil energy sources by increasing the share of renewable energy and by raising energy efficiency. Additionally, these measures shall secure the supply of fossil energy sources during the decades of transition, especially with the relatively climate-friendly natural gas.
Learning and Change in European Foreign Policy
Posted on 2009-06-18.
Representing the European Union in more than 25 countries globally, the EU Special Representatives have become its ‘eyes and ears.’ This study, the first book ever on this topic, presents an in-depth analysis of one of the EU’s most important foreign policy instruments. It is also one of the few publications on Organizational Learning that combine a rigorous theoretical setup with profound empirical research, based on 55 semi-structured interviews with national and European officials and foreign policy experts. This combination of analytical precision and political relevance makes this publication particularly appropriate for academics, policy-makers, students and everyone interested in the EU’s global role.
Don’t Go It All Alone
Posted on 2009-05-18.
The EU cannot secure its energy supplies without Russia, while Russia is also dependent on the EU as its key market. Since this interdependency is going to continue in the foreseeable future, both sides should work together from the very beginning and stop developing projects alone. These are doomed to fail because at a later stage neither the EU nor Russia is able to get the other side on board. The Energy Charter Treaty, which the EU has been promoting for years to no avail, the latest Russian counter proposal for a ‘New Legal Framework’, or the modernisation agreement for the Ukrainian pipeline system are telling examples. Beyond this, more projects that bring tangible benefits to both the EU and Russia are lacking, for instance in the sector of energy efficiency. Especially Germany, as a forerunner in environmental technologies, can benefit from such cooperation, since Russia is in dire need of energy saving and climate protection measures. The upcoming establishment of a Russian-German Energy Agency will send an important signal for further joint projects between the EU and Russia.
