1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
PoliticsEurope

Beyond the big powers: Germany aims to diversify

36:19

This browser does not support the video element.

February 6, 2026

Where is Germany really heading as it scrambles to diversify its foreign‑policy partnerships? In this Berlin Briefing, Nina Haase talks to Jakob Hensing (GPPi) about Germany’s evolving role in a tense, multipolar world. Richard Walker and Michaela Küfner join in to share rare first‑hand insights from traveling with German officials on diplomatic missions to the Indo‑Pacific and the Gulf.

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Intro
02:57 A new German economic model?
05:23 Merz’s Realpolitik approach
09:30 Opposition criticism
12:37 Merz’s Gulf region agenda
17:55 Indo-Pacific jet set diplomacy
21:36 A lack of experts
26:18 Values vs interests
29:22 European constraints
33:58 A clear vision?
35:26 Outro 

Subscribe Berlin Briefing Newsletter: https://corporate.dw.com/en/newsletter-registration/a-15718229

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW