Conclusions and Prospects for the Future of German Foreign Policy

Abstract

Conclusions are the place to state an argument in bold terms and to take some risks in generalizing it. In this chapter I begin by summarizing the evidence for the argument of ‘embedded hegemony.’ I then look at how the alternative theoretical perspectives hold up in light of the empirical data. Third, I build on the argument and evidence presented here to venture some predictions for the future. I speculate again on Germany’s future course of action that we might expect if the argument holds. I tackle issue areas NOT addressed in the case studies but rather other issue areas that are likely to be crucial in the next ten years: Germany’s relations with the US, Germany’s relations with Russia, and some domestic issues that may impinge on Germany’s foreign policy decisions. With these issues in mind, I end this chapter as I began the volume: with one possible scenario for the future — a political science-fiction account, set in the year 2014, of how a typical workday in the life of the German Chancellor might end.