Determinants of German Foreign Policy toward the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Determinants of German Foreign Policy toward the Arab-Israeli Conflict

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the German foreign policy toward the ِArab-Israeli conflict. It particularly focuses on the driving forces in the making of this policy. It first briefly reviews German interests and priorities in the region which include, economic interests related to safe access to energy sources and boosting German exports to regional markets; security interests related to avoiding risks emerged from the Arab-Israeli conflict, terrorism and the proliferation of the weapons of mass destructions, and preventing any further increase in refugees coming from the region; and finally political interests which is related to the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, and enhancing stability in other regional areas such as Lebanon. These interests generally represent a pragmatic approach in German foreign policy towards the region. However, and despite the increase of German interests, pragmatism is not the driving force in German foreign policy toward the region. But the special relationship with Israel has been the guideline in making this policy. The analysis of pragmatism and the special relationship with Israel as main determinants of German foreign policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict shows that the interplay of these factors leaves Germany with a problem of striking balance between its strong support to Israel and commitments to maintain its security and existence, on one hand, and its acceptance and clear support to the Palestinian right of self-determination and independent state, on the other. To deal with this problem, Germany is enhancing its political and diplomatic engagement in the ongoing endeavors to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict and, boosting its economic relations and trade exchanges with Arab countries.

• Details
• Contents