The image shows the front part of a grey navy vessel with seven men and one woman, all waving goodbye with their hats in their hands and waring navy blue uniform jackets, on deck. The boat is by the harbour, with other boats in the bacground. The flag og the German armed forces are behind them. — Foto: NTB

Research Project

Living up to expectations? German political ambitions and military role in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic

This project will contribute with knowledge and competence building about Germany’s evolving role as a military actor in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic

Themes

The long-awaited German National Security Strategy from 2023 states that “The Federal Government will further expand its military presence in Allied territory for the protection of our NATO allies and will place this presence on a more permanent basis” (German Federal Government, 2023). This statement signals a clear intent to dedicate resources to deter and defend across Allied territory.

This project zooms in on the maritime domain and answer the following questions: How has the German approach to deterrence and defence in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic developed since the announcement of the Zeitenwende in 2022? How can Norway and Germany enhance maritime cooperation bilaterally, and in a transatlantic multilateral context?

The project will contribute with knowledge and competence building about Germany’s evolving role as a military actor in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.