Call for Papers [CURRENT]: Understanding Change and Continuity in German Foreign Policy against the Backdrop of Global Power Shifts

CALL FOR PAPERS Special Issue (2027) on Understanding Change and Continuity in German Foreign Policy against the Backdrop of Global Power Shifts

Guest Editor: Prof Dr. Birgül Demirtaş

Global politics has undergone profound transformations in recent decades. First, the global economic center of gravity has been shifting eastward, as many Asian economies have grown at a much faster pace than their Western counterparts. Second, a realist understanding of security has regained prominence in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Third, the normative dimension of global politics has been eroding, with human rights playing a diminishing role in foreign policy.

These shifts have significant implications for Germany’s international relations. For decades after World War II, Germany was regarded as a leading civilian power—eschewing military engagement, emphasizing multilateralism, and championing a peaceful and supranational approach to foreign policy. German policymakers sought to “civilianize” global politics for decades. However, following the end of the bipolar international system, a significant debate emerged about German foreign policy between proponents of liberalism and advocates of normalization. The Kosovo War marked the first instance of German military involvement since World War II. A second turning point came with Germany’s participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, where it engaged in counterinsurgency operations. The third milestone has been the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, during which Germany began sending military equipment to the conflict zone, breaking a long-standing taboo.

Despite these shifts, however, Germany’s commitment to its Western orientation, European integration, and the primacy of diplomacy continues to define Berlin’s security policies.

This special issue seeks to explore the dynamics of continuity and change in Germany’s foreign and security policies. It aims to analyze how Germany’s global relations are evolving amid a rapidly transforming international environment. Submissions may address, but are not limited to, Germany’s bilateral relations with key partners; Its role within the European Union; Regional policies toward areas such as Africa, Eurasia, or the Middle East; the role of the military, economy, and culture in shaping foreign policy; and conceptual debates on Germany as a civilian or shaping power.

Those interested in contributing should send a 400-word abstract (including the title, scope, sources, and main findings of the manuscript) and a short biography (affiliation, research areas, previous work, contact details) to the guest editor, Prof. Dr. Birgül Demirtaş ([email protected]) by 30 January 2026. Authors of selected abstracts will be notified within one month. The deadline for submitting full articles (6,000- 8,000 words, including the footnotes) is 1 October 2026. Submitted manuscripts should be in full compliance with the author guidelines at https://uidergisi.com.tr/style-guidelines.

All submissions will undergo a double-blind review process. Accepted papers will be published open access and online before the special issue's scheduled date.