The German obligation to the Jews, known as the Staatsräson ("reason of state"), is a fundamental aspect of the German liberal democratic basic order.[1][2] It includes opposing antisemitism and other forms of racism, supporting the national security of Jewish nations, and recognising the collective guilt of the Germans for World War II.[3] It is supported by all major political parties in Germany, including Union (CDU/CSU),[4] SPD, Alliance 90/The Greens,[5] Die Linke,[6] and the Free Democratic Party,[7] excluding Alternative for Germany.[4]
The Staatsräson has been strengthened during the chancellorship of Angela Merkel,[8] Olaf Scholz,[3] and Friedrich Merz.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Angelos, James (2019-05-21). "The New German Anti-Semitism". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ Deutscher Bundestag (2023-11-30). "Entstehung, Wandel und Entwicklung des Staatsräson-Begriffs in Deutschland (WD 1 - 3000 - 024/23)" (PDF). Wissenschaftliche Dienste (in German).
- ^ a b Scholz, Olaf (October 12, 2023). "Policy statement by Olaf Scholz | Federal Government". Website of the Federal Government. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ a b Leemhuis, Remko; Brachear Pashman, Manya; Leemhuis, Remko (2025-02-25). "Why Germany's Antisemitic Far-Right Party is Thriving Instead of Disappearing | AJC". American Jewish Committee. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ Casey, Ruairí (Feb 27, 2025). "Germany's Next Government Could Be Even Worse on Palestine". Jacobin. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ Fischer, Leandros (2016). "Zwischen Internationalismus und Staatsräson". SpringerLink. doi:10.1007/978-3-658-13354-2.
- ^ Axelrod, Toby (2013-06-13). "Germany adopts anti-Semitism resolution". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ Merkel, Angela. "Rede von Bundeskanzlerin Dr. Angela Merkel". Die Bundesregierung informiert (in German). Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ Merz, Friedrich. "Regierungserklärung von Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz". Die Bundesregierung informiert | Startseite (in German). Retrieved 2025-08-20.