A senior German security official says Russia’s war reshaped Berlin’s priorities. New integrated security plans involve whole society and pre crisis measures.
The full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine has led to a shift in Germany’s security policy priorities and the introduction of the concept of “Integrated Security,” which envisions involving the entire society in the defense of the state.
This was stated in an interview by the president of the Federal Academy for Security Policy of the FRG (BAKS), Major General of the Bundeswehr Wolf-Jürgen Stahl.
“I am convinced that this war has changed the priorities of Germany’s security policy. A vivid example: for the first time a decision was made to supply weapons to the zone of active hostilities – Ukraine. This can be regarded as a concrete manifestation of a change in strategic culture”
– Wolf-Jürgen Stahl
He also noted that in 2023 Germany, for the first time in its history, formulated a written National Security Strategy, in which the concept of “Integrated Security” was introduced.
“This means that security should be understood holistically, and ensured at the level of the entire state and all society. It concerns not only the military dimension, but also the economy, development, internal and external security, the economic, digital and even spiritual dimensions”
– Wolf-Jürgen Stahl
Stahl added that Germany now views security within the continuum “peace – crisis – war”: “Measures should be prepared already in peacetime to withstand a crisis and be ready for war”.
The Bundeswehr Major General also highly praised the ability of Ukrainian society to resist the aggression.
“It is impressive how decisively Ukraine is able to sustain the resistance of its society. The fact that the Ukrainian people have endured this aggressive attack for more than four years, which contravenes international law and disregards human dignity, deserves the utmost respect”
– Wolf-Jürgen Stahl
The president of BAKS emphasized that Ukraine protects not only itself but also Europe’s security. “And it is important to emphasize: Ukraine is thereby fighting for our security as well,” he concluded.
Last year, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the creation of Germany’s National Security Council (NSC), intended to streamline consultations on defense and security.
Changes in Germany’s Strategic Culture and the Role of BAKS
These steps reflect a systematic reorientation of Germany’s foreign and security policy, where integrated security goes beyond purely military aspects and encompasses the economy, technology, energy security, and societal values that shape the response to contemporary challenges.
The statement also emphasizes that Ukraine defends not only itself but also significantly influences the stability of European and global security, for which partner countries express support.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has changed Germany’s strategic culture – the president of BAKS