A conversation with author Dr Bender about the geopolitical challenges and ethical responsibility in today’s world.
Dr Christiane Bender, author of the recently published book “Zeitenwende: The War on Ukraine and a Politics of Responsibility in the Tradition of Max Weber”, discusses the key aspects that inspired her to write it in this exclusive interview. The Russian occupations in violation of international law and the subsequent open war against Ukraine in 2022 have not only destroyed the European peace order, but have also necessitated a fundamental reorientation of German security policy. Dr Bender emphasises the need for measures to better protect peace and freedom in Europe in the future and explains the importance of an ethic of responsibility in political action.
What key aspects of the current geopolitical situation prompted you to write your book “Zeitenwende: The War on Ukraine and a Politics of Responsibility in the Tradition of Max Weber”?
“My key aspects were the Russian annexation of Crimea in violation of international law and the invasion of Donbass in spring 2014, when Russia was testing the reactions of the West. Undaunted by the Minsk peace talks, Putin launched an open war against Ukraine in February 2022, accompanied by a relentless crackdown on the civilian population and the infrastructure there. I was shocked to follow this development. I feel close to people who, like the Ukrainian population, strive for liberal, modern ways of life and independence from foreign rule. I also belong to a generation that passionately welcomed every step towards détente in Europe, reunification and the end of the East-West confrontation. For me, Europe means living in peace and freedom in a community of states that recognise each other’s sovereignty and abide by the treaties and agreements they have signed (UN Charter, Charter of Paris). This also includes resolving conflicts diplomatically, without the threat or use of force. It is hard to bear to see how the Russian war is destroying this established culture of trust, exchange of experience and cooperation.”
In your book, you emphasise the need for a reorientation of German security policy. Could you tell us about some specific measures or strategies that you consider particularly important in order to better protect peace and freedom in the future?
“Part of the population and the political class in this country assumed that national defence was becoming irrelevant in terms of security policy for Germany, located in the middle of Europe and closely linked to Russia. During my time at the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg, not only were the armed forces reduced and compulsory military service suspended, but the discussion about national security strategies also disappeared from the political discourse. It was not until Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government statement, three days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that a new social and security policy direction was taken. Support for Ukraine and the modernisation of the Bundeswehr were given top priority. Germany, the strongest European economic power, finally set about making the required contribution to national and alliance defence in NATO and advancing the development of the European pillar. The gradual implementation of initiatives to recruit personnel and anchor the Bundeswehr in the population through modern compulsory military service for men and women is urgently required. The reorganisation is taking place under time pressure. In the meantime, closely linked aggressors around the world are arming themselves against liberal societies. The realisation of the German government’s concept for an integrated security architecture, which must offer domestic protection against cyber warfare, information warfare and espionage, is being challenged on a daily basis.”
You talk about an ethic of responsibility that is required in all areas of society in order to deal with the challenges of the new era. Can you explain to us in more detail what you mean by this ethic and how it can be translated into practical action?
“In my book, I take up Max Weber’s teachings on an ethics of responsibility in politics. This classic author emphasises unequivocally that the most urgent task of politics is to take responsibility for the security of the state. Politicians need unbiased expertise for this. Those who act according to the motto “Because … what must not be cannot be” (Christian Morgenstern) probably mean well, but ultimately they are damaging the community for which they bear responsibility. My analyses show that although German politicians had good intentions, in terms of security policy they hesitated for too long to take preventative measures against Russian aggression in alliance with NATO and the EU. Domestically, too, a huge backlog of reforms (“procrastination”) has developed in Angela Merkel’s last two cabinets – in my opinion an expression of a general crisis in leadership culture. Managers have long found it difficult to translate their power and rule into comprehensible authority. In their endeavours to please everyone, they lose sight of “the big picture”. They do not set priorities, give individuals too little personal orientation and the community hardly conveys a sense of belonging that provides protection. One consequence is the erosion of the social sphere and the creation of destructive counter-power that turns away from the ethos of freedom. In difficult times of internal and external threats from aggressors, an ethic of responsibility means a convincing policy orientated towards the feasibility and stability of the working and living environment of the population, which can be expected to contribute its experience and energy to social cohesion in freedom.”
