German Military Rethinks Exporting Democracy

[marmar]

from Der Spiegel:


The German military may soon adopt new guidelines that call into question the export of democracy, SPIEGEL has learned. In the future, the Bundeswehr is to take greater account of local traditions and institutions, even if they are violent and corrupt.

In his second inauguration address, US President George W. Bush vowed to redouble American efforts at exporting democracy around the world. "It is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture," he said in the January, 2005 speech, "with the ultimate goals of ending tyranny in our world."

Seven difficult years later, however, the situation in Afghanistan continues to demonstrate the challenges facing the spread of Western-style democracy. And Germany, for its part, has now begun to adjust its military policy accordingly.

According to information obtained by SPIEGEL, overseas missions undertaken by the German military are no longer to be focused on exporting Western conceptions of democracy. Political systems are only viable, read new draft guidelines for overseas military missions, when they are founded on "local concepts of legitimacy." .....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,829191,00.html

[leveymg]

1. We'll tell the locals what's legitimate. On with the wars!

When the German military starts citing "local concepts of legitimacy" to bow out of US-led interventions, you know it's getting pretty cold and lonely out there.