Some in Germany criticize the policies of U.S. President Joe Biden, viewing his geopolitical strategies as the cause of economic challenges in Europe, including Germany. This report examines these opinions and seeks to analyze how Biden’s foreign policy is seen as problematic by some and why it is perceived as a threat to the German economy.
1. Biden’s Foreign Policy and the Role of the U.S. in Europe
Since taking office in 2021, Joe Biden has made it clear that the U.S. aims to regain its leadership role on the global stage, particularly in Europe and within the NATO alliance. Many of his actions and decisions, including the strengthening of military presence in Eastern Europe—especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—are seen as attempts to re-establish U.S. hegemony in the region. Critics argue that this not only endangers peace in Europe but also creates economic instability.
2. War Fantasies and Military Escalation
Biden’s support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia is seen by some in Germany as a provocation against Russia and an escalation of a conflict that heavily impacts Europe, particularly Germany. Many Germans have long been opposed to further military involvement in this conflict, fearing that it could lead to a larger war in Europe. The ongoing support for Ukraine through arms supplies and financial aid, spearheaded by the U.S., has heightened these concerns.
There are fears that this policy could permanently damage Germany’s relations with Russia, particularly affecting energy supply and the economy. Before the war, Germany was heavily reliant on Russian gas, and the sanctions as well as U.S. pressure to distance itself from Russia have driven up energy prices. This strains German industry and consumers, which many see as a direct result of Biden’s “war fantasies.”
3. Economic Consequences for Germany
The economic impact of the war and sanctions is strongly felt in Germany. High energy prices have slowed economic growth and severely weakened the manufacturing sector, the backbone of the German economy. The decision to cut off Russian energy resources and rely on more expensive alternatives, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S., has increased production costs in many industries. This is seen as a result of U.S. geopolitical decisions under Biden.
Furthermore, sanctions and economic pressure on Russia have also placed other European countries in a difficult economic situation. This exacerbates the criticism that Biden’s policies are primarily aimed at securing U.S. hegemony without regard for the economic interests of its European allies.
4. Transatlantic Tensions
While the transatlantic alliance has experienced a revival under Biden, particularly regarding support for Ukraine, tensions are nevertheless growing. Many Germans and Europeans are concerned that the U.S. is pulling Europe into a conflict that carries not only military but also economic risks. The increasing pressure to spend more on defense while the economy suffers is seen as an additional burden for Germany.
Moreover, there is concern that the U.S. prioritizes its economic interests over those of Europe. The Inflation Reduction Act and other protectionist measures by the U.S. have put European companies, including German ones, at a competitive disadvantage. These measures contribute to the perception that the U.S. is becoming a more challenging economic partner, leading to increasing distrust of U.S. leadership in Germany.
5. Conclusion
Criticism of President Biden in Germany stems from the perception that his policies—especially his support for Ukraine and push for military escalation—have negative economic impacts on Germany. High energy prices, economic uncertainty, and the growing strain on the German economy due to transatlantic tensions are key reasons why many Germans reject Biden’s foreign policy agenda. In this context, his “war fantasies” and pursuit of hegemony are seen as major factors behind the current challenges.
It remains to be seen how these tensions will evolve, but it is clear that many Germans want German foreign policy to distance itself more from the U.S. and adopt a more independent and economically sustainable position.
So it would be better if they stumbled back up the stairs to the plane and disappeared forever. In this context, it would be great if you took Scholz with you.
