Germany and the US: Allies in a Complicated World

Last week, I attended a talk hosted by the World Affairs Council featuring Axel Dittman, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy, and Mike Rosa from the Dallas Regional Chamber. The conversation focused on how Germany and the United States are working together on global issues like Ukraine, China, energy security, and trade.

Here’s what I learned:

Germany’s 3 Main Priorities with the U.S.

According to Dittman, Germany sees three big priorities in its relationship with the United States:

• Working together through NATO

• Expanding economic and trade ties

• Defending shared democratic values

Dittman emphasized that Germany and the U.S. are closely aligned in supporting Ukraine. Germany is now the second-largest military supporter of Ukraine, right after the U.S. That’s a big deal, especially considering Germany’s traditionally cautious military approach.

Economic Ties: Trade and the “Mittelstand”

Mike Rosa talked about the Dallas-Fort Worth area becoming a major business hub. On the German side, Dittman explained how the country’s economy relies heavily on small and medium-sized companies, called the Mittelstand. These companies are often world leaders in niche industriess.

Dittman also talked about the challenges of tariffs and protectionism. He said reducing trade barriers benefits both countries and that more production in the U.S. is already happening naturally.

Apprenticeships and Innovation

One unique part of Germany’s system is its vocational training. Many students go straight into apprenticeships instead of college and end up leading companies. Dittman said this model works well but also admitted that Europe still lags behind the U.S. in innovation, especially after Brexit.

His advice for young people: “Go to the other place.” In other words, study abroad, travel, and get international experience. It helps build stronger ties between countries.

Foreign Policy: China, Iran, and the EU

Germany is focused on keeping the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) alive and preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons. On China, Dittman said the U.S. and Germany are working together to give countries alternatives,especially when it comes to infrastructure and investment in the developing world.

He also pointed out that Germany borders nine countries. That’s why Germany strongly supports the European Union, which helps make borders less important and promotes peace in Europe.

After World War II, Germany was divided and devastated. The country was split into East and West, with West Germany aligning with the U.S. and its allies during the Cold War. That partnership laid the foundation for today’s close transatlantic relationship. Germany rebuilt itself as a democracy, joined NATO, and eventually reunified in 1990. Its history makes Germany especially committed to peace, cooperation, and multilateralism:

core reasons why it values its alliance with the United States so strongly today.

Why It Matters

Germany and the U.S. work together to handle real challenges,whether it’s stopping aggression in Ukraine, dealing with China’s rise, or building a better global economy. Talks like these show how diplomacy, defense, and values all connect.