Interestingly, the German Council on Foreign Relations building stands as a testament to Berlin’s layered history. The German Council on Foreign Relations or DGAP has been at this location since 1999. Before that, the building had many other uses.
Now, take a look at the architecture. It was erected in 1938 to house the Yugoslav embassy. Later, from 1941 to 1995, the building went through various uses. Finally, the Land of Berlin sold it to the German Council on Foreign Relations.
DGAP is an independent, non-profit organization. It plays an active role in shaping policy and promoting understanding. This applies to German foreign policy and international relations. The German Council on Foreign Relations was established in 1955 in Bonn. It relocated to Berlin in 1999.
The Council on Foreign Relations in New York inspired its foundation. So did Chatham House in London. Günther Henle was the first president of the German Council on Foreign Relations.
Microsoft detected cyberattacks targeting the DGAP in 2018. These attacks are believed to have come from a group called Strontium. The German Council on Foreign Relations sees itself as a practical think tank. It offers policy advice based on research. The aim is to influence foreign policy opinion at all levels. This work targets decision-makers in politics, business, and administration. NGOs, the military, and the general public are also included.
The German Council on Foreign Relations publishes the journal Internationale Politik. It also organizes the EU-Russia Forum. The DGAP provides a platform for discussions. These take place at conferences, study groups, and public events.
The DGAP’s fellows provide policy analysis. They publish on contemporary topics. The journal Internationale Politik is one outlet. The Jahrbuch Internationale Politik and other research publications are others. The library offers expert documentation.
Many high-level guests have spoken here. These include Angela Merkel, Christine Lagarde, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The German Council on Foreign Relations is a member of the European Movement Germany. Its finances come from members, project funds, sponsors, and patrons.
DGAP’s research institute has over 40 experts. They develop solutions for foreign policy concerns. The institute sees itself as a consultant and mediator. Its core themes include international order, security, geo-economics, and migration.
The German Council on Foreign Relations has around 2,800 members. Young DGAP offers opportunities for those under 35. Seven regional forums facilitate debate throughout Germany.
The German-language journal Internationale Politik provides analysis. It offers background on complex foreign policy issues. The Internationale Politik Quarterly is its digital, English-language counterpart. The DGAP Foreign Policy Library holds over 85,000 books. It also has over 200 specialist journals. The German Council on Foreign Relations continues to play a vital role. It helps shape foreign policy and international relations.