Anti-Americanism Grows

Recent studies show that the US-led war in Iraq has contributed to a growing negative view of America in Germany. DW-WORLD.DE spoke with Wolfgang Tönnesmann, a political scientist at the Atlantic Academy -- based in Kaisterslautern -- which aims to foster trans-Atlantic ties.

DW-WORLD.DE: How strong do you think anti-Americanism is in Germany?

Wolfgang Tönnesmann: I think it's there, but it's hard to separate from the legitimate criticism of the current US administration. There has always been anti-Americanism in Germany on both the Left and in particular the Right, and some people who have disliked the US all along now feel vindicated. That's why it's difficult to say just how strong anti-Americanism is right now. However, when 48 percent of Germans think that the US is a greater threat to world peace than Iran, that's cause for concern.

How has anti-Americanism changed over the years, particularly since former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said "no" to the war in Iraq five years ago?

Gerhard Schröder has left office, but the war still goes on with no end in sight. And as it has turned out, the Iraq war was based on false information and manipulation of the public. Even the staunchest supporters of the US have a hard time to explain what happened. The system of checks and balances, the core of the American Constitution that almost every child in Germany knows about, has not worked. That has put Germans who like the US very much on the defensive.

Do you think Schröder's decision against German participation in Iraq exacerbated anti-American tendencies already prevalent?

What was the decision really about? -- Not to send German soldiers to Iraq. With the benefit of hindsight, we can now say that that was a responsible decision taken in the national interest. The emotions surrounding it were understandable since it was the first time that the Germans said "no." Again, people with anti-American attitudes felt justified. Others with less well-formed attitudes were drawn to that position. Life at the Stammtisch [the pub table] became a lot easier when you voiced critical opinions on the US.

What do you think about Schröder's decision?

Interestingly enough, no one disputes that the decision was right. But the way it was presented to the public during an election campaign was unfortunate. That's why Schröder is not given credit for it. Still, I don't think a German chancellor would say no to a war that our most important ally, the US, wants to conduct simply to further his re-election prospects. The real failure was that the Europeans did not stand together. That might have prevented the war.

Was there an inherently anti-American component in it, in other words, did it have a "trickle-down" effect in the German public?

No, the decision not to participate in the Iraq war was not inherently anti-American. After 9/11, many Germans felt sympathy towards the Americans. Supporting the Americans in Afghanistan, as Schröder did, was criticized, but people have grasped that Germany has to play its role, sometimes including the Bundeswehr. But we don't think that the problem of terrorism can be solved mainly by killing the terrorists. We also have to pursue other strategies.

How have Americans themselves, not just US President George W. Bush, contributed to anti-Americanism in Germany? How have they not?

The Americans themselves are no better off than many Europeans. They have to rely on what their government tells them. However, the US now seems to be a polarized country. When 14 percent of Americans believe -- as polls at last year's election showed -- that George Bush was chosen by God to lead the US in a global war on terrorism, then we might start feeling quite desperate about some Americans at the very least. It's important that the media play their proper role on both sides of the Atlantic presenting the facts and furthering the understanding.

In the end, I am confident that the world knows what America stands for: liberalism, openness and compassion.

Louisa Schaefer interviewed Wolfgang Tönnesmann