Fritz Kraemer's Visions for a World 3.0 - Power & Reconciliation discussed by a NATO General and Archbishop

Fritz Kraemer's Visions for a World 3.0 - Power & Reconciliation discussed by a NATO General and Archbishop

Posted in Other | 17-Dec-12 | Author: Philipp Brix

WSN President and author Dr Hubertus Hoffmann, Archbishop Prof. Alfons Nossol, NATO general ret. Dr Klaus Naumann and Munich Security Conferences press spokesman and moderator Oliver Rolofs (from left) discussed in Munich press club: "A fresh World 3.0 approach should start by integrating the ideas of Pentagon Strategist Dr Fritz Kraemer. Most importantly, a responsibility- elite has to be promoted in all countries, especially in the Arab world, taking responsibility for the values of the UN Charter. A better foreign and defense policy called World 3.0 depends on sufficient defense capabilities as, without them, the core would lack the shell and the forces of progress would be naked. A double strategy must integrate the soft factors of peace-making into a tailored strategy for peace and liberty."

Dr Hubertus Hoffmann presented his new book about his mentor for 25 years "True Keeper of the Holy Flame. The Legacy of Pentagon Strategist and Mentor Dr Fritz Kraemer" (see www.worldsecuritynetwork.com/fritzkraemer for details) during a round table discussion in Munich, Germany. The CSU (Christian Social Union) Foreign Affairs Committee had been invited, together with the WSN, to a round table discussion.

WSN President and author Dr Hubertus Hoffmann, Archbishop Prof. Alfons Nossol, NATO general ret. Dr Klaus Naumann and Munich Security Conferences press spokesman and moderator Oliver Rolofs (from left) discussed in Munich press club: "A fresh World 3.0 approach should start by integrating the ideas of Pentagon Strategist Dr Fritz Kraemer. Most importantly, a responsibility- elite has to be promoted in all countries, especially in the Arab world, taking responsibility for the values of the UN Charter. A better foreign and defense policy called World 3.0 depends on sufficient defense capabilities as, without them, the core would lack the shell and the forces of progress would be naked. A double strategy must integrate the soft factors of peace-making into a tailored strategy for peace and liberty."

General (Ret.) Dr Klaus Naumann, Chief of Staff at the Bundeswehr from 1991 to 1996 and later the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee from 1996 to 1999, represented the element of power, while Archbishop Prof. Alfons Nossol from Oppeln/Opole in Poland symbolized the elements of reconciliation and soft power.

The discussion, by invitation of Dr Benedikt Franke from the CSU, who as well serves as Vice President of WSN, included Dr Hubertus Hoffmann, the Founder and President of the World Security Network Foundation, which is promoting a balanced double strategy of power and reconciliation, hard and soft factors of peacemaking in a fresh foreign policy called "World 3.0".

At the discussion, Dr Hoffmann presented his new book on Fritz Kraemer, his mentor for 25 years, which is for sale now for only USD 29.90 via www.worldsecuritynetwork.com/fritzkraemer as print and e-book and via Amazon.

The discussion was anchored around Fritz Kraemer's demand for the maintenance of, and demand for, physical strength within global politics ("No provocative weakness!") and his promotion of a global responsible elite.

General Naumann provided the audience with an example of how striking conflicts can occur between an approach predominately based on diplomatic dialogue – which is increasingly becoming the only approach "marketable" within Western and especially European democracies – and the necessity of political action based on physical power: "When I negotiated with Slobodan Milosevic in 1998, the dictator stated that he wants to achieve a final solution for Kosovo." Being confronted with a powerful man willing and able to use military force to realize his goals, obviously referring to the historic genocides executed on the European continent, Naumann concluded: "Reconciliation with such a man is an impossible mission, in these cases only power can protect human dignity." With regard to current developments, the Arabellion provides a contemporary example of threats to Western civilizations resulting from this dichotomy of approaches. Since the Arabellion, the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea neighboring the European continent is "on fire", told the general. But with 70 percent of the population thinking that social security is more important than liberty, support for defense and concrete security measures in Germany is low. The focus of Berlin's government on soft power and promoting increasing arms export rather than providing direct support by armed troops could lead to a declining influence of Germany in international affairs, according to Naumann.

Archbishop Nossol described an example of successful utilization of soft power actualized by his famous "Versöhnungsgottesdienst" – a reconciliation mass in Gut Kreisau in Poland with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and the first non-communist Polish premier Tadeusz Mazowiecki in 1989. The corresponding dialogue between the Polish and the Germans being "a catalyst for a new friendship and reconciliation of both countries as well as respect for the German minority in Upper Silesia". He elaborated, "Each policy must have a soul. We need a civilization of love and true reconciliation. Through dialogue we can turn enemies into opponents and opponents into friends. We have to understand that being different is not being a stranger but an enormous enrichment of society. Only for the defense of peace and dignity is the use of force morally allowed." Alfons Nossol promotes "living tolerance by accepting differences" to protect and develop human dignity with a mindset of "a thinking heart and a loving mind".

Dr Hubertus Hoffmann emphasized the convictions of Dr Fritz Kraemer, which are now more relevant than ever. A fresh World 3.0 approach should start by integrating his ideas. Most importantly, a responsibility- elite has to be promoted in all countries, especially in the Arab world, taking responsibility for the values of the UN Charter. A better foreign and defense policy called World 3.0 depends on sufficient defense capabilities as, without them, the core would lack the shell and the forces of progress would be naked. A double strategy must integrate the soft factors of peace-making into a tailored strategy for peace and liberty. It needs creativity a la Albert Einstein, a promotion of the human codes of tolerance and respect , containment of the radicals, and preventive, action-oriented steps. In our Global Village everybody has responsibilities in a global puzzle for a safer world. Dr Fritz Kraemer developed important elements for an effective defense and foreign policy and a moral navigation system needed in times of global change. He highlighted "provocative weakness" of established global powers as the most dangerous incentive for aggression of radical minorities against the core values of human dignity and freedom, which are at the basis of our modern societies, the author told.
Following the round table debate moderated by Oliver Rolofs, moderator of the Munich Security Conference and expert for cyber security issues, the discussion was opened to the audience. The dialogue concentrated on the perception of changing balances within the system of global super powers – namely the Western world and China.

General Naumann underlined the importance of personal and intellectual freedom to develop and catalyze creativity within the economy as well as in public administration and government. Whereas a technocratic central government nowadays seems to be able to take over economic leadership in a globalized world, it is questionable whether Western democracies can succeed in promoting their values and their own status without an elite backbone possessing both physical strength and the will to utilize it within global strategic positioning, as well as a solid, self confident moral fundament.

The concluding audience discussion, inspired by input from guests with theological, military and business backgrounds, especially stresses that the practical education and guidance of the youth is crucial for maintaining the importance of essential values promoted by democratic societies. Whereas the Arabellion has shown and – reflecting the latest developments in Egypt – will continue to show a striving for freedom of personal will and action, the young generations of Western societies often seem to show a lack of awareness regarding the necessity to resolutely defend their social and legislative achievements against retrograde aversions. There is a need to promote reflection on, as well as active apperception of the UN Charter, and encourage personal evolvement of the youth reaching beyond their direct economic interests.

Therefore, discussing the practical implementations of Fritz Kraemer by including the experience of the last decade's decision makers needs to be encouraged. Whereas multiple prestigious educational institutions – especially universities – already do promote interdisciplinary approaches to today's challenges, quoting Kraemer, awareness of the threat of "moral relativism" needs to be integrated into the education of future elites. Being aware of the fact that even the most excellent institutions nowadays often lack the ability to provide their students with a moral framework besides pure academic education, the concept of personal mentorship, as it has been lived for decades by Fritz Kraemer, needs to be refocused. Drawing a hands-on conclusion, Dr Hoffmann summarizes: "Why shouldn't a young army officer from a North African state be able to profit from the rich wisdom of a former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee in a fresh new mentoring program where we train maybe 100,000 new elites from those countries?"

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