The tone of interactions between states is becoming harsher; multilateral cooperation is being replaced by bilateral deals; ‘might is right’ is the new watchword. Environmental policy and international cooperation are under pressure. At the same time, less and less attention is being paid to scientific findings in political decision making. How can we avoid losing sight of the goal of sustainable and socially just development worldwide? What can be done to promote security and peace worldwide? What role should Germany and the European Union play?