Germany is considered a democratic parliamentary republic, where legislative power is shared between the Bundestag, their parliament, and the Bundesrat, their representative body. (Rao) The head of state is the Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, while the head of the government is Chancellor Angela Merkel. German politics are going through a dramatic change where a radical right-wing populist party, far-right Alternative for Germany, haven risen to obtain over 90 seats in the German parliament for the first time since WWII. (J. C) Their rise has been attributed to the problems caused by the influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees that are fleeing their homelands from terrorist groups and repressive regimes. In the past election, 49% of Germans saw refugees and their integration into German society as the biggest issue dividing the country. (Davis) On the topic of nuclear weapons, Germany has held an anti-proliferation stance since WWII. They ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1975. (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) They currently have zero nukes and have actively pushed for anti-proliferation around the world, as is evident by their participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency and their ratification of treaties such as The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation. Germany is focused on a world approach where leaders can come together to reduce the risk of Nuclear Warfare worldwide through a diplomatic approach. Germany is applying for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2019/2020 with the goal of pursuing global peace, justice, innovation, and partnership. (Germany's candidacy for a seat) Germany and the United Nations have had a long history with each other. The United Nations came into inception during a time period where Germany lay in ruins. West and East Germany were divided. These two states were each given observer seats. (Germany In The United Nations) It wasn't until 1973 that both were allowed in as full members but each pursued different agendas. (Sibum) Using the Two-Plus-Four Treaty, Germany was reunified and was dedicated to a peaceful and civil-rights-oriented foreign policy. (Two Plus Four Treaty) Since then it has focused its agenda on two areas, peacekeeping and the protection of human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian aid. (Germany In The United Nations) It is currently the third-largest contributor to the UN budget and it is host to more than 25 UN organizations with over 1000 staff members. (Germany's Role in The United Nations) They are considered part of the Western European and Other State's voting bloc within the General Assembly. (UNAIDS) Germany, as a country, has a problem with the overall power structure of the UN. In a joint statement with the other G4 countries, they called for a reform of the Security Council. They believe that...
