Peter Struck, German lawyer and politician, 13th German Federal Minister of Defence (d. 2012)

Peter Struck (24 January 1943 – 19 December 2012) was a highly influential German politician and a pivotal figure within the Social Democratic Party (SPD). A seasoned lawyer by profession, Struck dedicated decades to public service, most notably serving as the German Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2005 under Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. His tenure as Defence Minister was marked by significant challenges and transformations within the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, particularly in the post-9/11 geopolitical landscape.

Tenure as Minister of Defence (2002-2005)

During his period as Minister of Defence, Peter Struck navigated a complex international environment. Germany, then governed by a SPD-Green coalition, maintained a cautious stance regarding the 2003 Iraq War, contrasting with the policies of some key allies. Simultaneously, Struck oversaw the ongoing transformation of the Bundeswehr from a Cold War-era conscript army focused on territorial defence to a professional force capable of international deployment, reflecting the changing nature of global security challenges.

His leadership was instrumental in shaping Germany's approach to international security missions, including the substantial commitment to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. This period also saw intense debates within Germany about the role and financing of its armed forces in an era of complex expeditionary operations.

"Struck's Law": A Defining Statement on German Security

Peter Struck is widely remembered for a profound statement that has become known as "Struck's Law" or "Struck's Theorem." In 2002, he famously declared, "German security is defended in the Hindu Kush" ("Deutsche Sicherheit wird auch am Hindukusch verteidigt"). This statement, made in reference to the Bundeswehr's mission in Afghanistan, underscored a fundamental shift in German security policy. It articulated the necessity of addressing security threats at their source, even if geographically distant, to safeguard national interests at home. This concept significantly influenced public and political discourse in Germany, highlighting the direct link between global stability and domestic security, and the evolving responsibilities of the Bundeswehr on the international stage.

A Distinguished Political Career

Before assuming the role of Defence Minister, Peter Struck had already established a prominent political career. As a lawyer, his analytical skills and grasp of complex legal frameworks provided a strong foundation for his political work. He was first elected to the Bundestag, the German federal parliament, in 1980. His leadership capabilities were recognized early on, and he served as the Chairman of the SPD parliamentary group (Fraktionsvorsitzender der SPD im Bundestag) from 1998 to 2002. Following his time as Defence Minister, he returned to lead the SPD parliamentary group from 2005 to 2009, making him one of the most significant and respected figures in German parliamentary politics for over a decade. His pragmatic approach and ability to foster consensus across party lines earned him widespread respect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was Peter Struck?

Peter Struck was a prominent German lawyer and politician from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), best known for serving as the German Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2005. He also held significant leadership roles within the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag.

When did Peter Struck serve as German Minister of Defence?

Peter Struck served as the German Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2005, during the chancellorship of Gerhard Schröder.

What is "Struck's Law" and what does it mean?

"Struck's Law" refers to Peter Struck's influential statement in 2002: "German security is defended in the Hindu Kush." This phrase, made in the context of the Bundeswehr's mission in Afghanistan, emphasized that Germany's national security interests extend beyond its borders and may require military engagement in distant regions to counter threats effectively.

Which political party was Peter Struck a member of?

Peter Struck was a long-standing and influential member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

What was Peter Struck's profession before entering politics?

Before embarking on his political career, Peter Struck was a qualified lawyer.