What does reason of state mean here?

In 2008, then Chancellor Angela Merkel declared to the Knesset that Germany's "historical responsibility for Israel's security" was "part of the raison d'être" of her country. Talk of "the reason of state" has long since become an integral part of statements by political actors and the object of growing public criticism.


But what exactly does raison d'état mean here and now? What concrete responsibilities are associated with this commitment? Is German policy towards Israel guided too much by arguments related to the past, as is often claimed, or is this a myth?


Renowned journalist and author Ronen Steinke will shed light on these questions in this year's Willy Brandt Lecture. He will be followed by a discussion with ZEIT journalist Mariam Lau.


(IN GERMAN)