The Rachman Review

Germany’s ‘deplorable’ divide on the Ukraine war

Oct 10, 2024

Norbert Röttgen, a CDU member of Germany's Foreign Affairs Committee and author of "Democracy and War," critiques Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his wavering support for Ukraine. He highlights Germany's troubling divide on the conflict while stressing that most citizens understand the stakes. Röttgen discusses the urgency of boosting defense spending and navigating the complex interplay of war, migration, and economic concerns in light of the refugee crisis. He warns of the dangers posed by insufficient Western support for Ukraine in ensuring European stability.

22:40

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Norbert Röttgen

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Quick takeaways

Norbert Röttgen criticizes Chancellor Scholz for inadequate support to Ukraine, highlighting a troubling disconnect in German foreign policy.

The ongoing Ukraine war intertwines with domestic issues like migration and economic anxieties, complicating public sentiment on military engagement.

Deep dives

The Significance of the Ukraine War for Europe

The ongoing war in Ukraine represents a critical turning point for Europe, signaling the end of a long period of peace on the continent. The outcome of this conflict will heavily influence the future stability and security of Europe, as the return of war reshapes political dynamics and perceptions of threat. The conversation highlights the urgent need for the West, particularly Germany, to bolster its support for Ukraine to prevent a resurgence of violence and aggression in Europe. Failure to act decisively could result in a weakened Ukraine, leading to broader implications for European security and the potential for future conflicts.

Intro

2min

Germany's Motivated Shift in Defense Posture

14min

Navigating the Risks of Insufficient Support for Ukraine

2min

Perceptions of Threat and Leadership Void in Germany

2min

The Interconnected Issues of War, Migration, and Economy in Germany

5min

Gideon talks to Norbert Röttgen, a CDU member of the foreign affairs committee of the German parliament and author of a new book called Democracy and War. Röttgen criticises Chancellor Olaf Scholz for failing to live up to his early pledges of support for Ukraine. He laments the country's 'deplorable' divide on the Ukraine war, but says he is convinced that most Germans recognise that a victory for Russia would be disastrous for Europe. Clips: SPD; Info fur die Welt

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Free links to read more on this topic:

Germany, political extremism and the risks to Ukraine

Victory for the AfD raises difficult questions about east Germany

Germany to launch limited military service in push to be ‘war ready’

Ukraine’s shifting war aims

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Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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