Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Jeffrey Sachs: An Open Letter to Chancellor Merz - Security Is Indivisible and History Matters
Dec 25, 2025
Economist Jeffrey Sachs, known for his insights on international affairs, shares his thoughts on European security and Germany's responsibility in the Ukraine conflict. He discusses his Open Letter to Chancellor Merz, criticizing NATO's eastward expansion and its role as a catalyst for war. Sachs recounts historical NATO promises, Germany's involvement in the Kosovo bombing, and the failures of the Minsk agreement. Urging for a truth-driven approach, he emphasizes the importance of acknowledging history to pave the way for peace.
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Germany's 1990 Promise And Its Consequences
- Jeffrey Sachs argues Germany bears special responsibility for NATO expansion after 1990 because it promised the Soviet leadership no eastward move.
- He calls that broken promise the central cause that helped set the path toward the Ukraine war.
Call For Honest German Leadership
- Sachs urges Chancellor Friedrich Merz to acknowledge Germany's role and stop 'beating the drums of war.'
- He calls for honest reflection and truthful public leadership to avoid disaster.
1999 Belgrade Bombing Example
- Sachs recounts Germany's participation in NATO's 1999 bombing of Belgrade as an illegal, un-UN-authorized action.
- He highlights this as an example of Europe violating borders when convenient.