Adam and Cam discuss German political parties, Germany's relationship to Israel, efficacy of border walls, state of higher education in Germany, rise of far right and far left parties, challenges posed by political phenomenon, Germany's economic situation, impact of lack of sunlight on mental health, Germany's changing identity and societal values, experience taking a test for German citizenship, unintended consequences of walls, disorder and lack of strategy in Europe
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Quick takeaways
Investment in public infrastructure can address the material concerns fueling the far-right party's success in Germany.
A new party combining left-wing economic policies with conservative social stances could reshape the political landscape in Germany and Europe.
The narrative of Germany's economic decline is overstated, and its specific context and growth model should be considered.
Deep dives
The rise of far-right and far-left parties
The podcast discusses the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the challenges it poses to German politics and identity. The speaker argues that the AfD's success should be met with a concerted program of public investment as a response. This investment would address the material concerns triggered by the experience of mass migration and aim to reduce the AfD's voter base.
Zara Wagenknecht's new party
The podcast highlights the creation of a new party in Germany by Zara Wagenknecht, a former prominent member of the left-wing party Die Linke. This new party combines left-wing economic policies with conservative stances on social and cultural issues, including migration. The speaker explores whether there is a demand for this kind of combination in Germany and Europe, considering Wagenknecht's influence and potential impact on the political landscape.
Germany's economic situation and investment
The podcast addresses the perception of Germany as the 'sick man of Europe' due to its economic situation. The speaker argues that there may be concerns regarding Germany's export-oriented model, cyclical issues, and slower growth compared to previous years. However, the narrative of decline is deemed as overstated, and the speaker emphasizes the need to consider Germany's specific economic context and the normalization of its growth model.
The Language of Shtatsrezon: A Historical Perspective
The podcast discusses the term 'Shtatsrezon', which is the German equivalent of 'raison d'état.' It explains that the term originated in the 17th century and was used to express the logic of absolutist power. However, it is not part of the German constitutional tradition, which focuses on the rights and dignity of citizens rather than the autonomy of the state. The conflation of Shtatsrezon with solidarity with Israel is attributed to Angela Merkel, who used the term in a speech to express unwavering support for Israel, even though Germany has no intention of deploying military force for Israel's security.
Walls and the Control of Human Movement
The podcast explores the purpose and implications of walls in controlling the movement of populations. It examines walls in various contexts, such as the Berlin Wall and the proposed wall on the Mexican border. The podcast also highlights the case of Gaza, where a wall has led to the creation of a tunnel economy. It discusses the reactions walls elicit, from acceptance and compliance to determined resistance and migration. The podcast suggests that walls can be both an act of control and a demonstration of the human desire to overcome obstacles and seek better lives for themselves and their families.
Adam and Cam do a live show at the Hertie School in Berlin. The two discuss topics including German political parties, Germany’s relationship to Israel, the efficacy of border walls both physical and virtual, and the state of higher education in Germany.
