Germany swings to the right and three years of war in Ukraine
Feb 24, 2025
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Nina dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent with a keen eye on global politics, joins James Rogers, an expert in journalism, and Michael Krelas, a Dutch journalist and author delving into Stalin-era Russian composers. They discuss Germany's alarming political swing to the far-right, the implications of EU sanctions on Russia as the Ukraine war hits three years, and the surge of Irish citizenship applications post-Brexit. The conversation also touches on a controversial app for hiring bodyguards, showcasing modern security dilemmas.
Germany's political landscape is shifting as the CDU gains power and the AfD rises, reflecting voter discontent with mainstream parties.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the EU's sanctions on Russia face challenges due to reliance on Russian energy and military support effectiveness.
Deep dives
Germany's Political Landscape Shifts
Germany's recent elections have resulted in significant changes within its political landscape, demonstrating an increase in support for the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AFD), which garnered over 20% of the vote. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a historically stable party, is expected to assume power under Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the need for European unity in the face of national challenges. The voting is viewed as a reaction against the mainstream parties, particularly the Social Democrats, whose support has drastically declined. Surprisingly, the left-wing party Die Linke received notable support, especially among first-time voters, indicating a shift in political dynamics and voter priorities.
EU's Sanctions Against Russia and Their Impact
As the European Union marks three years since the onset of Russia's invasion, it has implemented a new package of sanctions on Russia; however, EU member states are still spending more on Russian fossil fuels than on aid for Ukraine. This situation highlights the complex relationship between European nations and their reliance on Russian energy, which remains difficult to dissociate from. Analysts argue that military support for Ukraine has been more effective than economic sanctions, raising questions about the future trajectory of these measures. The effectiveness of sanctions is further complicated by the potential withdrawal of the United States from its current stance, which could unravel European efforts to maintain a unified approach.
Rising Demand for Irish Citizenship Among Brits
Post-Brexit, there has been a notable surge in applications for Irish citizenship from British citizens, with 24,000 applications filed last year alone. This trend reflects a desire among many to retain EU citizenship benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely across Europe. The ongoing political landscape in the UK, marked by economic uncertainty and fears of future conflict, has also driven this demand. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this rush for Irish passports may continue, especially if the political climate in the US remains unstable.
Contradictions of Security in a Tech-Driven World
The launch of an app that provides armed bodyguards reflects a growing trend of commodifying personal security, particularly among individuals seeking to project an image of importance. Though this service aims to cater to those with real security concerns, many experts argue that true safety often lies in low-profile arrangements rather than ostentatious displays of power. Traveling with armed escorts can sometimes create more fear than it alleviates, as historical accounts indicate. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of using technology to offer safety in regions where traditional methods may not be effective, suggesting that this trend may eventually extend beyond the United States.
The conservative Christian Democratic Union of Germany has won the majority in the country’s elections. What does this mean for the nation’s future? And how significant is the AfD’s surge in popularity? Also on the programme: as the war in Ukraine reaches the three-year mark, we look at how the EU is continuing to pressure Russia with fresh sanctions. Then: we examine the reasons behind an uptick in post-Brexit Irish citizenship applications from Britain. Plus: a new app in the US allows you to hire personalised bodyguards at the touch of a button.