The Foreign Desk Explainer 456: What’s halting Germany’s defence? History.
11 snips
Feb 26, 2025 The discussion dives into Germany's reluctance to provide military aid to Ukraine, driven by deep historical sensitivities. It highlights the cultural hesitations around defense spending linked to past conflicts and the struggle to enhance military capabilities. The podcast also examines the challenges facing the Bundeswehr today, including staffing shortages and the need for policy reform amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Ultimately, it questions whether Germany can overcome its history to become a more robust military player in Europe.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Germany's Hesitation
- A diplomat attributed Germany's hesitation to send tanks to Ukraine to "history."
- He feared sending German tanks east to fight Russia would stir up unwanted memories.
Past vs. Present
- Germany's focus on its past hinders its present responsibilities.
- Even commendable historical reckoning can become an excuse to avoid present issues.
Germany's Role in European Defence
- Germany, as Europe's largest economy, should play a key role in its defense.
- Its reluctance is absurd and dishonorable, especially given its size and economic power.