DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

Understanding Germany's Green Party

Feb 13, 2025

Giulio Saudele, an expert on the German Green Party, and Ben Knight, a political analyst, dive into the fascinating evolution of this influential party. They discuss the Greens' controversial shift from 1980s peace activists to 2020s military supporters and explore the party’s internal conflicts over climate policies. The duo examines their foreign policy pivots, particularly with NATO, and the challenges of balancing human rights with economic growth. Can Robert Habeck steer the Greens back into power amidst these complexities?

40:42

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Episode guests

Ben Knight

Giulio Saudele

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The transformation of Germany's Green Party from anti-militarism to endorsing military spending reflects their adaptation to realpolitik challenges.

With declining voter support amid economic dissatisfaction, the Greens face hurdles in coalition-building and maintaining their political relevance.

Deep dives

The Evolution of the Green Party

The Green Party in Germany has undergone a significant transformation since its inception in the early 1980s, evolving from a coalition of fringe anti-nuclear and pacifist groups into a prominent centrist party. Initially characterized by a strong anti-militarist stance, the Greens quickly made their way into parliament, achieving representation by 1983. This journey included a key moment in the late 1990s when they entered a coalition government, marking a pivotal shift in their approach to defense and international relations. The early promise of disbanding military alliances has been radically altered, as their current policy now advocates for enhanced military spending and NATO commitments.

Intro

4min

Shifts in the Green Party's Foreign Policy

10min

Navigating Human Rights and Climate Change: The Green Party's Dual Challenge

3min

Germany's Political Struggles: Growth and Immigration

5min

Dynamics of the Green Party in Germany

17min

Political Dynamics and Future of the Green Party in Germany

2min

Germany's Green Party is campaigning for a second term in government. Their time in power has been controversial, with coalition infighting over climate policy and the economy. How did the Greens go from 1980s peace activists to 2020s military hawks? Why are they so hated by some sections of society? And can chancellor candidate Robert Habeck bring them back into government?

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