Jana Puglierin, head of ECFR's Berlin office, and Jeremy Cliffe, editorial director at ECFR, delve into the political climate as Germany approaches its federal election. They discuss Friedrich Merz's rising influence in the CDU and the so-called 'Merz Doctrine.' Insights on Germany's foreign policy amid U.S. politics are explored, including reactions to a potential second Trump administration. The conversation also touches on crucial international relations, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine, and highlights the shifting dynamics in European leadership.