DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

In this Holocaust Remembrance Day episode, Berlin Briefing explores rising hate crimes in Germany and the US, the politicization of antisemitism, and the broader dangers of state power targeting vulnerable communities.

Germany is famously "under the US’ nuclear umbrella"-creating a dependency that some are now calling risky. What exactly does that mean? How would US help protect Germany in a worst-case scenario? What options does Germany have to move toward a European umbrella? Host Nina Haase talks with her guests about Germany’s deep dependencies on the US -from NATO cooperation to nuclear deterrence.

With Germany and India both shaken by Trump 2.0, they’re now trying to deepen ties from business to defense – with Friedrich Merz greeted to much fanfare by Narendra Modi in the Indian Prime Minister’s home city. But is this for real, or are the good vibes just for show? Find out in this edition of Berlin Briefing with Richard Walker, Biresh Banerjee, Michaela Küfner, and Sandra Petersmann.

In this discussion, Thorsten Benner, founder of the Global Public Policy Institute, explores Germany's intricate balancing act amid a tumultuous U.S. political landscape. He highlights concerns over Trump's claim to be unconstrained by law, raising alarms for NATO and European stability. The conversation dives into Germany's measured response to U.S. actions in Venezuela and examines the erosion of the rules-based order. Benner urges Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities and assert its agency while navigating this new reality.

Matthew Moore, a sharp political journalist and keen observer of the AfD, teams up with Kate Brady, a seasoned reporter from the Washington Post, to delve into the remarkable rise of Germany's far-right party. They explore the AfD's evolution from euroskepticism to a broader right-wing agenda, linking its growth to socio-economic crises and migration issues. The duo emphasizes the significance of the upcoming state elections in 2026, discussing regional voting dynamics, potential coalition impacts, and the implications for Germany's political landscape.

Noah Barkin, an analyst on Europe–China relations, and Clifford Coonan, a China specialist with extensive reporting experience, delve into Germany's precarious relationship with China. They discuss Germany's dependency on Chinese markets and rare earths, highlighting the historical ties between German industry and China. The conversation addresses the implications of China's recent export controls, the challenges Germany faces in de-risking its economy, and the rising competition from Chinese firms, especially in the EV sector. They also explore potential alternatives like India.

Germany’s chancellor demanded a breakthrough. The EU summit delivered mixed results: Ukraine funding secured, Mercosur delayed. Is Friedrich Merz cementing Germany’s leadership—or exposing Europe to unnecessary risks? Berlin Briefing host Nina Haase, DW Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner and Daniel Goffart (WirtschaftsWoche) unpack the stakes, the style, and what this means for 2026.

Ines Paul, DW's Bureau Chief in Washington, discusses the complex dynamics of U.S. diplomacy regarding Ukraine amid Trump's criticisms of Europe’s inaction. She explains his motivations for a rapid truce, including potential concessions from Zelensky. The conversation explores the implications of a peace deal for Ukrainians, the role of security guarantees, and how China's support for Russia complicates matters. Paul also addresses the growing influence of far-right parties in Europe and predicts the future of U.S.-EU relations as rearmament efforts continue.

Hans Pfeifer, a veteran DW journalist with expertise on the AfD, and Matthew Moore, a correspondent with firsthand accounts from Gießen, dive into the rise of the AfD's new youth wing, 'Generation Germany.' They discuss the party's shift from anti-migration to more extremist ideologies and the strategic motivations behind establishing this youth group. The discussion includes the significant protests against the launch, the dynamics of journalist harassment, and the youth wing's role in grooming future leaders while masking troubling affiliations.

In this insightful discussion, Dominik Tolksdorf, a senior foreign policy expert at DGAP, shares his perspective on Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The conversation reveals the shockwave felt across Europe as details emerged, highlighting concerns over potential concessions to Russia. Tolksdorf explains the chaotic diplomatic maneuvering involving European leaders and stresses the urgent need for Europe to assert its sovereignty in security matters. They also examine how frozen Russian assets might serve as leverage for Ukraine, calling for a reevaluation of transatlantic ties.