DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

The German government says it aims to build up Europe’s strongest conventional army, but is facing a shortage of personnel. Conscription was suspended in 2011 and now plans to bring it back in are on the table. Who's going to be affected? Will women serve? And amid rising tensions with Russia, how prepared is Germany? DW’s Nina Haase talks to Michaela Küfner, Sina Schweikle, and David Matei.

In Germany there’s massive criticism of the new US-EU trade agreement, with opponents saying it’s deeply unfair. If that’s true, why did Europe sign it? Can German carmakers cope with high US tariffs as well as mounting competition from China? In this episode of Berlin Briefing, Richard Walker explores with Marie Sina from DW’s business desk and think tanker Thorsten Benner from the GPPi.

Philipp Sälhoff, Director of Polisphere, and political correspondent Matt Moore delve into the far-right AfD's strategic manipulation of misinformation during the recent constitutional court judge elections. They discuss the impact of over 4,000 tweets that distorted public perception, revealing how disinformation is reshaping German politics. The duo highlights the AfD's tactics of polarization and their consequences for traditional parties, as well as the importance of adapting political communication in the age of social media to combat rising division among voters.

Germany’s coalition is grappling with its first crisis, with infighting over the nomination of a new judge to its highest court that has exploded with culture war themes ranging from abortion to COVID and the AfD. In this edition of Berlin Briefing, DW’s Richard Walker, Nina Haase and Michaela Küfner are joined by law professor Markus Kotzur to break down the political and legal implications.

Jonatan Vseviov, Estonia's Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, shares vital insights on European security amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Defense expert Christian Mölling highlights the urgency for Europe to bolster its military capabilities in light of American policy shifts. They discuss concerns about the Baltic states potentially being next targets for Russian aggression. The debate surrounding the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine's recovery showcases the complexities of international support and the need for a unified European response.

Poland will impose temporary border checks with Germany in response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's tougher migration stance, which has led Germany to conduct regular border checks. Germany is now countering criticism from neighboring countries. Journalist David McQuaid joins DW’s political team to discuss the political tensions, motivations, risks, and implications for European unity.

In a historic week for Europe, the NATO alliance agreed to a major defense spending boost - raising the goal to 5% of GDP. Meanwhile, Secretary General Rutte called Trump ‘Daddy.’ In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s team breaks down NATO’s summit in The Hague, explores Trump’s influence over Europe, and examines how European leaders’ attitudes shifted during his first and second terms.

John Bolton, former national security advisor to Trump and known for his strong stances on military power, discusses the complexities of Trump's approach to Iran. He doubts Trump's willingness to take drastic military action while questioning his decision-making on NATO. Bolton also navigates the geopolitical implications of the escalating Israel-Iran tensions and the fragility of arms control agreements. His insights reflect the challenging landscape of international relations and the shifting dynamics within U.S. foreign policy.

Alexandra von Nahmen, DW's NATO correspondent based in Brussels, investigates Germany's evolving defense posture in the wake of Russia's actions. The discussion highlights Chancellor Merz's controversial pledge to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and how this sparks mixed reactions domestically and among European partners. The conversation dives into Germany's recruitment crisis and the tension between historical pacifism and current military pressures. Ultimately, it reveals the complexities of Germany's role within NATO and the broader implications for European security.

Friedrich Merz's first meeting with Trump in the Oval Office was surprisingly harmonious, marking a hopeful moment for German-American relations. The discussion touched on trade agreements, historical ties, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. With no tough questions directed at Merz, the encounter seemed to reflect a shift in German politics and popular opinion. The podcast also examines the impact of U.S. foreign policy on Europe and navigates the intricate dynamics between the two nations in a time of uncertainty.