DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics
DW
We break down how events like Russia's war in Ukraine and European security shifts are shaping Germany - and the world. Whether you’re a student, journalist, or policymaker, hosts Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner, and Richard Walker deliver the insights you need to understand where Germany is headed and why it matters, with a hint of Berlin's distinct energy. Published every Friday. Find us also on YouTube: @dwnews. Subscribe to our newsletter: dw.com/berlinbriefing. Leave us a comment here: newsletter@dw.com. Or find us on X: @dw_politics.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 9, 2025 • 36min
AfD meets MAGA: What's behind the far-right alliance?
Germany's AfD is knocking on Washington's door—and Trump's team is answering. Over the last few months, AfD politicians have met with US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, and received open support from Trump allies during Germany's election. In this episode, we ask: Why is the AfD seeking US backing? Where do the AfD and the MAGA movement align—and where do they clash?
Oct 2, 2025 • 36min
Is NATO doing Enough? Breaking down Russia’s latest tests against the West
What’s behind Russia’s latest provocations against the West? What should NATO’s strategy be? In this special episode of Berlin Briefing at the Warsaw Security Forum, DW’s Nina Haase and Richard Walker speak with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and Michael Carpenter, Senior Fellow at the IISS, about NATO’s dilemma towards Russia.
Sep 26, 2025 • 45min
Why Germany won't recognize Palestine (yet)
157 UN member states have recognized Palestine as a state. Not Germany. Or not yet? The German government says it supports a two-state solution, but it insists that recognition must come at the end of a peace process—not before. So what's standing in the way? To unpack Germany’s delicate balancing act, host Nina Haase is joined by DW’s Sarah Hofmann, Aya Ibrahim and Michaela Küfner.
Sep 18, 2025 • 36min
Why Germany needs to reform its social security system
Germany’s social security system is under pressure - from rising costs, an aging population, and political deadlock. In this episode, DW’s Michaela Küfner discusses with Prof. Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln (WZB), and DW’s Matthew Moore - whether Germany can still afford its welfare state in the long term and whether Friedrich Merz’s coalition will agree on meaningful reforms.
Sep 12, 2025 • 45min
Will Europe stand up to Putin's latest provocation?
A “serious threat to peace” – that’s how Poland sees Russia’s largest drone incursion into its air space so far. German Chancellor Merz agrees. But what will NATO, what will the EU do in response? DW's political quartet including host Michaela Küfner, Nina Haase, Roman Goncharenko and Teri Schultz explore what options NATO and Europe now have.
Sep 5, 2025 • 32min
The Trump effect: Why Germany and India are getting closer
India and Germany have been hit hard by Trump – with India blasted by super-high tariffs and Germany bending over backwards to keep Trump happy. For both countries, closer relations with each other could be part of the answer. Could Berlin and Delhi finally make this happen? Or will Russia or Pakistan get in the way? Richard Walker, Biresh Banerjee and Sandra Petersmann discuss in this edition.
Aug 28, 2025 • 38min
Is Germany changing its strategic thinking? New security council explained
The German government, facing rising tensions from Russia, China, Iran, and other actors, has approved a National Security Council (NSC) under Chancellor Merz’s new strategy to streamline security policy and crisis decisions. In this Berlin Briefing episode, DW’s Nina Haase discusses the NSC’s role with Marcus Pindur (German public radio) and Sarah Bressan (GPPi).
Aug 22, 2025 • 27min
Why Europe shouldn’t get too excited over Trump’s peace drive
In this episode, Trump’s former National Security Advisor John Bolton tells DW’s top correspondents Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase why the question of security guarantees for Ukraine is as urgent as it is spooky for Germany and Europe. This episode was recorded on August 21, less than 24 hours before FBI agents searched John Bolton's Maryland home.
Aug 14, 2025 • 49min
The Merz era: What has he achieved? Where is he failing?
Germany’s new government came in 100 days ago pledging to master the biggest challenges facing the country: a stagnant economy, weak defense, and deep divisions over immigration. Above all, it promised to end the infighting that blew up the previous government. So is it working? In this episode, Richard Walker, Michaela Küfner, and Stephan Detjen break down the start of the Merz era.
Aug 7, 2025 • 41min
Is mandatory military service on its way back in Germany?
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.
