DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics
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.
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Last Episode : March 7, 2025 11:29am
Last Scanned : 5 hours ago
Episodes
Episodes currently hosted on IPFS.
1Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, has stirred up political waters with his bold "whatever it takes" stance. In a massive shift, Merz and the Social Democrats have jointly announced a plan to rearm Germany and heavily invest in infrastructure. In this episode, we break it all down with expert insights from Ralph Bollmann, journalist (FAS), and Benjamin Hilgenstock from the DGAP.
Published Friday
1Germany’s incoming leaders are planning to dramatically ramp up military spending after signs the Trump administration could definitively pivot away from European defense. DW breaks down the next steps for likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz: Procuring drones, satellites and more high-tech gear. Recruiting tens of thousands of troops. And trying to work out a European nuclear deterrent.
Published 02/28
1Who will lead Germany next? In this episode of Berlin Briefing, we break down the key players in Germany’s upcoming elections, the ripple effects of JD Vance’s game-changing MSC 2025 speech and its impact on Europe’s security, and why smaller parties could complicate the formation of the next coalition. Plus, we reveal what the latest polls are saying and share final predictions.
Published 02/21
1At a memorable Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance lectured the Europeans on what democracy should really mean, questioning its institutions. In this special edition from Munich, host Michaela Küfner breaks down the messages from MSC 2025 together with Jackson Janes (German Marshall Fund), Peter R. Neumann (King's College London) and DW's Brussels correspondent Teri Schultz.
Published 02/17
1How do women leaders in Europe view current security challenges? Will the US be a reliable ally? Are democracies around the world under threat? DW’s Berlin Briefing and One Decision Podcast teamed up to host a powerful, all-female panel at the MSC: Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, former Icelandic Foreign Minister Thordis Gylfadottir, and former Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
Published 02/15
1Germany'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?
Published 02/13
1Germany’s likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz just shook up the election campaign. He took a major political risk by relying on the far-right AfD for a majority in parliament for the first time. Tens of thousands took to the streets protesting the move. Did Merz just cancel his smooth ride to the chancellory? Or could he break the political paralysis around the AfD’s lifeblood issue: Migration.
Published 02/07
1Olaf Scholz’s government collapsed after months of infighting and deadlock. He’s attempting a comeback in the upcoming elections. What was the interplay between Russia's war on Ukraine, Germany’s economic malaise, and political dysfunction? Do the battles over migration provide Scholz with an opportunity? DW’s Richard Walker, Nina Haase and Michaela Küfner break it all down.
Published 01/31
1Friedrich Merz is the frontrunner to become Germany’s next leader after February’s elections. In this episode, DW’s Richard Walker and Michaela Küfner break it all down with writer John Kampfner. Who is Merz? Why did he have a feud with Merkel? How would he deal with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, the Ukraine war and the challenge of China? And can he deliver the reboot that he says Germany needs?
Published 01/24
1In this episode, DW’s Michaela Küfner, Nina Haase, Giulia Saudelli and Matthew Moore dive into the German election campaign, breaking down the key issues shaping the upcoming federal election. They explore the differences between the main parties on immigration, Russia's war on Ukraine, and climate change. And they wrapped up with their predictions for the election's outcome.
Published 01/17
1From Hitler, education and energy, to Mars colonization - X owner Elon Musk's chat with the far-right AfD party's Alice Weidel left many people puzzled. We break it down with Kate Conger, co-author of 'CharacterLimit: How Elon Musk destroyed Twitter'.
Published 01/10
1Germany’s new BSW party, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, is shaking up politics with a mix of left- and right-wing ideas. Opposing NATO and climate policies while advocating for a stronger welfare state and industry revival, it’s dividing opinions ahead of the elections. DW’s Richard Walker, Matthew Moore, and historian Katja Hoyer explore its platform and potential impact.
Published 01/03