Germany's security gamble: More than an arms deal? | Berlin Briefing Podcast
For decades, Germany's security model was simple: America provided protection, Germany focused on prosperity. That deal is changing. As Defense Minister Pistorius meets Defense Secretary
For decades, Germany's security model was simple: America provided protection, Germany focused on prosperity. That deal is changing. As Defense Minister Pistorius meets Defense Secretary Hegseth in Washington to discuss major defense purchases, NATO and Europe's security, Germany is preparing to spend billions on its military while facing growing political pressure at home. Is this just a weapons deal, or the beginning of a more “balanced” partnership?
This week on Berlin Briefing, DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner is joined by Chief Political Correspondent Nina Haase, fresh from the Pistorius-Hegseth meeting, and Washington Bureau Chief Ines Pohl to unpack Germany's security gamble, America's expectations, and the future of the transatlantic alliance. Chapters 00:00 When Germany's old formula stops working 01:30 Merz faces growing doubts 04:17 Alliance or business?
06:10 Why Germany chose the F-35 fighter jet 11:22 Trusting America in uncertain times 14:23 Defense spending meets industrial policy 17:02 Russia remains Europe’s defining threat 20:46 NATO’s European future 23:29 Ukraine and the transatlantic gap 27:04 Reinventing NATO for a new era? 29:01Space Warfare or strategic distraction? 30:31 Episode outlook: Germany's next electoral test You
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