Shadows of the First World War loom over Germany’s ambiguous response to Russia
Olaf Scholz’s unwillingness to say “Ukraine must win” in public shows his fear of stumbling inadvertently into a conflict.
ByGermany
Read the New Statesman’s latest comment, long-read features and analysis on Germany.
Why G7 leaders, including the UK, risk being complicit in a global famine
The world’s richest countries can stop millions of people dying of starvation — but only if they choose to act.
By
After the Zeitenwende: Jürgen Habermas and Germany’s new identity crisis
The 92-year-old philosopher has warned Germans not to allow anger at Russia and admiration for Ukraine to displace their country's…
By
The UK needs to support Germany’s historic shift on Ukraine
Britain can no longer afford to turn away from Europe in these difficult times.
By
How much would Russian energy sanctions really hurt Germany?
Experts suggest that banning Russian oil and gas would impact the German economy less than the Covid pandemic did.
By
Security politics is energy politics, as Germany’s Greens understand
Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister, is the most visible face of a clear stance against Russia’s aggression and in favour…
By
Valiant Ukrainians put much of Europe to shame
To watch a whole nation mobilise in defence of its freedoms has been a moving and humbling experience.
By
Olaf Scholz is getting tougher on Russia, if only his allies would notice
Berlin is signalling that it will cancel the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if Russia invaded Ukraine.
By
Why Germany finds it difficult to act as Russian tensions build
Germany’s new government is more critical of Russia than previous administrations, but history and trade weigh heavily in the balance.
By
Angela Merkel’s most important legacy: her civility
When politics becomes war, democracies stop working.
By
Principled, powerful and precise – Angela Merkel is everything Boris Johnson could never be
It’s impossible to imagine Merkel indulging in puerile slanging matches with the French, seeking to curb the judiciary, or breaking…
By
Germany’s new government could help bring an end to coal in the EU
The country’s target of phasing out the fossil fuel completely means electricity generation from coal in the EU is projected…
By
Merkel bows out but don’t expect drastic change in Germany
The incoming chancellor Olaf Scholz is likely to maintain Angela Merkel’s pragmatic style of governing.
By
As Christmas approaches, Europe is locking down
A resurgence of Covid-19 has caused the return of lockdowns across much of Europe.
By
Wait, is Berlin actually trying to ban dancing?
Unable to close clubs in response to a Covid-19 spike, authorities in the German capital have banned dancing instead.
By
A progressive new government takes shape in Germany
Olaf Scholz’s three-party talks conclude with a promising coalition deal.
By
Will winter Covid-19 lockdowns sweep across Europe?
More EU countries may follow Austria in making vaccination mandatory –but possibly not soon enough to avoid restrictions.
By
EU unity over the Belarus migrant crisis may not last
As temperatures drop, migrant deaths might test EU member states’ support for Poland’s approach to the crisis.
By
Dispatch: As Covid-19 cases surge, is Germany heading for another lockdown?
Another lockdown, whether for the unvaccinated or for the country as a whole, would be immensely unpopular.
By
Why Germany has less to teach the UK than most think
Germany is afflicted by endemic corruption, antiquated infrastructure and geopolitical weakness.
By