Understanding Germany's Defense Strategy

Understanding Germany's Defense Strategy

From Chain Reaction by FPRI

June 3, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Germany's defense strategy and its implications for European security with insights from key political figures.

Welcome back to The Ties That Bind , a project of the Foreign Policy Research Institute examining the past, present, and future of NATO and the transatlantic relationship. This season we examine how Western European NATO members like Germany are shifting their defense policies, pursuing rearmament, and what lies ahead for the future of European security. This week we are pleased to feature a conversation with FPRI President Aaron Stein and Roderich Kiesewetter, a Member of the German Bundestag (CDU/CSU) who has held various command and staff positions, including at the EU Council , NATO and the German Ministry of Defense. The two discuss the strategic framework of the recently released German defense policy, key reforms and capabilities, and what strength means in the new European security environment. You can read a transcript of their conversation here. The third season of the Ties That Bind is generously supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung USA. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: Aaron Stein

Guest: Roderich Kiesewetter

Topics covered

  • Germany's defense strategy
  • NATO
  • European security
  • rearmament
  • transatlantic relationship

Keywords

  • Germany
  • defense policy
  • NATO
  • European security
  • rearmament
  • Aaron Stein
  • Roderich Kiesewetter

Sponsors

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung USA

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Foreign Policy Research Institute, NATO, German Ministry of Defense

Places: Germany, European

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