Once dominant fascist powers, Japan and Germany are now saving democracy

About this episode

The episode discusses the surprising rise of Germany and Japan as defenders of democracy, contrasting their past as fascist powers.

US President Donald Trump never fails to miss an opportunity to punish his allies. This week, it was Germany after Trump announced he’d be pulling 5000 troops from the country after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the US had been humiliated by Iran. But away from the front-page news, Germany and Japan – another former enemy of the US – have been on the rise. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the stunning turnabout from the two countries that have threatened world peace the most in the past – and how all this will affect us. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guest: Peter Hartcher

Topics covered

• democracy
• international relations
• politics
• Germany
• Japan
• US military
• world peace

Keywords

• democracy
• Germany
• Japan
• Donald Trump
• Friedrich Merz
• international relations
• politics
• US military

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Age, Sydney Morning Herald

Places: Germany, Japan, US

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