Germany braces for war – Can rearmament secure Europe?

About this episode

The episode discusses Germany's military rearmament in response to the Russian threat and its implications for European security.

Germany is rearming as the Russian threat looms over Europe and much of the continent’s security rests on its success. Backed by an emergency ‘Zeitenwende’ fund and an ever-expanding defence budget, Germany is undertaking a profound military transformation with the aim of becoming Europe’s strongest conventional army. What does this mean more broadly? And where do they need to focus? Jörg Lau, foreign policy correspondent at Die Zeit, joins Gavin Esler to discuss how the budget will be spent and the challenges facing Germany – from domestic politics to European unity and the uncertainty over relations with Trump’s US administration. You can buy Jörg Lau’s new book Der Westen Sind Jetzt Wir (in German) here. • Support us on Patreon to keep This Is Not A Drill producing thought-provoking podcasts like this. Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Gavin Esler

Guest: Jörg Lau

Topics covered

• rearmament
• European security
• military transformation
• foreign policy
• domestic politics
• US relations

Keywords

• Germany
• rearmament
• European army
• defense budget
• foreign policy
• Trump
• military transformation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Die Zeit, Podmasters

Products: Der Westen Sind Jetzt Wir

Places: Germany, Europe, US

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