Kate Connolly

Kate Connolly, Berlin correspondent for The Guardian, explains Germany’s dramatic shift from postwar pacifism to large-scale rearmament. She outlines the scale of spending, why Russia’s 2022 invasion forced a rethink, and how public unease, recruitment drives and procurement choices are reshaping German defence and politics.

Damien McGuinness, BBC's Berlin correspondent, and Kate Connolly from The Guardian dive into Germany's political turbulence following the collapse of Chancellor Scholz’s coalition. They discuss how long-standing tensions led to a minority government and the rise of far-right parties. The pair explore the economic implications of U.S. tariffs and high inflation on the country's stability. With Germany’s role in the EU and support for Ukraine now uncertain, they highlight how these shifts may resonate far beyond Berlin's borders.