DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics
DW
We break down how events like Russia's war in Ukraine and European security shifts are shaping Germany - and the world. Whether you’re a student, journalist, or policymaker, hosts Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner, and Richard Walker deliver the insights you need to understand where Germany is headed and why it matters, with a hint of Berlin's distinct energy. Published every Friday. Find us also on YouTube: @dwnews. Subscribe to our newsletter: dw.com/berlinbriefing. Leave us a comment here: newsletter@dw.com. Or find us on X: @dw_politics.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 27, 2026 • 32min
Can Germany reform its way out of the rise of the far right AfD?
Germany’s governing parties in Chancellor Merz’s coalition have just faced a moment of truth. The need for drastic reforms is hitting home in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which suffered another electoral blow this week. Host Michaela Küfner discusses with DW’s Max Hofmann, Matthew Moore, and expert Marcel Fratzscher the current economic struggles the governing parties are facing.
Mar 20, 2026 • 34min
Disagreements over Iran - are the US and Germany still friends?
As Washington pressures Europe over the Iran war, Germany is stuck between needing US support for Ukraine and not participating in the war in Iran. How has Berlin’s position evolved since the US and Israel launched their strikes? Host Max Hofmann speaks with Sudha David-Wilp (GMF), DW’s Michaela Küfner and Teri Schultz about the new relationship status of the US and Germany.
Mar 13, 2026 • 35min
Under pressure: Can Merz steer Germany through 2026?
Tense politics ahead as five regional votes could reshape power and weaken coalition partners. Energy and Iran-driven oil shocks threaten growth and industry orders. A dramatic Green surge in Baden-Württemberg upends traditional party loyalties. Discussions focus on rising AfD influence and the risks it poses for coalition-building and democratic norms.
Mar 6, 2026 • 33min
Principle vs power: Merz, Trump & the Iran war
Ines Pohl, DW’s Washington bureau chief who reports from the Oval Office, breaks down high-stakes diplomatic theatre. She discusses Germany’s tightrope between law and power, Merz’s cautious DC maneuvering, Trump’s unpredictable Oval Office moments, and rising strains on transatlantic unity. Short, sharp takes on who backs whom and what that means for global stability.
Mar 2, 2026 • 13min
What the Iran war means for the Middle East and beyond
Niloufar Gholami, a DW Persian reporter on the ground in Iran, gives vivid on-the-ground perspective. She describes strikes in Tehran, civilian fear and infrastructure damage. She outlines risks to energy assets and regional spillover. She discusses interim leadership after killed leaders and how international responses shape regional dynamics.
Feb 27, 2026 • 34min
How the tables are turning between Germany and China
Torsten Benner, director at GPPi and geopolitics expert, explains the rising 'China shock' facing Germany. He discusses supply‑chain dependence, competition in key industries, and the limits of de‑risking. Short takes cover trade imbalances, Merz’s China visit outcomes, Airbus deals, and whether Germany and Europe can build economic security to counter strategic dependencies.
Feb 20, 2026 • 33min
What Peter Thiel has to do with Germany’s drones
Roman Goncharenko, DW reporter on security and frontline lessons from Ukraine; Emil Archambault, DGAP drone and defence specialist; Christopher F. Schuetze, NYT Berlin correspondent on defence policy. They discuss why Germany urgently needs combat drones. They explain loitering munitions, procurement shifts toward faster buying, the scale of proposed contracts, and political fallout around Peter Thiel's stake.
Feb 14, 2026 • 43min
Can Europe and MAGA coexist? | Live from MSC 2026
Ian Bremmer, geopolitical risk analyst who founded Eurasia Group, and Jens Spahn, senior CDU/CSU leader and former federal minister. They debate transatlantic trust and whether US actions can be repaired. They discuss Europe’s leverage over China and Russia, Germany’s domestic reforms to fund security, and the realities of a more multipolar world.
Feb 6, 2026 • 35min
Beyond the big powers: Germany aims to diversify
Where is Germany really heading as it scrambles to diversify its foreign‑policy partnerships? In this Berlin Briefing, Nina Haase talks to Jakob Hensing (GPPi) about Germany’s evolving role in a tense, multipolar world. Richard Walker and Michaela Küfner join in to share rare first‑hand insights from traveling with German officials on diplomatic missions to the Indo‑Pacific and the Gulf.
Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Auschwitz: lessons for today's America + Germany
In this Holocaust Remembrance Day episode, Berlin Briefing explores rising hate crimes in Germany and the US, the politicization of antisemitism, and the broader dangers of state power targeting vulnerable communities.
