Episode 48: The Future of Germany’s Security and Defense Policy

Germany is essential to transatlantic security, a fact that grows more important with rising security challenges in Europe. Berlin’s allies have long called on the country to play a bigger role in European security and defense. In the coalition agreement of the incoming German government, the three parties identify some new initiatives and reaffirm the foundations of German security. They outline a long-term goal of spending three percent of GDP on international engagement (including spending on defense, development, and diplomacy), they commit to equipping the Bundeswehr with the capabilities and equipment it will need for today’s security challenges, and they affirm Germany will acquire new fighter aircraft (but with a vague reference to their role in NATO’s nuclear policy). On this episode of The Zeitgeist, AICGS president Jeff Rathke discusses Germany’s security and defense policy with Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges, Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis and former Commanding General of the United States Army Europe. Is the new government’s three percent networked spending goal adequate? Does Germany need not only to build the readiness of its existing defense forces but also to acquire new capabilities? How does the country view its role in the NATO defense alliance and in international security? Is the incoming government prepared to address emerging defense needs while AI, cyber, and space security rapidly transform the nature of modern warfare? Host Jeff Rathke, President, AICGS Guest Ben Hodges, Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis