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DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

DW
Germany
Ukraine
Angela Merkel
Russia
NATO
Alternative For Germany
Donald Trump
European Security
Politics
European Union
Friedrich Merz
Olaf Scholz
Georgia
Alice Weidel
AFD
Russian Invasion
Social Democrats
Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht
Germany's Coalition Collapse
China

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 You... more

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Latest Episodes

With Germany and India both shaken by Trump 2.0, they’re now trying to deepen ties from business to defense – with Friedrich Merz greeted to much fanfare by Narendra Modi in the Indian Prime Minister’s home city. But is this for real, or are the good... more

Headlines coming out of the US shook the world in the first week of 2026: the military operation in Venezuela and Trump's talk of seizing Greenland. DW Berlin Briefing host Nina Haase and her guests, Michaela Küfner (DW) and Thorsten Benner (Global P... more

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2025 was the most successful year yet for Germany's AfD, or Alternative for Germany. It came second in national elections and recently topped some opinion polls. Now in 2026, the party could win power in state elections for the first time. In this Be... more

2025 exposed Germany's dependence on China, as a source of rare earths and a market and production site for its industry. Berlin says it wants to "de-risk" the relationship. But is it serious? Or is it in too deep? Richard Walker sat down with expert... more

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Recent Guests

Thorsten Benner
Think tanker and founder of the Global Public Policy Institute
Global Public Policy Institute
Episode: When diplomacy meets reality: Germany's balancing act with Trump’s America
Michaela Küfner
Journalist based in Munich
DW Berlin
Episode: When diplomacy meets reality: Germany's balancing act with Trump’s America
Clifford Coonan
Journalist with extensive experience in China, formerly based in Beijing.
DW
Episode: Why Germany finds it so hard to handle China
Noah Barkin
Senior research analyst at the Rhodium Group and expert on China and Europe relations.
Rhodium Group
Episode: Why Germany finds it so hard to handle China
Marcel Bohnert
Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Leader of the German Armed Forces Association
German Armed Forces Association
Episode: Conscription comeback: Will Germany find 80.000 new soldiers?
Quentin Gärtner
Speaker of the Association of Pupils in Germany
Bundesschüler Conference
Episode: Conscription comeback: Will Germany find 80.000 new soldiers?
Daniel Thym
One of Germany's most renowned migration researchers.
Konstanz University
Episode: Back to Syria? Germany's conservatives face off on deportation plans
Aya Ibrahim
Head of DW Arabic TV News, recently returned from a reporting trip to Syria.
DW Arabic TV News
Episode: Back to Syria? Germany's conservatives face off on deportation plans
Michael Carpenter
Senior Fellow with the Institute for Strategic Studies
Institute for Strategic Studies
Episode: Is NATO doing Enough? Breaking down Russia’s latest tests against the West

Hosts

Michaela Küfner
Co-host and journalist, providing in-depth analysis and insights into Germany's shifting political landscape.
Nina Haase
Host of the Berlin Briefing, focusing on the nuances of German and European political dynamics.
Richard Walker
Host of the Berlin Briefing, known for bringing insightful discussions about contemporary political events.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 102 ratings
  • Tacheles talking

    Very informative, love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    orangewise
    United Kingdom9 months ago
  • Best English-language analysis of German politics

    Excellent analysis of German politics and the power dynamics in Berlin. Much better than DW’s own podcast, Inside Europe, which is too concerned with avoiding being seen as biased so never actually provides any insight.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Zaptrax
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The insightful commentary from hosts and guests is frequently noted, enhancing the appeal for anyone interested in political discourse.
Listeners appreciate the informative nature of the discussions, highlighting how well complex topics are explained.
Many praise the podcast for its thorough analysis of current events, enjoying its relevance to both German and global politics.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Germany is running out of allies — Can India help?
Q: Do you feel that the relationship between India and Germany can now be compartmentalized from the tension with Russia?
Both India and Germany are victims of a shifting global order and must find new power and interest-based relationships, despite historical ties with Russia.
"Will Germany Get Its Own James Bond?"
Q: Does that mean the BND will have a double O department with a license to kill?
The BND will remain firmly grounded in its legal framework, although they aim to become more operational and brave.
Why Germany needs to reform its social security system
Q: What is the urgent reform that needs to happen in the pension system?
The pension system needs to be adjusted to demographic changes and require political will for necessary actions, such as increasing the pension age.
Why Germany needs to reform its social security system
Q: Why do you think we're seeing this focus on a social provision that really is only a fraction of the German system?
Because reforming it won't help the basic budget problem that Germany faces; it is politically very charged and relates to how much incentives to work should be provided to individuals.
Is Germany changing its strategic thinking? New security council explained
Q: Do you expect the new National Security Council to come up with a new assessment of the current security threats?
A comprehensive threat assessment is important, and it is hoped that the council will provide forward-looking analysis, although the effectiveness will depend upon its political will and collaboration with ministers.

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Frequently Asked Questions About DW Berlin Briefing

What is DW Berlin Briefing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast offers a thoughtful exploration of how significant global events, such as Russia's war in Ukraine and transformations in European security, are influencing Germany's political landscape. Engaging discussions often include in-depth analysis of migration policies, defense strategies, and evolving foreign relationships. With insights from expert guests, the content is tailored for an audience ranging from students to professionals engaged in politics and journalism. Listeners can expect a blend of informative analysis and lively conversation, making complex political themes more accessible and relatable.

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Which podcasts are similar to DW Berlin Briefing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with DW Berlin Briefing:

1. Inside Europe
2. EU Confidential
3. The Foreign Affairs Interview
4. The Rachman Review
5. Foreign Policy Live

How many episodes of DW Berlin Briefing are there?

DW Berlin Briefing launched a year ago and published 66 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on DW Berlin Briefing?

Recent guests on DW Berlin Briefing include:

1. Thorsten Benner
2. Michaela Küfner
3. Clifford Coonan
4. Noah Barkin
5. Marcel Bohnert
6. Quentin Gärtner
7. Daniel Thym
8. Aya Ibrahim

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