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DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

DW
Germany
Ukraine
Nato
European Union
Russia
Friedrich Merz
Donald Trump
Afd
United States
China
Alternative For Germany
Migration
European Security
Israel
Angela Merkel
Iran
Bundeswehr
CDU
Saxony-Anhalt
Social Democrats

Berlin Briefing has been named Best Political Podcast 2026 by the Podcast Publisher Awards - thank you! Every week 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 Max Hofmann and their guests deliver the insights you need to understand... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes100Founded2 years ago
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News CommentaryNewsPolitics

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Latest Episodes

As Chancellor Merz visits Asia, Germany seeks to "de-risk" from China. On this Berlin Briefing episode, DW's Giulia Saudelli, Steven Beardsley and Nina Haase discuss trade, security and new Indo-Pacific partnerships.

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DW’s Max Hofmann speaks with DW correspondent Carolina Chimoy about her new podcast series, Call Sign Condor, which follows Latin American soldiers fighting in Ukraine. Listen here: pod.link/6808417916?maca=en-podcast_Berlin_Briefing-42113-xm... more

YouTube

Europe wants growth, innovation and strategic autonomy. But can it become more competitive without becoming more dependent on the US? Max Hofmann speaks with Cecilia Malmström and Kai Steinecke on Berlin Briefing.

YouTube

At the Warsaw Security Forum, Nina Haase spoke with the ex-Estonian defense chief about Germany’s recent spy scandal and Russia. The bigger question: How can intelligence shared with another country be protected?

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Recent Guests

Steven Beardsley
DW business department journalist
Deutsche Welle
Episode: Can Germany's pivot to Asia end its reliance on...China?
Carolina Chimoy
DW correspondent and host of Call Sign Condor
Deutsche Welle
Episode: Berlin Briefing recommends: Call Sign Condor
Cecilia Malmström
Former EU Trade Commissioner and visiting professor of geopolitics.
European Union
Episode: If Europe wants independence, why does it keep turning to the US?
Kai Steinecke
DW business expert and fellow podcast host.
Deutsche Welle
Episode: If Europe wants independence, why does it keep turning to the US?
Hanno Pevkur
Former Estonian defense minister and voice on European security and Russia
Episode: From intelligence scandals to Russia’s shadow war: Ex-Estonian defense chief Hanno Pevkur discusses Europe’s security challenges
Robert Habeck
Former German economy minister and professor researching geopolitics and security
Copenhagen Business School
Episode: Former German Minister Habeck: Russia remains the biggest threat
Florian Flade
Investigative journalist for WDR, German public service broadcasting
WDR
Episode: Former BND head arrested: Can Germany still be trusted with secrets?
Ines Pohl
DW bureau chief in Washington, DC
DW
Episode: Former BND head arrested: Can Germany still be trusted with secrets?
Roman Goncharenko
DW's Russian department expert
DW
Episode: Can Ukraine still count on Germany?

Hosts

Max Hofmann
Co-host and head of Berlin Bureau; frequent host and interview moderating a range of political analysis.
Nina Haase
Host and framing voice for Berlin Briefing segments; experienced political journalist.
Michaela Küfner
Co-host; Chief Political Editor with a focus on Berlin politics and policy analysis.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 144 ratings
  • State propaganda

    This channel has to be financed by the German people through a mandatory fee and in no way reflects what the majority thinks. It's like the German CNN...

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Newur
    Germany7 months ago
  • Tacheles talking

    Very informative, love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    orangewise
    United Kingdom2 years 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 States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Informative and insightful coverage of German politics.
High-quality analysis with strong guest lineups.
Some listeners feel coverage can lean toward insider perspectives; others praise depth over breadth.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Former BND head arrested: Can Germany still be trusted with secrets?
Q: What could this case mean for public confidence in Germany's intelligence services and for the country's cooperation with its international intelligence partners?
The guests say the case damages the BND's credibility and may lead partners to reconsider how much information they share. The agency will need to assess what was exposed and demonstrate that partner information is secure.
Former BND head arrested: Can Germany still be trusted with secrets?
Q: How big is this espionage scandal?
Florian Flade and Ines Pohl rate it around eight or nine out of ten. They say it is a major breach involving sensitive documents, though it does not currently involve a government member spying from close to the Chancellor.
Former German Minister Habeck: Russia remains the biggest threat
Q: If you look ahead five years, what do you think will matter more, the military capabilities that Europe has to defend itself, or political cohesion? Or can't you take one without the other?
Habeck argues that military capability and political cohesion are both necessary. He warns that Russia could exploit divisions and influence elections, while social media algorithms can amplify populism and radicalism.
Former German Minister Habeck: Russia remains the biggest threat
Q: Which of the major powers is currently the biggest threat to Europe's security? Russia, China, the US, you start.
Habeck names Russia, saying its setbacks in Ukraine could make it more dangerous and that a broader alignment against Europe and liberal democracy is a concern.
From intelligence scandals to Russia’s shadow war: Ex-Estonian defense chief Hanno Pevkur discusses Europe’s security challenges
Q: What does victory mean for you?
Pevkur says victory means preserving freedom and preventing war; if Russia attacks European or NATO countries, the response should protect their territory, freedom and independence.

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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?

A politics-focused current affairs show that analyzes how Germany's domestic politics intersect with European security, transatlantic alliances, and international diplomacy. Episodes frequently feature high-profile policymakers, journalists, and researchers discussing topics like Ukraine, defense spending, the rise of the AfD, pension reform, and climate policy, with a careful balance between data-driven analysis and on-the-ground reporting from Berlin. Notable strengths include a panel-based format with multiple guests, timely ties to both domestic and international events, and a track record of hosting experts from government, media, and academia to provide context on Germany's role in Europe and beyond. The program tends to cater to list... more

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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. Brussels Playbook Podcast
3. Living Planet
4. The Documentary Podcast
5. Independent Thinking

How many episodes of DW Berlin Briefing are there?

DW Berlin Briefing launched 2 years ago and published 100 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. Steven Beardsley
2. Carolina Chimoy
3. Cecilia Malmström
4. Kai Steinecke
5. Hanno Pevkur
6. Robert Habeck
7. Florian Flade
8. Ines Pohl

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