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DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

DW
Germany
Ukraine
European Union
NATO
Russia
Donald Trump
Friedrich Merz
China
United States
Afd
Migration
Israel
European Security
Alternative For Germany
Angela Merkel
Iran
Bundeswehr
Social Democrats
Munich Security Conference
Alternative Für Deutschland

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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Is the relationship between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump on the rocks?!. Is the exchange of political fire that saw Merz describe the US as “humiliated” by Iran – and Trump respond with troop withdrawals and tariffs ... more

A blunt remark by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has triggered a sharp response from US President Donald Trump — and reopened questions about the state of transatlantic relations. After Merz publicly criticized Washington’s handling of Iran, saying... more

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Recent Guests

Roman Gontorenko
Colleague from DW Ukrainian service
DW Ukrainian Service
Episode: Putin’s Contradictions: Attack Ukraine, Talk Deals, Propose Schröder
Johann Wadifuhl
German Foreign Minister (interviewed on the episode)
Federal Foreign Office of Germany
Episode: Did Merz push Trump too far on Iran?
Luc André
French journalist
Episode: Why is Chancellor Merz so unpopular — and is it fair?
Gerlinde Niehus
Former NATO deputy director for Defense and Security Corporation, independent expert
Independent
Episode: Ukraine support: how and why is Germany different?
Kai-Olaf Lang
Expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
SWP (Germany's Institute for International and Security Affairs)
Episode: Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?
Dora Diseri
Head of DW Hungary Service
DW Hungary Service
Episode: Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?
Robin Wagener
Member in the Bundestag for the Green Party
Green Party (Germany)
Episode: How the Iran war is forcing Germany to rethink energy
Loyle Campbell
Senior research fellow with the German Council on Foreign Relations
German Council on Foreign Relations
Episode: How the Iran war is forcing Germany to rethink energy
Kate Laycock
Host of DW's weekly European Current Affairs program Inside Europe
DW (Deutsche Welle)
Episode: How the Iran war is forcing Germany to rethink energy

Hosts

Michaela Küfner
Host and Berlin-based political editor with long-running coverage of German politics
Nina Haase
Host of Berlin Briefing, defense expert with deep coverage of German security and EU affairs

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 113 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
    Germany2 months ago
  • Tacheles talking

    Very informative, love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    orangewise
    United Kingdoma year 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.

Some listeners feel the show delivers clear, data-driven analysis on German politics.
Guests and topics are praised for international context and expert insights.
A few criticisms note perceived bias relative to other German political podcasts.
Positive review highlights English-language accessibility and thorough coverage.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Did Merz push Trump too far on Iran?
Q: Michaela, what's the significance of what Merz said, and how does it fit into the whole picture with the US and the Iran war?
Merz's candid remarks in front of a classroom signal a tougher, more direct stance toward Iran and a willingness to voice frustration with the lack of a coherent strategy, even if it risks misinterpretation by Washington. The broader takeaway is that Merz is trying to project leadership and decisiveness, but there is concern within his circle about the potential damage to transatlantic ties if his words are seen as incendiary.
Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?
Q: Does JD Vance's intervention resonate with Hungarian voters or affect the election?
While JD Vance's message drew attention, the panel agrees it is not a game changer; long-standing ties with the US and ongoing show-part style diplomacy have a limited impact on ultimate voter decisions, with domestic issues and EU relations playing larger roles.
Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?
Q: So basically, what you're saying is, yes, secretly, probably the German government is hoping for Viktor Orbán to leave.
The guests explain that there is a significant internal disagreement: while the official stance is non-interference, many would feel relief if there were a change in Hungary, though Germany's influence remains limited and heavily shaped by broader EU dynamics.
Beyond the big powers: Germany aims to diversify
Q: Can Germany no longer afford to sort of wag its finger at other people?
Germany needs to adapt its foreign policy due to the realities of reduced leverage and shifting geopolitical dynamics, acknowledging dependencies while forming new partnerships.
Beyond the big powers: Germany aims to diversify
Q: What does Friedrich Merz hope to achieve in the Gulf region?
Friedrich Merz aims for energy diversification, focusing on gas and green hydrogen, to foster long-term partnerships that meet both Germany's and the Gulf states' interests.

Audience Metrics

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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?

DW Berlin Briefing centers on how German politics intersects with international security, energy, and economic policy, with frequent panels that connect Berlin's internal dynamics to Europe and the transatlantic arena. Episodes commonly feature policymakers, journalists, and think-tank analysts discussing Germany's reform agenda, coalition politics, EU relations, NATO, and energy security amid global tensions. A notable trait is the show's emphasis on data-driven polling, cross-country comparisons, and real-time reporting from Berlin and DC, offering timely context for listeners such as policymakers, corporate strategists, and journalists tracking German influence on global affairs.

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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. The Europeans | European news, politics and culture
3. The Economics Show
4. Global News Podcast
5. The Intelligence from The Economist

How many episodes of DW Berlin Briefing are there?

DW Berlin Briefing launched 2 years ago and published 85 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. Roman Gontorenko
2. Johann Wadifuhl
3. Luc André
4. Gerlinde Niehus
5. Kai-Olaf Lang
6. Dora Diseri
7. Robin Wagener
8. Loyle Campbell

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