Deutsche Welle DW Berlin Briefing

DW Berlin Briefing

From Trump's victory, the German government collapse, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to evolving European security dynamics, this video podcast explores how these events impact Germany and the wider region.

Berlin Briefing is an English-language video podcast that dives deep into how Germany - the world’s third-largest economy - is navigating major geopolitical challenges.

It’s smart, informative, and engaging. An essential Berlin Briefing on what’s happening in Germany and Europe, what’s coming next, and why it matters - whether you’re in Berlin, New York, or anywhere in between - with a hint of Berlin’s distinct energy to keep things lively.

Join our three hosts, Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner and Richard Walker,as they offer you a unique perspective on Germany’s role in today’s rapidly changing world.

Berlin Briefing is tailored for English-speaking listeners who are curious about whether German democracy can withstand the current stress test - or whether the far-right will gain ground. Whether you’re a student, think tanker, journalist, or a current/future lawmaker, this vodcast provides essential insights from Germany.
Weekly English Germany News
34 Episodes
1 – 20

Democracy won. But who really holds the power?

The US midterms showed voters still shape politics. But can democracy thrive when wealth and tech concentrate power? DW's Nina Haase and Michaela Küfner discuss with activist Natalija Petrović and journalist Gil Durán.
11 Nov 37 min

Europe is celebrating Trump's defeat. Should it be?

Trump’s midterms setback raises big questions for Germany, Europe and the world. Max Hofmann is joined by Michaela Küfner, Ines Pohl and Daniel Gerlach to unpack the global implications of the results.
6 Nov 32 min

Can Germany's pivot to Asia end its reliance on...China?

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.
29 Oct 31 min

Berlin Briefing recommends: Call Sign Condor

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: https://pod.link/6808417916?maca=en-BerlinBriefing_IonoFM-43703-xml-media
27 Oct 14 min

Can Ukraine still count on Germany?

Friedrich Merz says support for Ukraine is a matter of national interest. This week's Berlin Briefing asks whether a far-right AfD surge and Russia's return to the negotiating table spell trouble.
2 Oct 34 min

Germany's security gamble: More than an arms deal?

Is Germany buying security or dependence? This week on Berlin Briefing: Michaela Küfner, Nina Haase and Ines Pohl unpack Germany's latest US weapons deal, NATO's future and Washington's expectations.
16 Sep 30 min

AfD and Russia: Why Saxony-Anhalt matters for Germany

The far-right AfD won a record 44% in Saxony-Anhalt. Is this a regional protest vote, or a broader shift in German politics? DW's Nina Haase, Max Hofmann, Michaela Küfner and Matthew Moore discuss the results.
9 Sep 32 min

Germany's climate crisis: Why politics struggle to keep up

Germany is heating and drying up faster than ever. Yet climate change is not high on the agenda of many politicians. Together with sustainability researcher Maja Göpel and SPD climate spokesperson Jakob Blankenburg, DW’s Berlin Bureau Chief Max Hofmann examines the growing gap between climate reality and political action and…
21 Aug 36 min

“Was it Russia?” Is the Leipzig drone attack part of a hybrid war?

DW’s Michaela Küfner asks security analyst Hans-Jakob Schindler, disinformation expert Julia Smirnova and DW Riga Bureau Chief Juri Rescheto to piece together what we know about the drone incident at Leipzig airport. How exposed is Germany to what the government admits are “daily attacks in a hybrid war”? And what,…
14 Aug 31 min
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