The recent election results in Germany have led to a dramatic upheaval on the political stage: The Union wins the election and emerges as the strongest party, while the SPD has to endure an unprecedented decline. The AfD was also able to build on its success and is now the second-strongest force in the Bundestag. In an interview with Bonn political scientist Volker Kronenberg, Bernd Eyermann highlights the significance and background of this election result, as well as its impact on the future political landscape.

The federal election in Germany has profound effects on the country’s political landscape. Although the Union (CDU/CSU) won the election, their victory is less overwhelming than expected. At the same time, the SPD under Chancellor Scholz has seen a significant drop in support, while the AfD nearly doubled its share of the vote. In an interview with political scientist Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberg, the background and implications of this election are examined more closely. Prof. Kronenberg analyzes the results and offers an assessment of the future political developments in Germany.

In an interview with Prof. Dr. Heinemann-Grüder, a renowned political scientist, the role of Germany in the Ukraine crisis under the possible leadership of Friedrich Merz is discussed. Prof. Heinemann-Grüder emphasizes that under Merz as Chancellor, Germany could likely provide even stronger support to Ukraine. He explains that Merz, with his clearer stance on Russia and his emphasis on a more robust foreign policy, would be able to offer more military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine. The conversation also touches on Germany's geopolitical significance in the current crisis and the potential impacts on European security policy.

In global politics, it's often about power and influence, but the question of whether Donald Trump is helping Russian President Vladimir Putin to victory in the Ukraine war has the potential to significantly change the geopolitical landscape. In a remarkable moment, when the two leaders recently discussed the future of Ukraine over the phone, the war seems to unfold from a new perspective. In this context, the text by Prof. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder sheds light on the geopolitical tensions and the possible consequences of an impending shift in the West.

The AfD, known as a right-wing populist and far-right party, has gained increasing influence in Germany in recent years. Its political stance is primarily characterized by an anti-immigration attitude, an emphasis on national identity, and sharp criticism of the established political class. The party has gained popularity particularly in the eastern German states, which have been affected by structural changes and economic challenges. However, now the party is extending its reach further into the western part of Germany. The AfD is using issues such as immigration, social insecurity, and rising crime rates to attract voters in industrialized regions, such as North Rhine-Westphalia. In a politically polarized climate, support for the AfD is growing, which is having an increasing impact on the country's political landscape.

In an interview with Phoenix, Prof. Joachim Weber, an expert at the CASSIS Institute of the University of Bonn, commented on the statements made by Donald Trump, who referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a 'dictator without elections.' Weber elaborated on the background of this remark and reflected on the geopolitical situation from a European perspective.

The security of critical infrastructure in the North Sea is increasingly coming into focus, following suspected sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea. Dr. Moritz Brake, a security expert and co-founder of Nexmaris, discusses in an interview with NDR the potential dangers and challenges related to maritime security. In light of the growing threats from sabotage attacks, it is essential to address the vulnerable points in the North Sea.

In an interview with Deutschlandfunk on February 17, 2025, Prof. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder analyzes the current geopolitical developments in the Ukraine conflict and the significance of the recent diplomatic talks between the USA and Russia. He highlights both the opportunities and risks arising from these negotiations, which could potentially represent a step toward a ceasefire or even future de-escalation.