Why Germany is racing to rebuild its army

In this episode of Today in Focus, The Guardian discusses Germany's ambitious remilitarization program shaped by recent geopolitical events, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The shift in Germany’s defense policy has transformed public acceptance of the military, transitioning away from post-World War II pacifism towards a more assertive military stance. Kate Connolly, The Guardian’s Berlin correspondent, highlights the substantial investment in the military, described as a 'Zeitwende' or turning point for Germany, with aims to bolster security across Europe.

Initially announced in 2023 with a pledge of 100 billion euros for military spending and expected trillion investment over subsequent years, the campaign focuses on upgrading infrastructure and troop deployment, including a significant troop presence in Lithuania. However, the episode details the history of the German military being underfunded and perceived as a laughingstock due to past inefficiencies and skepticism from the public. There’s an ongoing effort to reshape the narrative around the military, encouraging a culture of 'Kriegstüchtig' or 'war readiness' among Germans, often blending visuals of soldiers performing community service to foster acceptance.

Amidst rising tensions with the United States, former Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that Germany must take responsibility for its defense role. However, there remains discomfort among the public about returning to militarization. There's a delicate balance for the government to convince citizens that increased military spending will not detract from social services and well-being. Future recruitment campaigns target youth with various incentives, while broader public sentiment reflects an awakening to security issues amid evolving global perspectives. Connolly highlights that past guilt related to militarism must be reconciled with a newly embraced responsibility for collective security as Germany navigates a politically charged landscape.