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
28 Episodes
20 – 28

250 Years of USA: Where Germany needs to pivot now

As the United States marks 250 years of independence, Germany is confronting an uncomfortable question: can it still rely on its most important ally? Former German ambassador to Washington Emily Haber joins DW's Nina Haase to discuss the future of transatlantic relations and how Europe may have to forge new…
3 Jul 36 min

NATO under pressure: Can Germany be the European leader?

In this Berlin Briefing special from the Global Media Forum, DW’s Nina Haase and Max Hofmann are joined by NATO expert Gerlinde Niehus and Maximilian Mayer from the University of Bonn to discuss: where does Germany hold real leverage and how can it help Europe become a strategic power?
26 Jun 31 min

Rewriting the past? Inside the AfD's history agenda

Berlin Briefing looks at how Germany remembers the Holocaust and why it's being targeted by the far-right AfD. Björn Höcke rejects German collective guilt, blaming only the Nazi dictatorship. With Melanie Amann, author of "Fear for Germany: The truth about the AfD" and social scientist Jakob Schergaut, host Michaela Küfner…
19 Jun 36 min

World Cup 2026: Can Germany’s football team save the government?

As the World Cup kicks off, pundits in Germany are asking: Could success on the pitch help the coalition bounce back? In Berlin Briefing, host Max Hofmann discusses with DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, sports and politics expert Florian Bauer, and DW sports reporter Jonathan Harding whether this is…
12 Jun 35 min

Inside Germany's big UN defeat

Germany just suffered one of its biggest diplomatic setbacks in decades: losing a UN Security Council seat it thought was practically guaranteed. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, host Nina Haase and her guests, DW's Max Hofmann and UN expert Myriel Marthez, take you inside the vote, inside the backroom…
5 Jun 34 min

Will Germany stand up to the big tech bros?

Berlin Briefing host Michaela Küfner unpacks the Pope's call for responsible AI regulation and asks what Germany’s plans are to avoid a sell-out to big tech interests. She is joined by tech regulation expert Matthias Kettemann from the Leibniz Institute for Media Research and DW's tech policy correspondent Maximiliane Koschyk.
29 May 34 min

What the AfD would do in power

The AfD is surging in the polls - in some regions, it's way out in front of Germany’s traditional parties. But despite record support, the far-right party still has almost no real executive power. Why is that? And could that soon change? In this episode host Max Hofmann discusses with…
22 May 42 min

Putin’s Contradictions: Attack Ukraine, Talk Deals, Propose Schröder

As Russia launches a fresh wave of attacks across Ukraine and the Kremlin signals it could pursue economic deals with the United States — under certain conditions — Vladimir Putin is also floating a controversial idea: former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator for Europe. In this episode, host…
15 May 28 min
20 – 28