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Posts by : Bettina Vestring

Bettina Vestring
Author / 40 Posts
is a freelance journalist based in Berlin. She writes on foreign and security policy and EU affairs.
What Merkel Needs to Do to Save Her Chancellorship

Berlin Observer

After 13 years in power, Angela Merkel’s authority is crumbling.

Angela Merkel’s Coalition Squabbles Boost AfD

Berlin Observer

After weeks of quarreling, Germany’s coalition parties are hemorrhaging support.

Stumbling On

Berlin Observer

Merkel’s coalition has agreed a shaky compromise over a controversial spy chief.

Open Season

Berlin Observer

Is there a power struggle at the heart of Germany’s government?

Lessons from Chemnitz

Berlin Observer

Why right-wing extremism is particularly strong in Saxony.

The Flaws of the Merkel Method

Eye on Europe

The German chancellor has great tactical skills. But that’s not enough anymore to fend off populism and move Europe forward.

Faced with Trump, Merkel Turns to Europe

Eye on Europe

US President Donald Trump has no time for the EU or Angela Merkel. That’s one reason she’s finally talking about EU reform.

Waiting for Merkel

Eye on Europe

Italy’s new populist government is adding to Emmanuel Macron’s sense of urgency about EU and eurozone reform. Yet Angela Merkel is keeping her cards close to her chest.

The Price of Europe

Eye on Europe

Who will pay more? Who will receive less? The battle over the EU’s next budget will be brutal.

Paper Army

Berlin Policy Journal May/June 2018

Berlin wants to move toward a more integrated European defense policy. Given the sorry state of the Bundeswehr, this sounds hollow.

Mr. Franco-German

Berlin Observer

With his Saarland background Germany’s new foreign minister Heiko Maas will bring a much-needed Franco-German instinct to the table.

Go GroKo

Berlin Observer

With Germany’s new government finally in sight, Europe breathes a sigh of relief. It may prove a short respite.

Close-Up: Olaf Scholz

Berlin Policy Journal March/April 2018

The man from Hamburg is trim, self-confident, and highly ambitious—and he’s staying tight-lipped about his plans for the German finance ministry. His record as …

The Anti-Merkel

Berlin Observer

Watch out for Andrea Nahles, the SPD’s leader in the Bundestag.

Good News for Europe

Berlin Observer

Germany’s prospective government promises EU reform, setting out ambitious goals.

What a Mess!

Berlin Observer

Coalition talks in Berlin have failed, which might mean new elections.

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BERLIN POLICY JOURNAL is a bimonthly digital magazine on international affairs, edited in Germany’s capital and published by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). It is best read via our app – on GooglePlay and the Apple AppStore – on tablets and smart phones. Check out this website for previews, full-length articles, and current blog posts.

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+++ Jana Puglierin argues that the German defense debate is backsliding; Bastian Giegerich highlights the Bundeswehr’s three primary needs: will, money, and patience; foreign missions have improved Germany as a military partner, writes Carlo Masala; Matthew Tempest profiles Britain’s new foreign and Brexit secretaries, Jeremy Hunt and Dominic Raab respectively; Derek Scally explains the meaning of “Schwesterpartei” (Words Don’t Come Easy); Ulrike Franke on Germany and drones; and much more +++