Confronting Putin and Trump: Steinmeier's Speech is Brash - But Necessary and Uncompromising
Steinmeier's address packs a punch - its urgency matched by its bitterness
An Opinion Piece by Sebastian Huld
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It was primarily the USA and the Soviet Union that defeated Nazi Germany. Eight decades later, Washington and Moscow are jeopardizing the security-ensuring world order, according to Federal President Steinmeier on the anniversary of the end of the war. That's a striking declaration.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lectures Russia and the USA on peace and democracy, of all days, on the day of remembrance for the 60 million dead of World War II in Europe. In 1939, the Germans started the most devastating war in history on their own. Eighty years ago today, it ended. Can the German head of state scold the governments of the former allies on such a day? That's quite a gambit. But the German head of state feels compelled to do so: The haunting specters of war are once more gathering at Europe's doorstep, and their pounding is growing louder.
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Steinmeier does not, in any way, trivialize the horrors of World War II and those responsible for it in his speech to the German Bundestag. It was the Germans - and they took a long time to acknowledge their responsibility and draw the right lessons from what their parents and grandparents had done. And even if it was only through looking away and ducking under the Nazi regime. And yet, this confrontation with its own history has proven to be a gift: Germany has, in many small steps, shaken off its tradition of authoritarianism and racial hatred, which goes back to the imperial era, after World War II.
Endangered Achievements
Germany has never been as open to the world, as pluralistic, as democratic from within, and as good with its European neighbors as it was in the decades around the turn of the millennium. But what was won after the war is back on the brink 80 years later: peace, freedom, the rule of law, and prosperity. This danger comes mainly from three forces: the militaristic imperialist Vladimir Putin, the recalcitrant Donald Trump, and the right-wing populist movements in Europe that are gaining traction. And not by chance, these forces are exchanging favors like communicating vessels.
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No one knows today whether the American society will have the inner strength to shake off the authoritarian tendencies at its helm again. Unlike Germany in the 30s and 40s, the United States at least has a long democratic tradition to draw on. In Russia, there is nothing comparable: it was a dictatorship from the Tsar to Putin, interrupted by a few chaotic years in which democracy mainly meant economic instability.
It is not Germany's task to liberate these nations from the outside, as the allies did with the Germans. But while the protection by the USA is waning, war with Russia is no longer just theory. The descendants of Hitler Germany must take care of themselves and their democracy. That's neither pleasant nor easy.
Steinmeier's speech, despite its length, has several blind spots: such as Germany's unwavering support for Israel while Benjamin Netanyahu's increasingly extremist government continues to commit crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Or Germany's relationship with NATO member Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suppresses human rights but is needed as a bulwark against refugees. Or Germany's economically driven dealings with the ruthless rulers in Beijing. The list goes on. And it remains the case: As Chancellor's Office Minister and Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier had brushed off any warnings about Putin's true intentions.
Steinmeier, in his speech, challenges both Trump and Putin. Trump's perceived disinterest in preserving the transatlantic relationship, and Putin's dangerously aggressive behavior, pose immense threats to the stability of Europe and the world. Steinmeier's call for increased German and European defense is a response to these threats. It appears that he sees Germany's role as not just to defend itself, but to take the lead in fostering peace and democracy amid a world increasingly ruled by tyranny and authoritarianism.
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On this 80th anniversary of World War II remembrance, much remains unsaid in the Bundestag that should be said if it's about Germany's role in promoting peace and democracy in the world. But nothing improves if Germany also falls prey to historical amnesia, if Germany also seeks its fortune in nationalism and the principle of leadership out of pure overload with the complexity of all existence.
Remembrance remains fundamental. Speaking and stating what is, remains fundamental. Frank-Walter Steinmeier has done this in one of the stronger speeches of his term. Those who may disagree: please do! Germany is free and democratic - unfortunately without a lifetime guarantee.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
- Steinmeier's Speech in Context: Steinmeier's speech highlights the risks posed by Putin, Trump, and right-wing populists to peace, democracy, and prosperity in Europe. He emphasizes the need for a united, strong, and active Europe to counter these threats.
Russia:
- Steinmeier's Stance: Steinmeier has shown a firm stance against Russian aggression, especially in Ukraine. He believes that Europe's security landscape has been fundamentally altered by Russia's actions and that the previous security order is no longer viable[1][2][5].
United States:
- Steinmeier's Concerns: Steinmeier's speech indicates growing concern about the US focus shifting away from European security, placing a greater burden on European allies[2][3][5].
Right-Wing Populist Movements:
- Steinmeier's Implied Views: Steinmeier's call for a robust European defense and his condemnation of authoritarian tendencies may suggest a concern about the increasing political fragmentation in Europe.
Impact on Europe:
- Peace: Steinmeier believes that a strong and well-equipped Europe is essential for deterrence and maintaining peace[1][2][5].
- Freedom: A strong, united Europe is necessary for protecting the freedom and sovereignty of European states, particularly in the face of Russian aggression[1][2][3].
- Prosperity: European stability underpins economic prosperity. Steinmeier's approach aims to create a stable environment conducive to economic growth and integration[1][2][3].
- The European Union is committed to upholding peace, freedom, the rule of law, and prosperity, as Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal President of Germany, emphasized in his speech during the commemoration of World War II.
- Steinmeier, in his speech, explicitly criticized Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, for his militaristic imperialist tendencies, which pose a significant threat to Europe's security.
- In addition to Putin, Steinmeier also expressed concern about Donald Trump's disregard for the transatlantic relationship and the rise of right-wing populist movements in Europe.
- Given the increasing danger from these forces, the European Union might consider strengthening its own defense capabilities, as suggested by Steinmeier, in order to maintain its commitment to peace and democracy in the face of external and internal challenges.
