Will young men and women step up to defend democracy in Germany? | DW News

[@FreeBayArea]

Will old men sit down for peace and not start wars they won't fight in?

[@a5cent]

Ask Putin.

[@Gumdropnipples]

No. No they will not.

[@andrewmueller23]

Seriously boomers. You're all a bit old to want to play Napoleon.

[@samexoldx]

All those old men fought in Vietnam Korea and WWII

[@Samirustem]

Its never that simple. We see europeans have not learned from past. Lessons last 2 or 3 generations and people start doing same things. Its just sad. Some things are just inevitable when countries go on a path to war. Most decisions that are made to starts wars start decades early and its too late to turn ship. Put did start war because he was not great leader. But it would have been hard to avoid this confrontation in general

[@akeeriksson84]

Sweden have been in war with Russia 32 times. Finland having been part of Sweden for 700years was lost to Russia in Swedens last war in 1809.

[@jurgen4466]

Finland is not lost to russia! Finland is a free democratic nation as is Ukraina and Sweden! Together with Nato and Ukraine we stand together! 💙💛💙💛💙💛

[@w.1.-du9gs]

@@jurgen4466 Of course Finland now is free and democratic. Before 1809 it was the eastern part of Kingdom of Sweden. After that - ”thanks” to agreement between Napoleon and Alexander I of Russia - it was autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland 1809-1917 with it’s own laws based on laws of Kingdom of Sweden. 1917 we ditched ruzzians out and became free and democratic state. 💛🩵💛🩵💛🩵

[@timothypeterson1903]

​@@jurgen4466not yet😂

[@arnovriends5873]

It was lost to Russia in 1809 till 1917 when it gained it's freedom from Russia as an independent nation. In 1939 the USSR under Stalin attacked Finland and after a very bloody WinterWar, in 1940 it was forced to give up land to the USSR. Then from 1941 to 1944 in the Continuation War it fought Russia to regain those lost territories, however it was no match for the USSR in the end and lost a few pieces more but remained independent. So yes you are right to a certain extent, and yes I'm glad Finland is independent and part of th EU, the EURO and a new partner of NATO.@@jurgen4466

[@arnovriends5873]

It would 100% be the last thing Russia would ever attempt.@@timothypeterson1903

[@lahy1060]

Freedom is Not free, it has to be defended and fought for it.

[@joexavier2287]

👨 are stopped dieing for liberal countries ,that is main problem That is why autocratic and conservatives countries ahead in military 🪖 numbers

[@MrLoobu]

Then why are we always fighting and never free lmfao.

[@SpazzyMcGee1337]

There is a hefty fee.

[@MonPeak]

100%

[@RS-rz9lw]

when you forced to defend it how is it freedom?

[@hansmarheim7620]

I am Norwegian. Anyone living in a democracy must receive military education . It is hard but it is worth it. Democracy is not a freeride. It is something worth fighting for. Even when it might cost your life. I made my conscription time during the height of the cold war. It was hard. But I have no regrets.

[@joexavier2287]

👨 are stopped dieing for liberal countries ,that is main problem That is why autocratic and conservatives countries ahead in military 🪖 numbers

[@hansmarheim7620]

@@joexavier2287 Can you explain that? In English?

[@Fannystark007]

As long as there are billionaires and companys not paying taxes - and for everyone else its just a race to the bottom... i recommend to not start a war.

[@josephshields2922]

No one should be conscripted to die for another country while the leaders of that country line their pockets with graft.

[@MrLoobu]

I don't see it anywhere.

[@SpazzyMcGee1337]

Sometimes I think Central/Eastern/Northern Europe have a better idea of what it takes to uphold democracy than America does.

[@everypitchcounts4875]

Sure 🤣🤣🤣

[@w.1.-du9gs]

Not sometimes, ALWAYS

[@eddgrs9193]

If by America, you mean the USA, that's not even considered a democracy, according to the UN standards.

[@stephenhill545]

​@@everypitchcounts4875they believe in democracy, America not so much.

[@henriikkak2091]

Sometimes? The Baltic countries are freer and more democratic than the United States now, and they liberated themselves under 40 years ago

[@Bvggerffpls]

I'm not an expert on German culture, but I studied alongside a whole cohort of gen Z Germans for a year. They were intelligent, idealistic, and well educated, but they were also a bit snobbish and completely pacifist. I have a feeling that most of them would decry military service as being beneath them and at odds with their utopian aspirations.

[@TommyV8898]

They dont want to die in a trench, while politicians and journalists sit in talk shows. That's a sign of true intelligence, education and idealism.

[@joexavier4070]

👨 are stopped dieing for liberal countries ,that is main problem That is why autocratic and conservatives countries ahead in military 🪖 numbers

[@joexavier2287]

​@@joexavier4070well said

[@joesoy9185]

Until 2011, all German men had to do National Service unless they could prove they were exempt on medical or moral grounds. Re-introducing conscription will run on the same lines if the Government decides to do it.

[@andrewmueller23]

That's literally what the boomers did when Vietnam was being fought.

[@Foxxxo]

Which democracy? Also, why don't our glorious elites go to the front line for their state and their government first?

[@nejihiashi]

They use pawns to do their bidding

[@VitoDepho]

The Swedish/Norwegian selective/limited conscription model is not the usual universal male conscription most people probably assume it is. Missed opportunity that they didn't discuss how it works differently.

[@Toasty27]

people might be willing fight to protect their family. their home. their country. Highly doubt they will for a abstract political idea, the definition of wich changes depending on how the gvt in power sees it. This concept did not turn out well in the past, and people have not forgotten.

[@lilestower]

Agree

[@petraravn5421]

Democracy isn't some "abstract political idea". It's real. It's palpable.

[@dannydenison6253]

​I'm certainly unwilling to defend it for the same people unwilling to call out the genocide in Gaza. Which is far more than palpable..​@@petraravn5421

[@konmoe121]

You mean an abstract idea like a special military operation?

[@timothypeterson1903]

​@@konmoe121ever noticed how many times democratic countries perform special military operations in all sorts of countries that they need to save and then leave them worse than when they came

[@starduck8014]

2024 and we're still at gorilla level

[@theroldan8013]

we = europe

[@AngelAlita84]

[@onedayagogo]

_Planet Of The Apes..._

[@eddgrs9193]

Why should it be any different ?

[@hansmarheim7620]

🤣🤣😁

[@TurboSnailAviator]

Finland is a great country-- an an incredible ally with SISU... But it isn't a part of Scandinavia... It's a Nordic country...as Iceland also is

[@michaellanoue9156]

Community service as an alternative to mandatory military service is a good compromise in providing an obligation to contribute to the society with which young people especially benefit.

[@Andy108953]

If you receive free education and healthcare that is provided by taxes then you can demand that a person put aside one year of their life as a conscript, to provide security towards that system who provided them the means of education and healthcare. It is pretty simple, you get something in return that you will defend the idea of democracy and your personal freedom.

[@konmoe121]

A huge FU to the trolls in the comments.

[@GarrettReynolds-nt4df]

Whos Democracy?

[@stephenhill545]

It's not a person, it's an idea.

[@FreeBayArea]

DO NOT COMPLY NO DRAFT NO WAR NO CENSORSHIP

[@Alan-y5v4z]

....BUT IF WAR COMES TO YOU DOOR STEP...LIKE IN UKRAINE....ARE YOU GOING TO RUN...OR STAY AND DEFEND YOUR FAMILY.....??

[@Christoph1888]

To defend democracy you actually need a government that believes in democracy. Not banning political parties u disagree with because they are "far right", a catch all for the left to justify using the state to shut down opposition.

[@TJ-hs1qm]

nationalists, fascists and democrats share the same ideology: the nation-state.

[@hypnokitten6450]

'Far right' is not a 'catch all' term. It is a fairly clearly defined ideology, with a checklist you can go through. And it is actively blocked and resisted by most nations because it inevitably, throughout all history and countries, leads to various versions of dictatorships and autocracies - which are the antithesis of democracy. And far-right parties know this more then anyone else - since the core talking-points is usually 'those other people are coming here to take away your way of life, and it is your duty to stop them!'. Well, given that far-right parties are a minority group that's trying to take away the way of life of the majority, usually through lies, intimidation, and manipulation.... *shrug* Guess the countries are just living up to the far-right ideals by blocking the far-right extremists

[@rojassoul]

Will OLD men and wome step up to defend democracy? Will they pay up if they dont go to war? Older generations and homeowners, landowners should pay if they want young people to defend

[@thamor4746]

I don't think Germany needs to worry that much having too well equipped arctic regiments, Nordic countries can handle the arctic mainly. What most of us want from Germany is strong basic military that can support East Europe and we should already be supporting Ukraine even more. Currently Germany in event of war feels like it couldn't do anything for the first 2 years of NATO war and other countries would pull their weight. Not a good look for a country that is said to be most economically rich compared to others.

[@Fannystark007]

We are just have feeding billionaires - that does not make us rich.

[@saarinmaki]

German forces are needed in the Arctic also. They have exercised in the high north for many years . Their contribution is highly valued. Germany is is Europe's most populous country and have the capability to be at more than one place.

[@stephenhill545]

​@@Fannystark007the average salary is pretty decent.

[@calebr6747]

I hope they won’t. Young people need to stop dying for decaying old boomers and their wars.

[@eddgrs9193]

You should call Putin and tell him that.

[@iam5085]

Just surrender to Putin, or move to there. One defends his family, property and friends - money has a meaning only when you are paid by Kremlin.

[@dapflumpf8394]

Let's be honest. Why should the younger generation give something back? We left them with a dilapidated school system, economy, infstructure etc. Yes the standard is high in comparision but is declining nonetheless. The older german generations cry because the young dont wanna participate in a system thats playing against them. Change is eating the old and they can't cope with it. If we took more care of our children and the things around us they probaply would be more willing to fight for it.

[@chrisrobert5252]

In 1940, when most Russians distrusted Stalin and the Bolsheviks, all Stalin had to say was: "I need you to defend the Motherland", and millions of Russians rushed to the recruitment centres.

[@RS-rz9lw]

Being _forced_ to defend freedom. Wow.

[@Chris-pf8by]

I know, it is hard to take in. We thought there could be no war again but here we are, and authoritarian states would love to see liberal democracies being replaced by what they represent. Pacifistic values simply do not work if the antagonists are ramping up their military capabilities.

[@scratchy996]

@@Chris-pf8by ">We thought there could be no war again " - How can you think something that naive ? As long as there are humans, there will be war.

[@theshadowman1398]

@@Chris-pf8by You thought there would be no more war. Oh so what was Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Afghanistan and Iraq then ( and Yugoslavia, Syria ) ? Or don’t those count because US started them ?

[@scottkrater2131]

​@@theshadowman1398 Korea, and Vietnam are ancient history of the cold war. Grenada a war? That's a joke right? Afghanistan was started by people sheltered by the Taliban government, not the US, and even Russia supported it. Neither Yugoslavia or Syria were begun by the US. Maybe Iraq, but I consider it the conclusion of the first gulf war. Justified to remove a criminal regime. No more wars relate to Russia starting another major war in Europe.

[@henriikkak2091]

Who's forced? 83% Finns want to defend their country

[@hantykje3005]

Perhaps it is worth remembering for especially younger Germans today, that most German men age 50+ have done national service either in the National Volksarmee, or Bundeswehr during the cold war?

[@virendrasinhbhosale7605]

DW deletes comments. Where is freedom of expression and where is freedom of expression. Is it democracy?😢

[@timmy-wj2hc]

It's google

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Then google is the enemy of democracy. Do they sanctioned in Germany?@@timmy-wj2hc

[@eptx830]

It was KZbin

[@Yuusou.]

if you've shared a link, then it's KZbin simply deleting it.

[@josephshields2922]

I think it also depends on the site. I notice i can say the same thing on a different site.@@eptx830

[@elitemk6]

Germany is immune to stop making mistakes

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Well, if we live in a democracy, then I dont think your parties should do this behind the back of the citizens, as far as I remember none of them offered conscritpion in their respective election promises, so the parties definitely dont represent their oppinion on this matter. Have a referendum where people decide instead of forcing your will like an authoritarian regime does, otherwise you are no better than Putin and his conscription rounds.

[@ernstschwaig4667]

The majority of voters are unable to understand the meaning of this long term developments.

[@andreasstuermer4946]

Then the majority has decided

[@andreasstuermer4946]

​​@@ernstschwaig4667either we live in a democracy or we don't.. You can't just cherrypick aspects from democracy and mix in dictatorship stuff as you like

[@ernstschwaig4667]

@@andreasstuermer4946 Russians has no vote at all. In the West at least the voters are heard.

[@KiraNt4]

@@ernstschwaig4667 It's dictatorship talking

[@Kap-xu6nx]

Send the immigrants first

[@stephenhill545]

Are you afraid of combat?

[@kazuyalkazzy]

Excellent episode. The interview went very smooth. I watched it twice.

[@realnapster1522]

You mean cannon fodder for pointless wars? No!

[@xYarbx]

if you like Russian rule so much you can already move there just fyi

[@ИванПанкратов-н9л]

​@@xYarbxObviously you like so much the rule of Blackrock to die for its interests in the war with Russia. You can go to Ukraine to get a free sample.

[@theroldan8013]

russian law lol russia is gonna inavde spain......................@@xYarbx

[@KiraNt4]

@@xYarbx Russia doesn't want to fight with EU, it wants to trade. It's EU politicians who want to fight.

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

@@KiraNt4 and you would take exactly who's word for that? Maybe putler's? The guy that said they weren't invading Ukraine either? Lets get real here, shall we.

[@rbob4931]

Truly terrible camera work, non stop weaving and shaking. Very distracting.

[@ChaChaChief]

You can be prosecuted for wrong think in Germany, The people need moral and patriotism

[@vladsol4559]

1. Ukrainian shops and supermarkets are full of polish good for years. Nobody ever blocked anything. 2. Ukraininan crops are already banned in Poland. 3. Russian and Belorussian crops are imported without any protest, nothing is blocker, no problems for Polish farmers.

[@thamor4746]

Actually Putler bot Latvia just blocked all trade from Belorus so maybe update your information lies.

[@Mitiku-mp7kv]

😂😂

[@infiniteloopcounter9444]

Nothing says democracy quite like forced military service. The Germans could then use the skills they learn to defend democracy in a country without elections, freedom of movement, and forced conscription. As they would be more enlightened they could bring the women into war too!

[@andreasstuermer4946]

I don't think the young generation is motivated enough to lay down their lives in a war

[@eddgrs9193]

that's why they need training.

[@KiraNt4]

@@eddgrs9193 you mean, they need brainwashing?

[@hypnokitten6450]

I mean, they will get there one way or another. Either they'll get motivated and train, and hopefully deter a war. Or they will sit back and wait there turn for war to show up at their doorstep when Putin isn't stopped or deterred. The situation will end up the same, its just a question of whether or not they'll have body-armor when it happens, and if they will be next to their loved ones when the rockets come, or if their loved ones will be safely back a few countries away.

[@uniqloboi9800]

How about lessen the income tax for the lower income

[@distrologic2925]

I am 25 and I have never in my life been asked to join an organised effort to support my country. Whether social work or serving in the army, the only option always seemed to be to get an extensive education and work in the free economy, where you pay loads of taxes of course. Germany is suffocating itself.

[@soton5teve]

Citizens Army?

[@happymelon7129]

😅How it is a democracy when the leader need to report to other country

[@iam5085]

Bot.

[@samyadeepsengupta460]

Young men and women must step up efforts to promote DEMOCRACY in Germany in particular and Europe in general.

[@wonderman7788]

The rich should steps up to defend democracy.. because their wealth is secured only in democracy society

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, DW News.

[@aston0708]

Democracy or Oligarchy?

[@JoseSantos-xh9mp]

democracy? What democracy? Bourgoise democracie?

[@justsayen2024]

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

[@dementeduncle]

unwahrscheinlich

[@temptemp4174]

"Unlikely" has less letters, you can use that word instead, a gift from english.

[@silafaupaulmeredith7251]

The problem with democracy is the lack of accountability. Just look at the US a choice between Biden and Trump out of 345 million population Please explain how is that a democracy?

[@everypitchcounts4875]

Constitutional Republic

[@WingkKong]

​@@everypitchcounts4875the Rich control everything

[@stephenhill545]

It is a democracy. The parties represent different interests in us society. And bad presidents are removable peacefully.

[@silafaupaulmeredith7251]

@@stephenhill545 Can you honestly say you have a choice between Biden and Trump. Do you think JFK Jr has a chance? You only have 2 choices. They are 2 sides of the same backside. Look at Bernie Sanders and the last election. You only think you have a choice but you really don't. You have no real accountability. Mandeline Albright the cost of 500 thousand Iraqi children killed and she said Yes. Wow

[@WingkKong]

@@stephenhill545 the rich control all the party

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Why is it the problem of Germany, that Norway dont have enough snowmobiles? Last time I checked they are twice as rich as Germans, they should buy them. Oh BTW they arent even in the EU.

[@kenzovich9225]

Well, after the last poll in Austria about the youth's willingness to defend the country we can safeley say that you can flush it down the toilet. Only 14% would do it when asked. Granted, Austria is not part of NATO and claims neutrality, but it's still part of PfP(Partnership for Peace) and EAPC(Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council) which are NATO associated programs. We also use military conscription for young men who reach adulthood since 1955, but since we also provide the option of community service after 1975, we find more men chosing the latter. Because of that, i wouldn't think that military conscription alone would actually increase the willingness to defend one's own country and believe that the real cause of the decline lies in society. Men became more violant towards women but much more scared of war. I think what we really need is to teach men what it means to be a man, respect women, protect the weak and bring value to society. Because no matter at which part of the political spectrum you look at, you can find anti-social men who behave like ignorant little boys.

[@LibaneseGurl]

And they are surprised that Russia want to react to all of this???

[@gardencity3558]

To Russia I'd suggest, maybe don't go around invading your neighbors and they won't take up arms against you? Just an idea.

[@hypnokitten6450]

Russia triggered all of this, it doesn't get to say it is 'reacting' to anything. Its like saying "That guy punched that woman over there, she slapped him, are they surprised he is reacting to her slap"

[@nainmartinez838]

No

[@ce2167-n1t]

They are so patriotic to defend themselves that they choose to seek protection from the USA.

[@scepticalwalker3984]

The US benefits from the alliance too. They are not there for charity or altruism

[@sleepy_dobe]

If you live within a community, you not only reap and enjoy its benefits, you also have to contribute to the community's development and security. If you want to enjoy all your individual rights without having to contribute anything, then go live on an uninhabited island all by yourself.

[@TheMonkeybg]

I'm sure Heinrich Himmler sounded the same way 😂

[@TheMonkeybg]

@@icu17siberia i mean by appearance

[@scepticalwalker3984]

No he sounded more like Putler’s parrots in russian state tv.

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

The larger question is whether they have the bravery to defend their own lives, much less a political philosophy.

[@TravisArthurParishT.A.P]

They need to make the height requirement 6 foot minimum if they are to bring back conscription.

[@herekitty791]

Manipulative language. It's young -people- men who defend Ukraine and every other country

[@weird-guy]

Conscription will only make things worse imo, we a loneliness and depression epidemic, if you give people a reason to fight for we will fight otherwise we will catch a plane to Latin America,Oceania ect

[@ernstschwaig4667]

Really, Latin America??

[@suburbanhousewife40]

Excellent interview.

[@SolomonSunder]

Will the feminists also be sent as cannon fodder? Or will they suddenly get "motherly/sisterly" roles with a handful on the front?

[@topdum78]

"Democracy" in Germany? Where?? Im serious.

[@Christoph1888]

Completely agree. They use the state and the left wing media to go after opposition, how is that democratic

[@Dani-mw2ws]

Go In Russia, there you can find "Democracy"

[@topdum78]

@@Dani-mw2ws the difference is that in Russia they are quite open about not having any democracy.....in Germany they lie about having it.

[@petrasanskaitis7091]

Lol democracy??? This so "called" democratic system almost wants to ban a party that is diverging from the "correct" narrative, about what democracy we are talking about 😂😂😂😂

[@Mindartcreativity]

Men and WOMEN! Yes, let the feminists fight!

[@theshadowman1398]

I will walk over to the Russian side

[@minyaw1234]

No I won't - just look at some combat footage from Ukraine. No way I'm going to get myself into something like that. And Germany isn't really patriotic to begin with. If our own government isn't patriotic, who tf would than die for that country if its own politicians mock it?

[@jzno]

Hahaha! Is this a f*cking JOKE???

[@sirebica]

It is not, these are crazy, I'm very worried.

[@matteusvirtanen392]

About what?

[@sirebica]

@@matteusvirtanen392 war?

[@iam5085]

Germanny should man up, where are all the men?

[@SolomonSunder]

​@@iam5085The men want the feminists to be shown equality first in the form of cannon fodder. You go girl! Any more slogans I missed?

[@Armat-72]

Defend Miss Germany “24” ?

[@mikaseppanen1632]

Maybe Dads/Garand Fathers Tell them a Story of REAL Life..And Teach them Real History...To Be Fighter is Nothing to Be Shamed of..If you fight For EUROPE.?

[@liar-liar]

They rather defend Israel

[@bierfuerall]

yes, Germany should take an example of nordic countries, politicians that actually work, are less corrupt, not free handouts for incompetent politicians

[@davidcerullo7976]

The Israelis have mandatory conscription of its citizens male and female 😂 Stalin had women in his army during WW2. Some of them were highly decorated snipers and pilots 😂

[@wamnicho]

And look what it did to Russia’s demographics. Without that war, Russia would have 500 million people today instead of 140 million, and Stalin also compounded the problem by murdering 40 million of his own citizens

[@doppelganger9254]

Lmao democracy

[@samueljr.2026]

a minute of silence for the end of time

[@Shamansdurx]

Brevik is from Norway.

[@stephenhill545]

So what? There are nutjobs everywhere.

[@Shamansdurx]

@@stephenhill545 Martha and Shaman are next rulers of Norway

[@margritpiepes8242]

So what happens if Germany puts in the Draft??

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

People get drafted?

[@margritpiepes8242]

That is a good Question. Are the young women and men ready or able to defend their German Country ??? Are they able to hold a Rifle if needed without putting their Handy down ??!!😆

[@liar-liar]

They prefer defending idf

[@TauNomm]

defending Israel. there wasnt support to IDF.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

Erh...so danish ♀s fight for Denmark? NOPE!

[@nusaibahibraheem8183]

6:29 How is a country with a different system threatening you? What does other countries with different systems have to do with your army? 😂Delusional warmongers.

[@RomanoBrumini-px2ze]

KEEP DOING YOUR WORK FOR PEOPLE NOT POLITICS INTERISTS

[@aktionunkraut5809]

check both your keyboard and your wording bro

[@texasgermancowgirl]

Man I just want to get married and have kids with my boyfriend who’s German. But I understand the education piece. Either way prepared is the best but still

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

Obligations and responsibilities. Can't have one without the other.

[@staspastukov5944]

The EU's problems are not about Ukraine and the Russian Federation, but about the European Parliament and the European Commission.

[@staspastukov5944]

You turned the OSCE institution into the European Parliament. This means that the European Commission and the European Parliament are not structured correctly. It is possible that this is a large part of the reason for the war in Ukraine, perhaps in Gaza.

[@hilltop521]

Finland and Sweden are amazing countries from a military point of view

[@Bigworm007]

Defend democracy😂😂😂

[@gigachadsitler]

As a man from Europe, i think Desi Boyz are strong and intelligent 🧠 , Desi boyz should join NATO military for betterment of European people. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🤝🇩🇪

[@joexavier4070]

Desi boys means south asians

[@MrLoobu]

Not enoigh left in the country.

[@hangender]

Germany too soft to protect snything

[@IbnBahtuta]

When you say "step", from your history I guess you mean goosestep, right?

[@stinkymccheese8010]

An open debate that is over due in the US.

[@sumdude4281]

People want a free ride. They want freedom and they want a say in their government but they don't want to work for it. They want someone else to do that.

[@adamscott217]

Tony Blair loves democracy

[@marypatriciawarming4548]

It's because they're used to the USA defending them, our tax dollars

[@WingkKong]

Usa defend their own interest

[@galanis38]

After the dissolution of the USSR and its Warsaw Pact bloc, NATO evolved from a defensive organization to an expansionist, aggressive,offensive behemoth bent on preserving and increasing Western and most specifically American political, military, and economic hegemony over a wide area way beyond its original mandate, along with feeding the coffers of a huge military-industrial complex. And so it engaged in and to very significant degree provoked destructive war after war -- Yugoslavia first, later Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Georgia, and now Ukraine. Now there is talk of NATO expanding its activities to East Asia. All this has little to do with defending democracy.

[@WingkKong]

Democracy is a system control by the rich Nothing special

[@joexavier4070]

Re post

[@timothypeterson1903]

Not likely the younger generations are weak 😂

[@salsanchez2114]

Johannes Arlt is quite impressive for a European. He sounds reasonable and has some peacetime military experience. But his goals are likely going to be unrealized for three reasons: I. Improving Germany's military readiness requires more spending; most Germans will not sacrifice infrastructure improvements, health care, education, and other social programs to fund adequately the military, especially when it comes to very expensive kit such as stealth war planes and ships. In 2014 Germany and other NATO countries promised to spend 2% of GDP on military spending. Germany and the vast majority of NATO countries have never made an honest attempt to meet this goal because of domestic political pressures. II. Herr Arlt's view is much too narrow. Iran, North Korea, and China all pose existential threats to Germany, but his focus is solely on Russia. Germany depends upon sourcing global energy and exporting to the world, but Germany will not spend sufficiently to defend against key threats in either the Middle-East or Asia. III. He is blind to the expanded NATO paradox and Russia. As NATO has grown larger, Russia has responded by improving their nuclear, biological, chemical, and space capabilities. NATO mostly envisions a conventional war. Russia realizes that it could not win a conventional war against NATO. Thus, in response, Russia is preparing for a war using means for which NATO has few, if any capabilities. For example, Russia has at least a 1,000 tactical nuclear weapons which could completely annihilate any concentrated NATO force; NATO does not have a deterrent for this threat, nor does it generally have the effective civil defense which Russia, North Korea, and China have to protect key individuals and industries from nuclear fall out. In sum, Herr Arlt is a nice guy and means well, but his plan, even if implemented, would be virtually useless given the global threats facing Germany and the rest of NATO.

[@bullerfnis1961]

We want freedom to choose….. we don’t want to fight for our freedom! Daaaaa,……

[@KiraNt4]

@@icu17siberia Do you mean EU unelected rulers?

[@乃-v8g]

If you have to fight, fight for yourself, your community that exist over the world. Fight against all the power including your "country." I don't see any points in "state v. state" war.

[@Matthew-rp3jf]

Glad to see Europeans prioritizing defense.

[@FieldDay-cj3tv]

What a joke

[@davidthompson6636]

North Korea is a democracy South Korea is a republic It’s in their name

[@matijalovrin-tikec8168]

germani ken lrning fajtin in 2ww atak germani italijani in slovenija vet 1 miljon and 500 people vas fajting partizan 3 jears and 6 mant vin var no help from ameriken or rasjan