Wolfgang Streeck: The end of the German empire

[@tudorarter1527]

Excellent presentation by the professor, so lucid and informative. If only the BBC and other so-called mainstream media could offer interviews as good as this!

[@rocketpig1914]

They are lost. And their demise mirrors that of those that govern us, like the same weight is pulling both down.

[@waynzignordics]

It's not that they can't, they won't because it's counter to their agenda. The mainstream media isn't incompetent, it's corrupt.

[@5eA5]

yeah, also the haircut. Is this a joke, i presume? I mean the whole broadcast.

[@MrDonkov]

No, you will not hear this from the state owned propaganda branch.

[@Tracertme]

That would assume the BBC employ journalists, unfortunately they only employ reports who replicate noise.

[@johnawakening9908]

What a lovely man Wolfgang Streeck is. A straight thinker and a human! Good job Freedie! ;-)

[@FrankTheThinkTank]

In German mainstream media, public or private, they would never let him say, what he said here. Awesome Conversation, thank you very much.

[@jccusell]

Really? Why?

[@FrankTheThinkTank]

@@jccusell Because Germany is an occupied country. Airbase Rammstein is essential for NATO Warfare in middle east and eastern Europe. Most Germans want Germany to be neutral, like Switzerland but this would be the end for Airbase Rammstein and the other US Army Bases here. We despise any war, it destroyed our Country and wealth twice in the last 100 years. There is a reason, why Germans never been asked if they want to join the EU or the adapt the Euro as their currency. All top down decisions.

[@psycharol]

It is sad that " we the people,' can be silenced by those we elected to lead us. Time for a "let them eat cake moment" maybe?

[@wtf83689]

​ @Bildung bremst Bro! It is childish to dream about non-military neutral country that geographically deals with military focused "partner". It is even more childish to be in a military block, but have no real army though... But you are correct, as long as Europe will not be able to secure itself independently, it will be forced into Pax Americana or Russkij Mir. With all the consequences.

[@FrankTheThinkTank]

@@psycharol "..I stand with Ukraine, no matter what my German voters think." Annalena Baerbock, German Minister of foreign affairs German public and private "Factcheckers" call everyone, who dares to call her out on that quote, a "Putin Propagandist"

[@TheStickinator]

You Germans need to do something about Klaus Schwab and us Americans need to do something about Bill Gates.

[@ashfield1425]

You have much bigger and wider problems from the CIA, FBI, career politicians, Koch brothers, Soros. All of which are intertwined with the elites across the EU which is also a huge problem.

[@ruevarennes]

What could Germans possibly do about Schwab? He lives in Switzerland and the majority of Germans probably don't even know who he is.

[@zenden6564]

@@ruevarennes indeed one of original Swiss Gnomes who cleverly made a nice business model out the WEF and World domination. He'd be a natural for a Bond villian. And I don't think Gates is much respected in the USA these days, his halo has fallen.

[@sylviaemberton6489]

@@zenden6564 If he isn't respected he will enact even more evil plans. He has to win and he enjoys inflicting pain. Look at his smerk when he says to Belinda that monkey pox didn't get attention 'but they will notice the next one' which he said is due in 2025.

[@keithsewell8389]

Many thanks for a lucid and informed discussion. Thank you Prof. Streeck and Unheard -- well done.

[@yousseflahbabi3842]

As always, a quality interview with ideas you wouldnt hear somewhere else. Always a pleasure to watch these videos

[@saltburner2]

This reinforces my view that it was - on balance - wise and necessary for the UK to leave the EU.

[@violin-schwerin]

I reluctantly and with a heavy heart have to agree. the eu seems terminally inadequate

[@aceofswords1725]

Airstrip One...

[@henrylicious]

@@violin-schwerin It's what happens when you centralize authority. The parts of the EU that work can be accomplished with trade treaties. Don't need a litany of bureaucrats sucking up resources.

[@violin-schwerin]

@@henrylicious not just centralized, but self-serving. I also do not feel the best people are being brought to the top, which we would dearly need now

[@henrylicious]

@@violin-schwerin I strongly agree. It was always going to be an enormous task to organize a political union with countries who were at war with each other 120 years ago.

[@fraserbailey6347]

10 minutes in and nothing that we haven't all known for a long time. That said, one has to admire Herr Streeck for having been critical of Merkel while everyone else thought she was wonderful. That makes two of us.

[@the-quintessenz]

40:25 is his most relevant statement.

[@Sokrabiades]

Ten minutes into anything will suffer from this problem. When I read your comment, I hear the comic book shop owner from the Simpsons.

[@anonnemo2504]

Sadly, so many of Prof. Streeck's prognostications, particularly those regarding the EU and Germany seem destined to become true. A brilliant interview, however, and so refreshing to hear such serious subjects discussed in measured tones. Not just under Merkel; for too long, Germany under contributed to its defence whilst enjoying the protection of NATO, and over contributed to Putin's war chest. Germany needs to take a long, hard look at itself.

[@frankknight7968]

we all know and have heard....but Prof Streeck puts it from a German perspective and joins up the dots. it's catalytic.

[@constantined9015]

Add to that 10 million Greeks :-D

[@ianbanks7163]

Many thanks to all involved in this production for a very interesting and informative listen and the wonderful way you actually allow people time to think and talk . These days that's priceless .

[@BN-hk6wf]

Emily - ‘impartial’ - Matlis could learn a lot from this channel?

[@NorfolkSceptic]

@@BN-hk6wf I am not so sure :)

[@violin-schwerin]

excellent programme! Germany has pursued a very flawed policy for at least 20 years, the cost of which has now come to roost.

[@cluckycluck3053]

So has the US. They have failed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya. They have an anti-Russian sentiment and have contributed to make Russia isolated and dangerous.

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

Of course - exactly as intended by the wannabe kingruler globalist puppet masters - they have been working for decades at destroying all of what is good for humans in- and about Western societies -

[@anonnemo2504]

Yes, for too long, Germany under contributed to its defence whilst enjoying the protection of NATO, and over contributed to Putin's war chest. Germany needs to take a long, hard look at itself.

[@katmag8]

you can say that again. I never understood Merkel's appeal: complacent, swep every argument under the carpet, stabbed her party boss and mentor Kohl in the back to replace him and collaborated with the Stasi (EastGerman secret police) back in the day. Yeah, what's not to like about her.

[@bighands69]

There is nothing really stopping Russia from Rolling into the rest of Europe.

[@elzbietamayers1878]

Huge thanks to Freddie or interviewing this extremely wise, intelligent and impartial ( quality almost completely absent now days ) professor. Absolutely exceptional content! This should be mandatory viewing for anybody who genuinely desires to understand what the world is all about in our current very worrying times.

[@geraldsmith500]

0

[@anonnemo2504]

Sadly, so much of Prof. Streeck's prognostications, particularly those regarding the EU and Germany seem destined to become true. A brilliant interview, however, and so refreshing to hear such serious subjects discussed in measured tones.

[@thewrightoknow]

This is an excellent interview. These interviews are why I pay for UnHerd every year!

[@superdeluxesmell]

A fascinating analysis.

[@edwardwelles2380]

Thanks!

[@advocate1563]

I like this chap. He's direct and has a clear narrative. You don't have to agree with it but I was struck listening to how rare coherence is in the public square.

[@tonios3]

Loved this chat with Prof. Wolfgang, would like to see him again in the show

[@sbaumgartner9848]

Thank you Freddie for having Professor Streeck on your program. I'm now interested in hearing more on his thinking. I'd have liked to hear Prof. Streeck's opinion on how the Syrian refugees are now doing in Germany, and how they might fare if Germany experiences more challenges. Freddie - I'd also like you to interview other people who can speak on the challenges other European countries are facing. e.g. The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, eastern regions, etc.etc.

[@KarlDMarx]

or the Ukrainian refugees ...

[@remix-yy1hs]

Maybe he should speak about the us stealing Syrian oil. Why don't germaby sanction the us if they are honest people?

[@doroparker1702]

They are no refugees, it is mass emigration to destroy Germany. Economy is dying and none of those refugees gives a damn. They are busy raping 13 year old schoolgirls.

[@mxzyk6150]

Knowledgeable guy, it is a pleasure to listen to him.

[@RustyCohle]

Hopefully sanity and rationality will prevail over ideology. Europe needs a new leadership class.

[@mldb13]

Pure common sense that a lot of fools will disregard as negativism or being too pessimistic... You don't need to be a geopolitical analyst to see what's happening in front of our eyes, but it's refreshing (albeit also alarming and terrifying) to hear prestigious analysts spelling out the obvious. Thank you for interviewing him. The question is, how do we stop this madness our "representatives" are pulling us into....? Praying alone, I think, will not be enough...

[@ebflegg]

Organise politically for European countries to uncouple from US foreign policy and NATO, and join the non-aligned movement.

[@ultimaratio7373]

I guess the answer is to abandon Ukraine. We must accept Putinism, and become vassal states of Russia and China.

[@jameshazelwood9433]

@@ebflegg excellent point but ungluing from the USA is a long way off I feel

[@phantompanther648]

Bellwethers need to be established. Social Platform unbeholden to Corporations. Simple idea. ( U.S. lntell will erect a post beneath your bed , should you attempt such )

[@jeremybray9586]

Thanks for presenting Wolfgang Streeck to us. Great discussion.

[@fredbelsberg3213]

Extremely interesting!

[@aminta1solan2]

Very good to hear a voice of real “common sense “ information. Ja, I believe he is very right about what is happening. 🇳🇴

[@billyreddy9359]

Really excellent interview ! This guy is totally on point .

[@hmson4378]

I thought that Mershheimer, Stephen Cohen and Jeffrey Sachs were the clearest thinkers on the Ukraine conflict, but I must say Wolfgang Streeck really surpasses all of them with his visionary and honest intellect.

[@leonardofacchin1452]

The interview is interesting, but to me the most important question was not asked: if Germany was so reliant on the globalized economy, why did the German political class decided to go along with the US attempt to divide Europe and Germany from Russia and China to the point of damaging the long supply chains Germany depended on? How was Germany induced and convinced to do harm to herself? Understanding this would be the first step in order to try to understand what might happen from now on. Anyway, in my opinion the point of no return has already been crossed. When the Russians started their military operation in Ukraine they did so because they had definitevely given up on the possibility of weaving a sane and healthy relationship with the West and Europe. They came to this decision after YEARS of attempts at developing a funcional relationship with Europe. So, the die is cast. There is no going back now. The Russians know it. Maybe at first they thought that a show of force would press Ukraine and Europe into a more cooperative mood. And the first few weeks of the war did indeed see some attempt at negotiations, before the UK (and the US, but mostly the UK) pressed Zelensky into ceasing any attempt at finding a negotiated solution. A few weeks after the failure of the negotiations, the Russians settled for a long operation that they are conducting with a small military force that they preserve by grinding their enemy with artillery. Russia bet that times is on her side, and I honestly think the Russians are right.

[@ballerblocks]

Your analysis is correct. The USA knew what Merkel did, her deal was to drag Europe into the Eurasian orbit, if you look at the economic map of the world today, and compare it to a future map. Europe has more potential for growth than the USA. And the reason is that Eurasia is so vast, and there is more scope for growth. The USA no longer has representation in Africa, the American continent does more business with China than the USA, The economic trajectory is not good for the west, (population decline, higher cost of labour, largest benefit system in the world, a shrinking technological gap to the competition, etc )so she could see the future and quietly made a choice. Now you will notice that all over the continent, political leaders are no longer leaders, they are caretakers and managers of the system, they lack vision or plan. That's because Washington controls everything,the media is more powerful, than ever, and that's the weapon that they use to destroy govts, what you will see in the next few years will probably be more riots, media noise and a deindustrialization of Germany, by the means of expensive energy. Creating a self perpetuate dependency on the USA.

[@stanleynyoro3181]

Russia holds all important vessel of functioning society, energy aside but food. it also has special leverage of how much food can be exported from Ukraine especially now with drought looming everywhere. West does not has so much leverage left.

[@marti6607]

Russia didn't have functional relationship with Europe?? Quite the contrary! This is what this interview is all about - Russia had a VERY functional relationship with the main European power: Germany! The entire German business model was based on cheap energy from Russia. It was a mutualy very beneficial relationship and it would have continued hadn't Putin decided to put his neo-imperial delusions into practice! We can see how important Russia was to Germany by its rather indifferent reaction to Putin starting the war in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 and his Crimea annexation. In fact, so unfazed was Germany with that blatant act of aggression against a sovereign state right in the middle of Europe that it was determined to continue with the Nord Stream 2 project despite vehement objections from eastern EU member states. Speaking of which, they tend to always be overlooked in this debacle of Europe VS Russia. Eastern European EU members have very vivid memories of Russian imperialism, Soviet genocidal campaigns, several invasions and decades-long occupation. They have every right to fear Russia and we're clearly seeing now that their secutity concerns were way more justified than any Russia might have had. Now, when it comes to Germany going against the EU and NATO - that would essentially mean the split within both and perhaps we're heading that direction. And if it happens, that would be the last nail to Germany's leadership in Europe, although I think it's already done. Eastern Europe will for a long time remember Germany's unwillingness to confront Russia and its hesitancy in helping Ukraine. To put it simply, you cannot aspire to be the leader of Europe while completely ignoring very real and justified securtity concerns of half of the continent! Germany can be either with Eastern Europe against Russia, or with Russia against Eastern Europe - it simply cannot have it both ways.

[@ballerblocks]

@@marti6607 you write all these words as though, it's the truth of the matter, Russia is not the Soviet Union , every country has geo political realities, and as long as this is ignored, we will have war. ( The Solomon Islands signed a partnership agreement with China, and you have the Aussies and Americans crying, about a threat to their security. Most people in the world don't care about eastern Europeans and their history, especially if that history could potentially lead to nuclear war. Russia is not a super power but no country in the world would sit and watch it's rival fuel hatred towards it especially by its neighbours, action must be taken, this has less to do with imperialist objectives,rather than watching the entire black sea turned into a NATO lake.the USA removing all the treaties as regards weapons control(ABM,INF, etc)no military planner is going to sit and watch the second most powerful country in Europe become a NATO member. Ukraine had better options for peace, it chose war. And now we have war.

[@marti6607]

@@ballerblocks Russia is literally the successor state of the Soviet Union and its entire leadership, including Putin, is rooted in the SU's security services. Putin himself is a great admirer of the Soviet Union and Stalin - not of the communist economic model but of it being one of two greatests superpowers in the world. These sentiments are very real in Russia. Among its political leadership, among its intellectuals and among its people. If you can't see that, you clearly know nothing about Russia. I also deliberately mentioned the Russian Empire along the SU - there is a clear continuity there with today's Russia as far as how it sees itself and what it's ambitions are.

[@DenizKupanaha]

I like that Freddie always takes care to correctly pronounce guests’ names!

[@dnickaroo3574]

A Leading British Banker stated that the only chance for the UK is to make an Agreement with Russia concerning Energy. But who can do that? The Professor asked the question: “Are we going to be more than agents of the US?” The UK must ask themselves the very same question. The US could not care less what happens to Europe.

[@yodaddy6586]

Lol you guys should not went to war vs Russia. America we rule you guys are retarded. 😆 🤣 😂 😹 😆

[@mikegurv1818]

Yes, let's play naive here. After everything that has happened let's have a repeat of the Minsk agreement. I find it interesting that when the West does something then it's politics, but when Russia does something similar it's aggression. Freddie is quick to point out that Ukraine is an independent country and almost anything that is done against Russia, at this point, is justified. But he conveniently forgets that at this very moment the US is occupying part of Syria, also an independent country, member of the United Nations, stealing and selling its oil. And neither of them analyze their own comments. Yes, US wanted every member of NATO to spend 2% on "defense", while walking away from arms control treaties. How about stating the obvious? It's all about the military industrial complex (you can call it deep state if you wish) making money.

[@basstrip73]

Excellent points. Freddie is a typical Westerner with a supremacist mindset. Sovereignty is only for the West and its "friends"...countries invaded or destroyed by the West do not have this right. Anyone who thinks Russia's invasion of Ukraine is an irrational act of "imperialism" that came out of nowhere hasn't been paying attention to post-Cold War geopolitics. Did you miss the West's attempt to asset strip Russia post-1991 and NATO's encirclement of the country despite reassuring Gorbachev that it won't expand east? What would the US do if China forged a "defensive" alliance with Mexico and Canada and stationed missiles and troops there? Remember the Cuban Missile Crisis of the early 1960s? Exactly. It's ironic that when it comes to the West's relations with the rest of the world, UnHerd Freddie and many regular UnHerd columnists are effectively on the same page as the EU and US liberals they decry. That is a pretty massive blind spot.

[@peiv5090]

So correct, Freddie just can't snap out of the blinkers western propaganda has put on most of its citizens. That deprives him of the objectivity to understand the depths of the current conflict. And after all, Ukraine is just the ground for the military operation. It the perfect proxy war the US needs in a desperate attempt to up its economy. Sadly, the EU are on a runaway train to self-destruction, while the gullible naïves pay the exorbitant energy bills believing they are bringing freedom and democracy to Ukraine.

[@remix-yy1hs]

Germans are very propagandized, they bowed so many years to isreal, they can thing for themselves, they are good workers. But not independent people

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

Yes, Sir, Mr. Gurv, you hit the nail on the head. I agree completely.

[@bighands69]

Russia is invading so let us keep some perspective. Russia like most of the European countries is a failing culture.

[@bmardini]

The entire EU project only works when Germany runs a massive trade surplus. Once that ends, the EU ends. Not sure I'll miss it

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

We are in for it. Thank you for this interview.

[@Kevin97587]

In my opinion it comes down to alot of factors but its not just Germany, entire EU is going under... why? because sanctions, crazy covid policies, crazy green ideas that are not sustainable. EU thought they could fight 3 wars at once and that the economy would somehow be fine, which was naive and delusional. Now we will pay the price for that.

[@butterflybeatles]

Going according to Plan 2030.

[@tomdasilva2060]

The Collective Retards, euphemistically known, as The Collective West, were salivating at the prospect of the destruction of the russian economy... Now, europeans -- the ones most invested in the destruction of Russia -- are seeing an implosion of their own economy... Just deserts, poetic justice, and quite an entertaining spectacle... And that spectacle will be a much greater one, by next year... Lots of Beer & Popcorn on hand...

[@VelkePivo]

Don't forget the, um, demographic enemy within

[@songsabai3794]

Yup, ya all will be chopping up that fine European furniture this winter just to stay warm!

[@tomdasilva2060]

@@VelkePivo , Yes... Americans... Gotta get rid of them, that Germany stop being a colony of the U.S....

[@tomelew8465]

Totally awesome discussion! Thanks! I'll subscribe.

[@LvxGrave]

Freddie! Thank you for spreading knowledge ! Interesting video , as always !

[@gerardkiff2026]

Somehow, Freddie always rephrases statements to where us regular folks can understand. Thank you Freddie.

[@burtingtune]

Perhaps the Germans should leave themselves and split from the EU!

[@cleightorres3841]

they are the leaders of the eu and now want a massive european army under their control this professor is an outlier as far as germans go they want to lead and lecture to everyone and dictate to everyone, its in their dna, they will go down with the ship that ship is on collision course with russia LET THAT SINK IN

[@watchingvideosnow]

A lot of EU sceptics have talked about this for years... Thank you Freddy and UnHeard you're inspiring and giving me hope. Keep doing this!

[@bighands69]

The countries of Italy, Space, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Belgium and even Poland are about to face a population crisis. They are all going to have too many old people and not enough young people. For the last 60 years all of these economies have blocked American imports such as cars and machinery. Well they are all about to find out how mocking US healthcare works.

[@ObeySilence]

EU skeptics have talked very little about getting away from the US.

[@unitedstatesofpostamerica7559]

I live near a town surrounded by wind turbines. It is an eyesore, I don’t think anyone would actually want to live there.

[@microfarming8583]

I live near a similar town and ita one of the most desirable towns in my country. Your greedy love for black oil is destroying the planet!

[@1984Skynet]

Thank you, it is important to have people who know history commenting on our future.

[@MyBlumenvase]

That was an excellent interview! At the same time, as a German, I am dismayed by what Prof. Streeck said and, above all, by the way he did it. When he said at the end that he tells it all with humor so as not to cry.

[@bighands69]

All of the major countries of Europe are about to face a population crisis where there are too many old people and not enough young people.

[@dancroitoru364]

@@bighands69 and the few young there are are useless

[@mayaluna5881]

@@bighands69 don't worry. the oldies have all been jabbed.

[@lucasgrey9794]

@@bighands69 What's wrong with an old population? Just crack down on fast food and processed sugar and everything will be fine.

[@maureenmalone35]

I very much enjoyed this dialogue of professor Streeck and Freddie’s moderation. Such a keen insight into Germany and the world. The sense of despair and alarm is real. My God, I can only hope great minds for peace and humanity prevail.

[@ticopipa]

I always was extremely critical of Merkel's policy in the EU.

[@ashfield1425]

Me too.

[@patrick.771]

... and no one "had a bad word about her" (like Freddie said in the interview) because she had the whole mainstream media on her side. The "good" journalists got promoted to well-paid speakers of the government, got exclusive interviews, special content, etc.

[@ticopipa]

She catered to her electorate and dictated over the whole EU which never elected her. She and her sinister finance minister said the most appalling, ignorant or why not say it outright stupid things about the other countries about which she knew nothing about. She said Portugal had too many graduates. Joly lovely. She would have liked to have Portuguese maids instead of Muslims maybe. Dreadful.

[@ticopipa]

Always good to remember that the best ever investigative journalism made about the Merkel's era and the dreadful TROIKA were made by Harald Schumann a German: On The Trail of the Troika. In it they all show their true colours.

[@bighands69]

These problems go back further than Merkel and cannot be laid at her door. German culture has to accept most of the blame but this is not just a German problem all the major powers of Europe have a massive population crisis coming around the corner.

[@tinror]

Brilliant, his clarity is so refreshing. Europe must come to its senses.

[@susanthomas5445]

First time I have ever watched this channel. Truly excellent conversation about Geo politics.

[@louisgottlieb3148]

A very interesting, intelligent interview. Thank you.

[@thefooltarotcard4700]

Unherd look at you! Getting better and better …. Loved this one especially!!! Thanks from Brazil! Come to talk to Brazilian thinkers!

[@UncleMort]

There was an agreement to give the ethnic Russians in Ukraine more independence and self governance whilst remaining part of Ukraine, it was called the Minsk 2 Agreement. Russia, Ukraine, LPR and the DPR signed it, Germany and France helped to broker it and were also co signaturies. Ukraine failed to adhere to it, it simply ignored it and Germany and France sat on their hands and did nothing. Silence from politicians, diplomats and media in the west over Ukraine`s constant and persistent violations of it. In March 22 Ukraine and Russia met for peace talks and came to a consensus on what could be on the table and to continue talking about how to resolve the conflict peacefully, In steps Boris Johnson who`s strings were being pulled by the USA and NATO, he "persuades" some say threatens Zelensky that all aid to Ukraine would stop if he signed any deal or even continued any peace talks.

[@zenden6564]

Is that right? Boris stepped in and unwound the brokered peace deal?

[@annaredding]

Russia was a guarantor of Ukraines territorial integrity after they gave up nuclear weapons, and then Russian military was marching on Ukraine's capital. If we are bringing history up.

[@jilz337]

Very clever analysis! 100% agree…

[@Justyburger]

The professor was amazingly informative and wise. This was a brilliant interview. I did notice that the segment where the discussion focused on U.S involvement causing pressures in the Ukraine, was cut a bit short. Mention should have been made about the U.S funded coup in 2014 and the 16,000 people in the Donbass, that the Kiev regime murdered. Russia has been provoked for decades, but the provocations have increased greatly over the last 8 years. The only solution at this point, is to reverse Russian sanctions, call on Ukraine to surrender and organise the post-war space. If not, the stakes will raise and nuclear war might even be the outcome. It will also be interesting to see how the coming cold winter will change the minds of Europeans. The stamina to keep up this defiance towards Russia, might wear out fast? If European Governments keep up this pressure, then they are throwing their own citizens out in the cold. You will then see massive unrest and political upheaval. Meanwhile Russia will be in an even stronger position as the EU fractures and the U.S fails to be able to influence Europe in the way it has been. China will also strengthen. On top of this, we might even see the U.S fragment. Since buffoon Biden just alienated 80 Million Trump supporters, by calling them dangerous to democracy. First of all...what democracy? We are in for a very bumpy time of things.

[@soniavadnjal7553]

(Excellent comment).

[@Justyburger]

@@soniavadnjal7553 Thanks :)

[@larsnystrom6698]

That's true @Justyburger, but it's a challenge enough to say that the NATO expansion was a cause, as the professor does. To mention that the regime change of 2014, and the following prosecution of Russian speaking Ukranians cased the eastern parts of the country to separate would be too much for us. As you know, but completely ignored in the west, the shellings of Donbass intensified when they declared independence. That was definitely the last straw which practically forced Russia to enter the fight, which had been going on 8 years. In the west, saying these things is censored heavily. So, it's very challenging to give a fair description of the events, without being met with disbelief from the uninformed listeners in the west. The professor at least said something, if not everything relevant.

[@Justyburger]

@@larsnystrom6698 Yes I agree with that. He was being moderate. I can be a Bull in a China shop, myself :) I suppose I think that at such a late stage, people should be more aware and not need babyfood still. I'll give an example that is relevent to the moment we are in right now. Everyone seems to be caught in this whole sentimentality of the death of Queen Elizabeth, yet hardly enyone is pointing out that Charles is the main man behind the WEF. We are in for more bumpy rides. I'm just a realist to the core. I don't let my emotions get in the way of a seatch for the truth. I even had to swear an oath to The Queen when I went in the Army, but all my years of study, reveal the dark secrets that surround the royals, the international banks and various institutions. Charles is now going to be pushed as a great leader in the world. He is now being primed to push The Great Reset, the likes of which we have not yet seen. Mark my words...this is going to happen.

[@АлексейТишкевич-э5с]

Man, i see you already surrendered your brain to someone else..

[@dorotarachwalski2712]

Wery inteligent interview

[@enzofrancescoli1260]

Professor Streeck is a legend😊

[@hmson4378]

I got the feeling that Freddy many times could not believe what he heard, but stayed cool and did not try to color the interview with his perspective. True sign of a great interviewer. Thanx!!!

[@timber564]

Fabulous interview as always. Yes this is why I subscribe to UnHerd. Great interview Freddie!! To hear Streeck discussing Mearsheimer was great! The mess of Germany and Europe and the plight of Ukraine? Time will tell and we've all been here before in the last century or more...and we're still here. Power politics is on the move.

[@marti6607]

I find his reference to Maersheimer scandalous. Germans are the last people on earth to dictate its eastern neighbors which defensive alliances they should or should not belong to. After collaborating with Russians to destroy Eastern Europe several times, they simply have no moral right to do so.

[@BillDingee]

The "plight" of Ukraine. Just which plight is that? It seems they have so many.

[@marti6607]

@@BillDingee They indeed do. And most of them stem from having Russia as their neighborhood. I'm from Poland, Russia is very sadly out neighbour too. There is probably no worse place in the world than being stuck between Germany and Russia.

[@pederjohansen2029]

The conflict in the Ukraine is very much a conflict between NATO and Russia. The west is treating Ukraine like they did Afghanistan to bleed Russia dry and cause a massive upheaval in that country. It appears to be causing trouble in Europe as well. The only people who suffer are the working class.

[@marti6607]

@@pederjohansen2029 Yeah, it's got nothing to do with Russian expansionism, imperialism and colonialism (which is basically what its entire history consists of), none whatsoever!

[@E2024a]

What an amazing interview!

[@daveedmondson9002]

A very thought provoking interview.

[@taniakeen4375]

Great interview thanks

[@bill8784]

No surprises here. We plebs have been watching these developments in slow motion for over 30 years and all the time wondering why our lords and masters appeared not only to have been oblivious to them, but encouraged, facilitated and exacerbated them.

[@bighands69]

Plebs could have been having children but instead were to busy whining about climate change and demanding a larger welfare state. And as the issues get bigger the plebs will demand an even larger welfare state. Sort of like a junkie in cold turkey.

[@zenden6564]

Yes, some of us have at least.

[@misscameroon8062]

Thank you gentlemen for this discussion, very informative an sobering.

[@sylvester2294]

In some sense the U.S. kept the cold war going after 1990...and the fall of the Soviet Union. 89/90 was a terrible time for the Russian People...We and Europe should have helped. Very shortsighted.... Russia's problem is their soft eastern border with China. They surely know this!!

[@josipag2185]

True. And that Germans and France see, and England is failing. Because the Central Europe wanted good Russia, and not this mafia state. What Bush said and did was not sure on puropose- misreading the Russians so they choose this mafia state in order to have some security. Because state dependent nations sure don't know how to handle and manage in free market just like that. And in all post communist countries, huge and uncontroled robbery have happend- and they called that privatization. With clientelism of new(mixed with old) elites. Those elites still live and do politics nowdays, but in Russia, they are far worst and ready to do war, but Russia is in the lose-lose situation. I just hope China is not in the mood for the war. One more thing- France has the same problem as Mediterranean states like Italy and Spain - huge state intervencionism, machine that is spending enormously, so any option of national sovergin politics is just unsustainable for a lot of european states(not sire for the UK, have never lived there) but also that crazy idea of loving state nation and burocracy means patriotism is just I really can't see how this is still vivid if we all can see Switzerland.

[@BLOOMERcoach]

10000% on point! Kudos to you UnHerd to bring this amazing intellectual on who sees PUNKTLICH what is happening! Sadly I am happy to hear the truth!

[@soonpohtay4794]

America has given herself the right of an absolute monarch. To be above the law and to be the law. Whatever she does is right. She decides what is right or wrong and who is right and wrong. If she kills, its right. If other nation does the same thing, they can be right or wrong depending on what America says.

[@silverc4s146]

Brilliant discussion. Not very hopeful, but brilliant for sure.

[@Lindys]

Thank you for this interesting conversation.

[@shiracohenyoga3492]

Thank you both for this very clear, neutral and clarifying conversation of the background, actuality and possibility of our global state. Unfortunately I understood his laughter for what it is, to avoid crying at our present regression.

[@40mmSummarit]

The German word for that is "Galgenhumor", gallows humor. 😊

[@TJ_USA]

Very good. Congratulations on a superb interview.

[@darrellbryant1018]

I need to know what camera and lens your guest is using! Lol. That thing is on point.

[@pds002]

Excellent analysis!

[@williamtyndale1402]

I think one vital aspect was overlooked and that is the EU and WEF plan for a global government. .or Great Reset

[@nickbrennan3389]

Yes, Klaus Shwab is german and probably the most powerful and influencial person in europe

[@ruevarennes]

@@nickbrennan3389 And his mentor was Kissinger.

[@frederiquecouture3924]

Thank You.

[@B_Ruphe]

It took some time, but eventually people around the world have started realising that "globalisation" =- americanisation. Of course, this is utterly repulsive to the vast majority of the world's population. Furthermore, people started to find that globalisation was not only an economic project but also meant the americanisation (and therefore deep impoverishment to the point of obliteration) of the tapestry of world cultures.

[@bighands69]

Europe cannot blame America for its own problems. America did not force European countries to accept massive welfare state programs, to have no children, to spend all their available capital on government drive programs. Did the US tell European countries to ban fracking or to expose them self to Russian energy. America tried its best to protect many of these countries but could not get them to work in their own interests.

[@zenden6564]

The "Americanisation" term is now 30 years behind, it's anachronistic as its morphed into the "liberal global world order" after the fall of USSR, as in Fukiyama's "end of history" notion. And the center for that is where exactly, the WEF, the Soros clique, the Blackrocks, the US deepstate? It's what the Russians call the Western hegemony. Merkel was not entirely wrong, she wanted to establish a permanent entente with Russia. Now we see ourselves falling into a new geopolitical order with Europe diminished and threatened by it.

[@ozachar]

Very illuminating. Never heard this kind of analysis.

[@magnusdanielsson2749]

A talk with Peter Zeihan on this topic (en of globalization) would be interesting.

[@egoncorneliscallery9535]

Indeed. He has a wider perspective

[@Pid75]

Germany’s problem is that they allowed US to impose sanctions on the supplier of German energy.

[@hmson4378]

Germany's problem is that their masters sit in Washington.

[@1337Jogi]

@@ed1658 Sinc Merkels predecessor clearly was better. Wait - he sits at Gazprom and is a buddy of Putin.

[@cleightorres3841]

deal with it Hans

[@ChrisHalden007]

Great video. Thanks

[@nikc888]

It's interesting to me as one of the hated long term Ukip types that within the first five minuets he has repeated exactly what was being said by us ten years ago.

[@danmuygallo]

Great interview. Fascinating

[@pamparara_9173]

Let's not forget why did Germany got richer since the Eastern European countries joined in 2014...and even before that - Marshalls plan. It's not the efficiency as you would like to think.

[@MA-yp6gk]

It actually started in the Schroeder years when they started to absorb the cheap labour from all joining eastern europe countries. Cheap sourcing+cheap labour=high profits.

[@blue.papaya8595]

Germany has more or less obciously been looting European countries. Now it is tume to pay a price for it.

[@peterbranagan1010]

Utter rubbish. Forget the Marshall plan - that's ancient history. In the 1980s Germany was considered the sick man of Europe. Germany prospered because, since the late 1980s, it had access to Russian gas at 1.7c per kWhr. Not saying that's the total reason for their incredible success as an exporting nation but most definitely a necessary one. The upcoming economic disaster in Europe is 100% caused by spinelessness - not willing to tell the Yanks to fe*k off and stop war mongering in Europe by promoting HATO to all comers. The US wanted all Europeans to be spineless lapdogs. They've succeeded beyond their wildest dreams and so now we're royally fu*ked.

[@catadoxas]

@@MA-yp6gk standard of living of germans has been going down ever since

[@catadoxas]

@@MA-yp6gk germany used to have the highest wages in the world in the 90s now its full of 1euro jobs, harz4, negative interest on savings, while eastern europe looks far better than is used to

[@zaraig5373]

An excellent interview with the professor.

[@grzegorzkuczek5742]

I know perfectly well that judging person by his/her look is terrible and stupid thing to do but I can not help to notice that this dude literally looks like some very popular in 1930ist Austrian painter ;) :D just as a tongue in cheek ;)

[@josipag2185]

+1

[@zigartha1]

Excellent discussion!

[@bryankerr9174]

The reverence of Germany is something quite old in the Anglosphere. G. K. Chesterton, in the 1910s referred to the, "...Prussianization", of the British state. I think it was either in his book "Orthodoxy" or maybe "Eugenics". Both worth a read.

[@beth3535]

‘Of’ or ‘for’?

[@MarkHurlow-cf2ix]

Great interview

[@dixiedean2003]

Rocketing energy bills, economic turmoil, recession is imminent, rampant inflation...thought Freddie was talking about the UK first.

[@katmag8]

🤣

[@yvesfree-assangescherdin6138]

Thank you! I share his point of view.

[@mayaluna5881]

Wow, that was really interesting to hear. In a broader perspective I would assume that the US will lose its world dominance (dragging down Europein the process) and there will be a shift of economic/financial power to the BRICS nations, guided by Russia and China.

[@mogznwaz]

That’s NOT good. The West cannot be allowed to fail, we need to pull our damn bootstraps up and stop being such PUSSIES

[@crazyshit3623]

Very gooood analyses

[@merfymac]

This guy is right on eurozone as an empire with German centre and Mediterranean/Eastern periphery. But what kind of empire is it if it's occupied by America and commits economic suicide to enrich a foreign overlord in Washington DC?

[@waynzignordics]

The two main reasons are economics and military. 1. The US funds over 70% of Nato's budget, which allows other member states to spend money on domestic programs instead of their military (few pay the required 2%). 2. The EU has the second largest trade surplus with the US (behind only China). Disobeying the US means losing access to the Great Piggy Bank. 3. The EU is a corporation masquerading as a political union, so whatever the multinational and transnational corporations want they get, and they want US largess.

[@arthurh5707]

@@waynzignordics Good, you understood the assertions Herr Streeck made unlike the automatic response from the previous commentor.

[@ballerblocks]

Bcos the European Union is an American invention, it's easier to control all the state's inside it ( via the commission) than having to makes 27 different deals, with countries,.....just imagine lord of the rings.

[@catadoxas]

@@waynzignordics the US has no piggybank, its flat broke running of a dying petrodollar that is being undone as we speak and if the EU goes under even less trade will be done in dollar

[@waynzignordics]

@@catadoxas You need to read up on your Monopoly rules: the bank never runs out of money. The dollar is now backed by threat of military intervention for "humanitarian reasons." You don't understand the political dynamics of the "liberal world order." If you did you'd understand why BRICS went dormant when Trump was president.

[@Bill-lx3cw]

Thank you for this interview 'joke not to cry' it is frightening

[@aceofswords1725]

To cut it short: Europe has committed suicide at behest of US interests. Thank you, thank you very much our precious "allies".

[@josipag2185]

USA have real energy politics- various and from different sources. That is called truly normal, healthy politics. And Europe did this thanks to the Greens - who did't offer any real perspective and alternative. That is just one part of the problem, other is French revolution, nation-states, demography, controling imigration (sure we do need workers as every country is getting old ), health system and pensions. It is just unsustanible. Our way of life.

[@davidpaz9389]

Indeed. I remember when European sophisticates, politicians and news broadcasters and average citizens alike, all laughed at and mocked Trump for saying that Germany was essentially under Russian control due to the overwhelmingly large percentage of energy Russia was supplying to Germany. What is your opinion on how Germany will handle the upcoming winter?

[@davidpaz9389]

@Wilhelm Eley Does it matter who is keeping the pipeline from flowing? The fact is the product would be coming from Russia. That's the point.

[@astralplainer]

Yup...when the CIA calls Germany wags its tail. German traditional media is in lock-step with America's security apparatus, just like US media. It's all the same western liberal propaganda.

[@mikefry5704]

Great vlog great interview

[@maryhook9478]

As Peter Hitchens so lucidly explains in his lecture "The EU is the continuation of Germany by other means"

[@gregorytaylor9104]

And this time it's collapse is very unlikely to bring on a national socialist party

[@andreaerling7614]

Germany is a US Vassal. So is the EU.

[@Barbarossa97]

Complete nonsense.

[@bighands69]

@@andreaerling7614 That is not even close to being true so stop looking for excuses. America tolerated the EU because it brought a certain level of European stability that played out in series of political crisis rather than war.

[@ToriZealot]

@@bighands69 so the EU freely choose their demise?

[@sharilewison-frisch7128]

Brilliant interview and very timely. Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽😊😊❤❤

[@nataliedoyle4701]

Streeck has always been a very lucid analyst of the myth of Germany's "superior efficiency" and critic of the fatal flaws of the EU. I think he did not want to sound too pessimistic but many people would argue that Macron's almost Gaullist vision of a European Union maintaining a relationship with Russia autonomous from the United States' imperial understanding of globalisation was never going to fly because Germany always falls into line hehind the United States.. The technocratic elites of the EU have been played by the Americans who quite like the idea of Germany being deindustrialised and are using Ukraine as a proxy war. The story of this Europan suicide born of hybris and lack of historical knowledge has a tragic dimension starting with the way the demise of the Soviet Union was handled. However, maybe it's not just Europe committing suicide. The United States may also have greatly miscalculated. As Mearsheimer has been saying for a while, they have pushed Russia towards China and can they handle such a formidable rival? Especially when the rest of the world knows about the trail of destruction they have left behind since they turned NATO into an offensive alliance supposedly championing democracy? I was born in Europe and like Streeck it pains me to see the desintegration of European civilization because of the ineptitude of its so-called elites but all empires have to die and their culture is eventually rediscovered by others.

[@etbadaboum]

Well said.

[@advocate1563]

Well-said. Civilisations don't die, they commit suicide and the West has done that through a series of disastrous decisions over decades but particularly since GFC. . Yesterday I was looking at countries where passive income visas are available. At 61 you'd think I wd just ride it out but I don't believe that's an option. The incompetence in government is now life threatening (excess deaths, energy insecurity and, next year, food insecurity). From a Maslovian perspective it's getting too close to survival levels.

[@michaelarnold417]

@@advocate1563 What countries did you find that accept passive income? I'm preparing to escape Europe myself. Looking towards Mexico. Can I do better?

[@HelenA-fd8vl]

@@michaelarnold417 Mexico is a narco state.

[@BillDingee]

The evolution of Russia since the beginning of the President Putin era has been one of the imperative of self-reliance but not at the expense of soundly based economic relations with other nations. Russian leadership may well have counted upon support or even neutrality of other nations when deciding upon proceeding with the SMO on Feb 24. But any suggestion that they would have been reticent to do so without such moral support is purely speculative. Russians will no longer allow their nation to be subservient to any other country, no matter how large and economically powerful. While their population may be much smaller than many other countries, their resources essential to providing soley for their own, should it come to that, are almost limitless. This "war" will end when the objectives as stated time and again have been achieved. Sadly, the intransigence of the "collective west, as projected by the Ukraine President has simply underscored the wisdom of having set out upon the path fraught with dangers, and reinforced the importance of securing as much of the purely Russian supporting area of Ukraine as possible to further secure the well being of the nation. Sadly for Ukraine this will mean losing a vast segment of their industrial and agricultural capacity to say nothing of losing their maritime access.

[@whukriede]

Yes, this was excellent and very insightful. Always a pleasure to listen to Wolfgang Streeck. During the year that has passed since the interview the situation has become only more gloomy, so it seems to me. One can only be frightened, although many still aren't.

[@12235117657598502586]

The problem is that Germany wanted ‘global borderless boundaries’ as long as Germany was controlling the rule’s… Brexit was the first sign that not every country wanted Germany making all the rule’s! NB: The world saw that the French and German banks now ‘own’ Greece.

[@cleightorres3841]

@Wilhelm Eley yes the Germans are victims again, just like WW2 lol

[@cleightorres3841]

@Wilhelm Eley Germans are so full of wisdom on KZbin in 2023 How is it that this wisdom was missing from your behavior in WW2 and indeed WW1 as the Brits observed that you were obedient to authority, brutal and lacking in morality? All qualities that you folks supersized in WW2 Talk is cheap Herr Ely, but you folks never walk the walk From where I sit almost 80 years after WW2 Germany is still not a force for good

[@cleightorres3841]

@Wilhelm Eley Im an American but the day of the Brexit vote was a very happy one for me It must have been intolerable for the Brits to be constantly lectured by the pedantic Germans and the inept French

[@markwarning7305]

Great guest! Great questions! Unherd at its best.

[@vdodenstein5754]

One should take into consideration, whilst Russia not fighting for win or lose, but fighting for win or becoming split and fail as a state, that after prevailing within that military operation it is Moscow to dictate the Europeans concerning any modus of ceasefire.

[@davidwatton]

A very good interview with an insightful guest. Thank you.

[@gavtalk958]

I shed zero tears for the end of western hegemony and it's assumptive arrogance. Things will wobble, then recalibrate, and in the end western values will reflourish. A second renaissance.

[@talkintennis8124]

or Digital ID will be implemented in the upcoming crash (social credit) , and we will all be digital slaves.

[@charlesoleary3066]

Yeah I agree

[@neegee82]

I agree too, but in 100+ years (if humans are still around by then)

[@VelkePivo]

Dream on. Enjoy sharia

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Liberalism destroyed the West.