The Pawn of Politics
Politics / Economics, Non-Fiction
A volatile history: from the Nazi past to Putin
The Bundeswehr – the German Federal Armed Forces – is the child of the Cold War and the stepchild of the Federal Republic. It was set up under pressure from the Americans, and ever since the Bundeswehr and the German people are struggling to find common ground. The roots of this lie Germany's in Nazi past as much as in poltical uncertainty and short-sightedness. The armed forces have been starved of investment for decades, while the political demands have escalated beyond measure: the failed operation in Afghanistan is just one example of this. Hauke Friederichs sheds light on the shift ing duties of the Bundeswehr, reveals a whole host of scandals and disputes, and makes clear what it will take to build Germany’s defensive capabilities so that it can make a substantial contribution to the NATO alliance.
• The armed forces have repeatedly served the government as an instrument of foreign policy
• Hauke Friederichs is one of the most high-profi le journalists in the field of security policy
Hauke Friederichs is a journalist, historian and best-selling author, writing for ZEIT, SPIEGEL History and P. M. History, among others. He writes passionately about contemporary history for a broad audience. His best-seller 'Funkenflug' (‘Flying Sparks’) was loved by readers and critics alike.
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A volatile history: from the Nazi past to Putin
The Bundeswehr – the German Federal Armed Forces – is the child of the Cold War and the stepchild of the Federal Republic. It was set up under pressure from the Americans, and ever since the Bundeswehr and the German people are struggling to find common ground. The roots of this lie Germany's in Nazi past as much as in poltical uncertainty and short-sightedness. The armed forces have been starved of investment for decades, while the political demands have escalated beyond measure: the failed operation in Afghanistan is just one example of this. Hauke Friederichs sheds light on the shift ing duties of the Bundeswehr, reveals a whole host of scandals and disputes, and makes clear what it will take to build Germany’s defensive capabilities so that it can make a substantial contribution to the NATO alliance.
• The armed forces have repeatedly served the government as an instrument of foreign policy
• Hauke Friederichs is one of the most high-profi le journalists in the field of security policy