14 – Leading from the Front: Germany and France Struggle to Rise to the Task [Part 2]

Show notes

In this second of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron take a look at how the French “Bratislava Agenda” of rapprochement with CEE and thus rebalancing European leadership complements – or clashes with – Germany's Zeitenwende, its supposed sea change in foreign and security policy. We talk support for Ukraine, how Germany and France should prepare for a possible Trump presidency in the US, and what a Marine Le Pen presidency would mean for Europe.

Together with our guests we explore how Europe’s old couple might be drifting apart and why that matters – including because of their shared struggles to lead from the front in Europe. France because of lack of followers, Germany because of lack of vision and will. Many experts – including our guests – concur that the Franco-German couple remains essential for the EU, but they seem to be being outpaced ore outmanoeuvred by geopolitical shifts.

Guests:

  • Camille Grand, Distinguished Policy Fellow, ECFR & Former Assistant Secretary-General, NATO (@camille_grand)
  • Georgina Wright, Deputy Director of International Studies, Institut Montaigne (@GeorginaEWright)

Resources:

This podcast is an original production of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). It was created as part of DGAP's Action Group Zeitenwende.

Follow DGAP & the hosts on social media:

Dr. Benjamin Tallis

Aaron Gasch Burnett

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