Why Germany isn't leading Europe's defense, and who's going to do it instead? | Mapped Out

In Germany, defense has become a major topic ahead of snap elections on February 23rd. Pressure is mounting on Germany to boost its military capabilities: Both from US President Donald Trump and from European NATO countries closer to Russia. So, what’s holding Germany back? And who’s stepping up instead?   CHAPTERS: 0:00 The threat on NATO’s doorstep 0:57 Germany is stepping up its defense 3:29 How much US is in Germany and NATO 6:42 The weight of history 11:40 Ukraine and Germany’s ‘Zeitenwende’ 16:57 What are the alternatives? DW Mapped out needs your help! What do you want to see more of? And what can we do better? Let us know by taking our quick survey (it takes less than 10 minutes!) 👉https://surveys.dw.com/c/tpk93nsv This will help us to create more of the content YOU love. Thank you! For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ For more news, analysis and background information on the German election 2025 go to our dedicated page: https://www.dw.com/en/german-election... Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram:   / dwnews   ►TikTok:   / dwnews   ►Facebook:   / deutschewellenews   ►Twitter:   / dwnews   Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie:    / dwdeutsch   Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutsche... #germany #nato #russia