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? 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-2025/t-70794502 Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1 #germany #nato #russia