Germany is facing a government crisis, which, for them, is a rare event: on that has the country on edge. In this episode, we delve into the key German terms and phrases that are dominating the political discourse and shaping public opinion. From "Scholzomat" to "GroKo" and "Zeitenwende", we explore the nuances of these words and what they reveal about the current state of German politics.

● Key Moments and key words in the Episode:

The significance of a government crisis in Germany: Unlike countries like Italy or France, where government crises are more frequent, in Germany they are epochal events that mark generational shifts and redefine the political landscape.

The evolution of Olaf Scholz: From the robotic "Scholzomat" to the aggressive "Scholzinator", we analyze the Chancellor's changing persona and its impact on public perception.

"Sofortismus" and the game of roles between those who want immediate elections and those who hide behind real issues, but also excuses, to buy time

"Die Vertrauensfrage" and the historical echoes of the Weimar Republic: We examine the intricacies of the vote of confidence and how Germany's constitutional framework is designed to prevent the instability that led to the collapse of the Weimar Republic.

The "lame Kanzler" and the erosion of authority: The podcast explores how the Constitutional Court's ruling against the government has weakened Scholz's position and led to a sense of political paralysis.

The "K-Frage" and the search for the next Chancellor: With the SPD struggling to maintain its position, the question of who will be the next chancellor candidate is a central theme in the election campaign.

The looming "GroKo" and the "Merkel-Lücke": The possibility of a Grand Coalition and the void left by Angela Merkel are analyzed as potential outcomes of the crisis.

"Grün-Bashing" and the scapegoating of the Greens: The podcast discusses how the Greens have become the target of blame for various societal anxieties and insecurities.

The "Friedenskanzler" and the turning away from "Zeitenwende": We examine Scholz's attempts to portray himself as a peacemaker and the implications this has for Germany's stance on the war in Ukraine.

● Music credits

Royalty Free Music and Sound Effects Libraries, plus the music by Serge Pavkin, fully licensed.

In this episode, we explore the complicated relationship between East Germany (GDR) and its proclaimed commitment to peace. The GDR built an entire national identity around the idea of peace, embodied in the figure of the dove, which appeared in murals, posters, and even songs taught to children. Yet, this commitment came with profound contradictions, as the GDR actively supported militarization, armed foreign states, and repressed domestic pacifism, all while promoting itself as a “State of Peace.”

In today’s world, peace is again a political buzzword, but the freedom and justice necessary for true peace are often missing from the conversation. This episode traces how similar messages of peace in the GDR served as instruments for propaganda and control, setting a chilling precedent in Cold War-era politics and offering a lesson on the enduring power of symbols.

● Key Moments in the Episode:

Peace on 2024 Election Posters in Germany – How political parties across the spectrum, from the SPD to the AfD, are employing "peace" as a slogan, each with its own twist.

A Brief History of the Peace Dove in the GDR – From Picasso’s lithograph to East German propaganda, the dove became a central image in the GDR’s narrative of peace, used both in Berlin’s public art and educational songs like the one by Erika Schirmer.

The GDR as a 'Friedensstaat' (State of Peace) – Examining the GDR’s ideological positioning as a peace state under Marxist principles and its tension with Western capitalist “imperialism.”

Militarization in the Name of Peace – How militarization permeated the GDR society, from youth indoctrination to the National People's Army (NVA), and culminated in mandatory military service and arms exports.

Arms Exports and Foreign Military Presence – The GDR’s paradoxical role as an arms dealer and military advisor, with involvement across Africa, the Middle East, and other regions, all in the name of supporting "peaceful" socialist allies.

Pacifist Movement in West Germany and GDR's Influence – How the GDR and USSR exploited West German pacifism to counter NATO while suppressing East German peace activists who challenged militarization at home.

The Legacy of Peace in Germany Today – Reflection on how the GDR’s legacy of “peace” still influences contemporary Germany’s political landscape and public memory, especially in East Germany.

● Bookshelf

* Wolfgang Klietz, Waffenhändler in Uniform (Arms dealer in uniform), 2024

* Thomas Großbölting, Friedensstaat, Leseland, Sportnation? DDR-Legenden auf dem Prüfstand (Peace state, reading country, sporting nation? GDR legends put to the test), 2013

* Klaus Storkmann, Geheime Solidarität - Militärbeziehungen und Militärhilfen der DDR in die "Dritte Welt (Secret solidarity - military relations and military aid from the GDR to the ‘Third World), 2012

* MDR Online Dossier: Geheime Kriege der DDR (Secret wars of the GDR), free to read, German

* DDR Museum online, Die riedenstaube (The dove of peace), free to read, German

● Music credits

In addition to the Royalty Free Music and Sound Effects Libraries, here you will find some seconds of the "Kleine weiße Friedenstaube" song by Erika Schirmer, which I embed here and partially reproduce in the podcast - performed by the DDR Children's Choir "Walter Ulbricht" of the Dresden Instrumental Group under the direction of Manfred Winter - for historical documentation (not commercial purpose).

This episode explores the complex history and controversies surrounding Berlin's Humboldt Forum. We begin with an introduction to Berlin's layered history and the Humboldt Forum as a controversial landmark, highlighting the clash between its neo-baroque exterior and modern interior. The narrative then delves into the architectural journey of the site, discussing the Humboldt Forum's predecessors: the Berlin City Palace and the Palace of the Republic.

We examine the series of demolitions and reconstructions that have taken place, from the Berlin City Palace's 15th-century origins to its WWII destruction, and the subsequent rise and fall of the Palace of the Republic as an emblem of East German identity. The episode also covers the contentious debate over preserving or demolishing the Palace of the Republic.

The cultural significance of the Palace of the Republic in East German society is explored, including its role as a venue for diverse events ranging from concerts to political assemblies. We discuss the pivotal role of music in 1980s West and East Germany, and how the Palace became a stage for international music stars.

The narrative then shifts to the Palace's involvement in the events leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall, including the GDR's 40th anniversary protests, Gorbachev's visit, and the historic vote for reunification within the Palace of the Republic.

The episode concludes by examining the Palace's final years, including the discovery of asbestos contamination, its temporary repurposing for cultural events, and ultimate demolition. We then explore the Humboldt Forum's construction and its current role as a reflection of Germany's ongoing reconciliation with its colonial past, the controversy surrounding its funding, and its evolving place in Berlin's cultural landscape.

Links & Resources

● Humboldt Forum Website: https://www.humboldtforum.org/en/

● Exhibition "Blown Away: The Palace of the Republic" https://www.humboldtforum.org/en/programm/laufzeitangebot/exhibition/hin-und-weg-der-palast-der-republik-ist-gegenwart-119504/

● Dirk Oschmann's book "Der Osten: eine westdeutsche Erfindung" https://www.ullstein.de/werke/der-osten-eine-westdeutsche-erfindung/hardcover/9783550202346

Music Credits

● For background music and SFX: Pixabay

● For national and international hymns: public domain

In this episode, we explore the contrasting memories of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact across Eastern and Western Europe, examining how this pivotal event continues to shape European identity. We delve into the pact’s far-reaching impact on countries like Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, the Baltic States, and Finland, bringing personal stories and historical insights to the forefront. The episode also looks at how the Soviet Union—and later Russia—navigated and reshaped the narrative around the pact, concluding with the ongoing challenges of creating a shared European historical memory.

Key Points:

Divergent Memories: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact holds vastly different meanings across Europe. While Western Europe often views it as a precursor to World War II, Eastern and Central Europeans see it as the moment that ignited the war, with both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union bearing equal blame.

The Secret Protocol: This hidden agreement carved Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence, a fact that Western memory often overlooked. This selective remembrance shows how historical narratives can be manipulated.

Poland’s Struggle: Poland, the first victim of the pact, faced brutal invasions from both Germany and the Soviet Union, leaving deep scars on the nation’s memory and identity.

Belarus’s Perspective: Belarus remains attached to the Soviet interpretation of the pact as a “reunification,” a view that has drawn criticism from neighboring countries like Poland.

Ukraine’s Shift: Since Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea, Ukraine has re-evaluated its history, now recognizing the pact’s devastating consequences and holding both Stalin and Hitler accountable.

The Baltic States’ Fight: Annexed by the Soviet Union after the pact, the Baltic States endured decades of oppression. Their struggle for independence culminated in the historic Baltic Way demonstration in 1989.

Finland’s Complex History: Finland, though not annexed, suffered territorial losses and endured the Winter War due to the pact. Their history reflects a nuanced relationship with both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.

Moldova and Romania’s Wounds: The Soviet annexation of Bessarabia, facilitated by the pact, left a lasting impact on the collective memories of Moldova and Romania, shaping their identities to this day.

Russia’s Reinterpretation: Initially, the Soviet Union denied the existence of the pact’s secret protocols. Under Putin, however, Russia has reframed the pact as a strategic necessity, even displaying the original documents in a 2019 exhibition.

The EU’s Role: The entry of Eastern and Central European countries into the EU brought their diverse memories of the pact into the European political dialogue. The establishment of August 23 as a day of remembrance sparked debates on how to collectively honor the victims of totalitarian regimes.

Today, tomorrow:

The memory of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact continues to shape Europe’s identity and politics. The challenge lies in crafting a shared historical narrative that respects the varied experiences of all European nations. This episode is a reminder of the importance of honest historical reflection in building a united European future.

Featured Voices:

Historian Roger Moorhouse

Personal stories from those impacted by the pact

Quotes from historical figures and media sources

Further Reading/Listening:

The Devil’s Alliance: Hitler’s Pact with Stalin by Roger Moorhouse

Articles on the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its impact across Europe

Other episodes of the Beyond Berlin podcast

For more materials and the full script of this episode, visit:

beyondberlin.substack.com

In this episode, we travel back to 23 August 1989 to witness a extraordinary moment in history - the Baltic Way. Before social media, smartphones and the digital revolution, nearly two million people across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined hands to form a human chain stretching 675 kilometres. This extraordinary act of unity was not just a protest, but a powerful demand for independence and the right to self-determination.

We explore how this peaceful demonstration was organised in just five weeks, without modern technology and under the watchful eyes of the Soviet authorities. We also look at the historical significance of 23 August, the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which secretly divided Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

The Baltic Way was a turning point, drawing global attention to the Baltic states' struggle for freedom and ultimately leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. Through personal stories, historical context and the power of collective action, this episode sheds light on one of the most inspiring peaceful protests in history.

Read more and subscribe for free at Beyondberlin.substack.com

Music Credits:

The Baltics Are Waking Up! – A trilingual song composed for the Baltic Way protest (Public Domain)

The Daugava – A folk song celebrated in the Baltic States (Private reocording)

Music tapestry licensed by Serge Pavkin

More information about the music and links, plus links tp photo galleries and video footage on beyondberlin.substack.com.

Today, we revisit a momentous day in Berlin's history—August 31, 1994, when the last brigade of Russian troops stationed in the former East Germany departed, marking the end of an era. Against the backdrop of a cool late summer day, ceremonies filled the city, with Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Russian President Boris Yeltsin presiding over the farewell.

In this episode, we explore the profound significance of this day for Berlin, Germany, and Europe. We recount the largest peacetime redeployment of troops in history—a colossal movement of men and equipment that took nearly four years. This story is not just about the logistics of troop withdrawal but also the complex political landscape that shaped these events, from German reunification to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Topics Covered:

A Day in Berlin: What the city was like on August 31, 1994, and the extraordinary events that unfolded.

"Proshchay, Germaniya": The farewell song sung by the departing Russian soldiers and its emotional impact.

The Largest Peacetime Troop Redeployment: Insights into the scale of the operation, with over half a million people involved.

Treaties and Negotiations: The intricate network of treaties, including the "2+4" agreement, and the financial arrangements that facilitated the withdrawal.

The Controversies: Why the withdrawal process remains a contentious topic, especially the exclusion of the GDR government and the environmental consequences.

Life During Withdrawal: How the troop redeployment affected local communities and the soldiers themselves.

Final Farewell: A breakdown of the ceremonies on August 31, 1994, from the official speeches to Boris Yeltsin's spontaneous performances.

Key Moments:

The Morning of September 1, 1994: A special train departs from Berlin, carrying the last Russian soldiers home.

The "Caucasus Miracle": How economic negotiations played a crucial role in Germany's reunification and the Soviet withdrawal.

Markus Meckel’s Critique: The former GDR Foreign Minister's views on how the withdrawal was handled.

Environmental and Economic Impacts: The hidden costs of the withdrawal and its long-term effects on the region.

Yeltsin’s Final Speech: The Russian President’s poignant words at Treptower Park, calling for peace and reconciliation.

Additional Resources:

Full Audio of Burlakov's Speech: [Link to speech audio]

Footage of Yeltsin Conducting the Berlin Orchestra: [Link to video]

Memorable Quotes:

“Farewell, Germany, farewell! Our dear fatherland awaits us.” — The refrain from "Proshchay, Germaniya."

“Today is the day of final reconciliation.” — Boris Yeltsin, speaking at Treptower Park.

Music Featured:

"Прощай, Германия" (Farewell, Germany) - The song performed by the departing Russian troops.

"Kalinka" - A lively Russian folk song conducted by Boris Yeltsin himself.

CREDITS

* Museum Berlin Karlshorst

* Museum Berlin Lichtenberg

* YT Channel: RedSamurai84

* YT Channel: Militär-Wissensbasis

* YT Channel: RBB Media

* YT Channel: AP Archive

* Markus Meckel, Zu wandeln die Zeiten (Changing times - Memories), 2020

* The hope of eternal peace with Russia. The Russian troop withdrawal 1990-1994. Public event, 23 July 2024 at the Museum Berlin Karlshorst (YT video here, DEU)Read and subscribe for free on beyondberlin.substack.com