Table of Contents
- 1 America wanted Trump – and not Harris
- 2 Germany has been wrong in its expectations for a long time
- 3 The threat of war has not been averted even with Trump
- 4 **Given the potential for increased global instability under a second Trump term, as highlighted in the article, what concrete steps can Germany take to balance its commitment to diplomacy and economic measures with the need to bolster its own defense capabilities?**
It has been clear for almost three weeks: Donald Trump will be inaugurated as US President for the second time on January 20, 2025. Trump’s renewed presidency will also have consequences for Germany and the region. The journalist and USA expert Christoph von Marschall explained what these could be on Monday evening at the Regional Economic Forum of the Ulm Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). He emphasized: Germany must show a willingness to change.
America wanted Trump – and not Harris
The election ultimately impressively confirmed that America wanted Trump and not Harris, journalist von Marschall said in his lecture. “And the result was clearer than expected.” Voters were dissatisfied with the economy – especially the high inflation. This is also why the discontent of the past four years has brought out a number of protest voters.
In a Harris presidency, the pressure for change for Germany would not have been so great
Christopher von Marshal
The “German dreams” of a Harris victory shattered, according to von Marschall. Because Germany is often too comfortable. “In a Harris presidency, the pressure for change for Germany would not have been so great,” is the belief in this country. Germany must now see the fact that “business as usual” is not possible under Trump as an opportunity.
Germany has been wrong in its expectations for a long time
Brexit, the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, Trump’s re-election: Germany has been wrong in its expectations of international developments for a good 15 years. The “rules-based order”, as emphasized by Marschall, no longer works.
“We like German prosperity,” said the journalist. But this status quo is crumbling. The crisis in which Germany as an export country finds itself cannot be ignored. “Harris would have meant German lethargy,” said von Marschall. “Now it’s getting uncomfortable.”
The threat of war has not been averted even with Trump
Even if Trump makes good on his promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, von Marschall said: “If we don’t get things going, I fear that we will be living in a pre-war period.”
This is largely risk-free – with a US president who leaves it open whether he would come to help.
Christopher von Marshal
The risk that Russia will attack Lithuania in the fall of 2028 is great. If the war in Ukraine were frozen now, Putin would need three years to reorganize his army. “Then why shouldn’t he try it? This is largely risk-free – with a US president who leaves it open whether he would come to help.” And Germany will not be ready for war by then either. Germany cannot avoid investing heavily in defense in the future.
This must now be a “kick in the ass” for Germany. In Germany and the EU it is now a matter of reflecting on one’s own strengths. Instead of threatening provocative counter-tariffs, the local economy must be strengthened. How this can work remains to be seen. Boycotting Trump, as many voices called for during his first term in office, is at best “a bad idea,” said von Marschall.
**Given the potential for increased global instability under a second Trump term, as highlighted in the article, what concrete steps can Germany take to balance its commitment to diplomacy and economic measures with the need to bolster its own defense capabilities?**
## World Today News Interview: The Re-Election of Trump and its Consequences
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re diving deep into the implications of Donald Trump’s re-election as US President and what it means for Germany and the wider world. Joining us today are [Guest 1 Name], a [Guest 1 Expertise], and [Guest 2 Name], a [Guest 2 Expertise].
**Section 1: The American Vote – A Desire for Change?**
* **Interviewer:** Christoph von Marschall suggests that America voted for Trump because they desired change, particularly concerning economic issues like inflation. Do you agree with this assessment? What other factors might have contributed to Trump’s victory?
* **Interviewer:** The article highlights that a Harris presidency might not have spurred the same pressure for change in Germany. [Guest 1 Name], how do you think Germany’s relationship with the US might evolve under a second Trump term?
**Section 2: Germany’s Reality Check: A “Kick in the Ass”?**
* **Interviewer:** The article argues that Germany has been too comfortable and needs a “wake-up call.” What specific changes does Germany need to consider in light of Trump’s re-election and the shifting global landscape?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], do you think von Marschall is right that Germany has been wrong in its international expectations for the past 15 years? What should Germany’s foreign policy priorities be moving forward?
**Section 3: The Shadow of War: A Precarious Peace?**
* **Interviewer:** The article raises concerns about the potential for conflict, particularly in Eastern Europe. How credible is this threat, and how can Germany contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region?
* **Interviewer**: Some argue that Germany should bolster its military defenses, while others advocate for diplomacy and economic measures. [Guest 1 Name], how do you see Germany balancing these competing priorities?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: Cooperation or Conflict?**
* **Interviewer:** Despite the challenges, is there still room for cooperation between Germany and the US under a Trump presidency? If so, what areas might prove fruitful?
* **Interviewer**: What message would you like to send to our viewers who might be feeling apprehensive about the future? Are there reasons for optimism amidst these challenges?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name], for sharing your insights on this important topic. We hope this discussion has shed light on the complexities of this new geopolitical landscape and sparked further reflection on the path forward.
