Germany's Russia Problem / Geopolitical Crisis ft. Oliver Moody

Oliver Moody: Russia, Germany's Security Blindspot & the Baltic Warning Could Russia really strike Berlin? Times correspondent Oliver Moody reveals why Germany has catastrophically underestimated the threat from the East, how "Wandel durch Handel" became a strategic trap, and what the Baltic states can teach Europe about deterrence in the new era of great power conflict.

We explore: ⚡ Russia would target Berlin first — why a Baltic war wouldn't stay in the Baltics ⚡ Germany as NATO's weak link — the political shock war would bring to German society ⚡ "Wandel durch Handel" backfired — how transformation through trade transformed Germany instead ⚡ The Petersburg Dialogue deception — how Russia played German elites for decades ⚡ Nord Stream's strategic mistake — the new Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact ⚡ Merkel's profitable illusion — cheap Russian gas, Chinese exports, American security ⚡ Baltic lessons for Europe — what northeastern Europe knows that Berlin doesn't

"Germany thought they were building civil society ties to nudge Russia toward liberal democracy. They were absolutely played."

"There's still latent desire in German media to restart the gas flow and rebuild the relationship."

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#MadInGermany #OliverMoody #Russia #Germany #Geopolitics #NATO #BalticStates #NordStream #Ukraine #EuropeanSecurity #TheTimes #WandelDurchHandel #Putin #Merkel #ForeignPolicy #DefensePolicy

CREDITS

Mad in Germany Host: James Jackson Guest: Oliver Moody (Times Berlin Correspondent, Author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe") Editor: Luardo Eduardo Gamero Producer: Lya Cuellar Thumbnail: Kern Mangan-Walker

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TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction — Oliver Moody on Germany's geopolitical blindspot 00:03:15 Would Russia attack the Baltics? — The real threat assessment 00:06:40 Germany as prime target — Why Berlin would be hit first 00:10:20 Germany's peace tradition — Soft on Russia politics and historical baggage 00:15:45 "Wandel durch Handel" — How transformation through trade backfired 00:22:30 The Petersburg Dialogue — Russia's strategic manipulation of German elites 00:28:15 Nord Stream pipelines — The new Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact 00:35:50 Merkel's profitable illusion — Cheap gas, Chinese markets, American protection 00:42:20 Germany's Russia problem — Elite capture and commercial self-interest 00:48:10 NATO's deterrence challenge — What war in Europe would really look like 00:55:30 Baltic lessons — What northeastern Europe can teach the West

ABOUT OLIVER MOODY Oliver Moody is The Times' Berlin correspondent and author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe" (published in German as "Konflikt an der Ostsee"). His book examines geopolitics in northeastern Europe and what the West can learn from the Baltic states' approach to Russian aggression and deterrence strategy. As a correspondent covering Germany and European security, Moody provides in-depth analysis of Germany's Russia policy, NATO dynamics, and the strategic challenges facing Europe in an era of renewed great power competition. His reporting combines on-the-ground journalism with deep geopolitical insight into one of the world's most volatile regions. Note: This conversation was recorded in December 2024. While some specific geopolitical developments have occurred since then, the strategic analysis of Germany's position and European security dynamics remains highly relevant.

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