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Germany's Military Buildup: A Stress Test for the Zeitenwende

opinion-review · 2026-05-07

81 years after the surrender of Nazi Germany, the Federal Republic is rising to become the strongest conventional military power in Europe. The article questions whether this can succeed, framing the rearmament as a stress test for Germany's Zeitenwende (turning point) in defense policy. The debate centers on the implications of Germany assuming a leading military role in Europe, given its historical past and current geopolitical tensions with Russia.

Key facts

  • 81 years after Nazi Germany's surrender
  • Germany aims to become the strongest conventional military power in Europe
  • The rearmament is described as a stress test for the Zeitenwende
  • The article is a guest contribution published in Süddeutsche Zeitung
  • The debate involves Germany's historical responsibility and current security challenges

Entities

Institutions

  • Süddeutsche Zeitung

Locations

  • Germany
  • Europe
  • Russia

Sources