'Understanding' for Russia in Germany: international triangle meets domestic politics. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, Steve
• Is Part Of: Cambridge review of international affairs. Volume 34:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 771
• Page End: 794
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: International law -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; 909.8205
• DOI: 10.1080/09557571.2019.1703647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-7571

Abstract

Abstract: 'Understanding' for Vladimir Putin's Russia is present across Germany's political spectrum, in business sectors, and within society/the electorate at large. It was boosted by the outcome of the 2017 election which saw a far right party, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), join Die Linke, a far left party, as a 'pro-Russia' force in parliament. Together they obtained 22% of the vote. Voices in centre parties also urge 'dialogue' and conciliation with Russia. Extra-parliamentary advocates are more strident in their support. Germany's vulnerable coalition government is confronted by Russian disinformation exploiting historical memory, discontent with policies, and scepticism towards the US, a situation exacerbated by the Trump administration. This combination of developments generates a multidimensional, underestimated, and partly realised potential for more destabilisation of Western alliances and Eurasian security.