October 2018 ISSN 1864-3973

THE HUMAN CAPITAL

Is still a metropolis unlike other major European cities, where only the most affluent can afford to live? The Berlin Times, a paper within this paper, reveals the state of life in ’s capital today.

SHUTTERSTOCK/MIKEDOTTA

IN THIS ISSUE Tainted love Touch of grey

HOLD ON TIGHT The current retreat by the The Germans know what they Leading a government she did not want US was long in coming, even owe the Americans. But what does that and unable to silence her critics, before Trump. Yet we must not let our trans-Atlantic mean for the future? finds herself in a tough spot partnership erode, says Theo Sommer. page 2 aware of the depth of gratitude they owe involved really wanted. Following the BY KATJA GLOGER AND the Americans, even if for decades only BY GÜNTER BANNAS federal election last year, Merkel and her UPSTARTS GEORG MASCOLO the western part of their divided country inner circle tried to forge a coalition the Four young, eloquent politi- profited from it. Together with the Red likes of which had never existed before in cians from , right and ne of the low points of the Army, US soldiers liberated Germany he final years are always the Germany: her Christian Democrats join- center(s) are disrupting the trans-Atlantic relationship can from the despotism of the National Social- hardest. For nearly 13 years, ing forces with the pro-business FDP and politics of old in Germany. Obe pinpointed precisely: June ists. The Americans – in a move that of TAngela Merkel has been chancel- the environmentalist Greens. Following Lutz Lichtenberger tells their 19, 2018, 6:52AM EST. Presumably course benefitted their own economy as lor of the Federal Republic of Germany. weeks of negotiations, the FDP walked stories. page 4 from his bedroom in the East Wing of well– buried the Morgenthau Plan and No current head of government in the out. FDP policymakers and even leading the White House, US President Donald launched the Marshall Plan. Decades Western democratic world has held Social Democrats blamed Merkel, adding Trump clicked “send” in his Twitter later, after the fall of the , power longer than this woman from the that the coalition talks’ failure indicated PERSIAN SUNSETS app: “Crime in Germany is up 10% plus they promoted reunification while the former . that Merkel’s days as chancellor were The US and the EU have (officials do not want to report these French and Brits had misgivings. But the Merkel has led her party, the center-right numbered. often differed over Middle crimes) since migrants were accepted.” Americans also had the confidence that Christian Democratic Union (CDU), for The SPD, for its part, had little interest East policy. But the It sounds like a state conspiracy, one the Germans had become a mature and 18 years. Only Helmut Kohl, the chancel- in joining yet another grand coalition dispute over Iran could have discovered by the American president: the responsible nation. The pride at having so lor of Reunification, served longer in that with Merkel. Its leadership – under then- dramatic consequences. German chancellor, interior minister and decisively contributed to the evolution of office. Germany’s sole female chancellor, chairman – understand- Volker Perthes explains the police have conspired to deceive the German the new Germany accounts for America’s Merkel has also led a variety of different ably pointed out that it had just polled strategic implications for people. But this tweet, too, to put it mildly, trusting demeanor. In this sense, Germany cabinets, at times in coalition with the the worst election result in its history. the trans-Atlantic was an incorrect claim. The AfD gleefully has always provided some sort of self- center-left Social Democrats (SPD), and Voters had assigned the SPD the role of relationship. page 10 retweeted the affirmation at other times an opposition message: for America with the free- party, Schulz Trump, it said, THE GERMANS as well. market Free MERKEL LEADS said, pledg- BULLS IN THE CHINA SHOP obviously had In their short Democrats ing that he The trade war between precise infor- HAVE NEVER HAD post-World- (FDP). A COALITION would never the US and the Middle mation from War-II history, Unlike the take part in a Kingdom is about more his intelligence A BETTER FRIEND the Germans United States, THAT NONE OF Merkel cabi- than just money. It is about services. have never had Germany does net. Merkel world domination. The German a better friend not limit the herself Hans-Jürgen Jakobs lays government THAN THE than the Amer- duration for THE OTHER PARTIES favored new out the battlefield.page 11 and the chan- icans. And which one elections. cellor refuted AMERICANS when push person can INVOLVED WANTED It was Presi- the substance came to shove, hold the coun- dent Frank- MADE IN DEUTSCHLAND of the tweet. In reality, the crime rate was Germany was one of the more reliable try’s most powerful political office. In Walter Steinmeier who put an end to The economy is booming, down 10 percent in 2017, and was at its friends of the US. Former Chancellor Ger- April 2016, on his last visit to Berlin as such plans. He ruled out another vote. Trump doesn’t get that lowest since 1992. The political damage hard Schröder risked his office by contribut- US president, Barack Obama remarked Only after a long period of inner conflict international trade and sanc- was somewhat contained, but the aftershock ing to the NATO war effort in Afghanistan “I do not envy Angela Merkel for not did the SPD signal its readiness to coop- tions against Russia have to continues to linger. after 9/11. Two years after that, George W. having term limits.” Obama praised the erate. In return, the CDU had to forfeit remain in place for the time Countering “fake news” and other Bush took Germany’s refusal to contribute wisdom of the US Constitution’s fram- the hugely important finance portfolio being, says German Econom- media hysterics spread and enflamed by troops to the invasion of Iraq as a betrayal. ers. “I think it’s healthy for a big, diverse to the smaller SPD. ics Minister in Russia is old hat for Berlin – after all, So, how to handle Trump and the US country like ours to have some turnover. Second, Merkel’s situation has not an interview. page 13 during the Cold War, was in these trying times? Justified and openly To use a phrase from basketball, to have improved since. The finance minister the preferred target for disinformation voiced criticism is as important as the readi- some fresh legs come in.” is now the SPD’s , who just campaigns by the KGB and the Stasi. But ness for self-criticism. Germany’s trade bal- Merkel was stunned. Her face expressed last fall was still gleefully ridiculing GERMAN DEMOCRACY 1.0 to be attacked like this by a political ally? ance surplus and its – in America’s eyes astonishment, and seemed to question the chancellor. “Her political style has 100 years after the revolu- That was something new. – inadequate defense expenditures had whether saying such a thing was even apparently reached its limit,” Scholz tion of Nov. 9, 1918, Unfortunately, this is but one of many already been matters of concern for Clin- proper. A number of her close associates said. “The time of just muddling through Robert Gerwarth reappraises reasons to look upon the German-American ton, Bush and Obama. They raised their who had expressed their intention to is over.” Now he is vice-chancellor, and the oft-overlooked landmark relationship with concern. The majority of concerns behind closed doors in a friendly leave politics after years of service would many in the SPD believe he is readying in the nation’s history: Germans harbor deep mistrust for Trump tone – and each German government turned later describe a different Angela Merkel. to vie for the top job in the next federal It afforded full citizenship and consider him a danger to world peace. a deaf ear. She seemed reflective, they said, as if it election. In the details of government rights to women. page 17 They are disappointed and distraught by In recent months, some government offi- might be liberating for her, too, to pass work – which are closely watched in Ber- his cavalier attitude toward the free press, cials have reread the farewell address US the onus of responsibility on to others. lin’s political circles – Scholz is walking the independence of the judiciary and other Secretary of Defense Robert Gates deliv- Following much introspection, she away from previous agreements. Pension SEASON ON THE BRINK fundamentals of democracy – values that the ered to NATO in Brussels in June 2011. decided otherwise. Now, however, payments after the year 2040 are just one Bayern remains Americans so successfully bequeathed to the Gates warned that if burden sharing did not Merkel finds herself in a position that example. Statements by Scholz have led an international soccer vast majority of West Germans after the end become more equitable, future presidents could not be politically more difficult. to counterattacks from Merkel’s CDU. powerhouse, but the rest of of the Hitler dictatorship. The initial ironic could strike a very different tone and follow Public opinion is beginning to turn As a result, Merkel came under pressure the has trouble response, the sarcasm about his rhetoric and a less lenient course. And so it has come to against Merkel. The chancellor barely within her own party and felt constrained keeping up with richer the ridicule of his incessant narcissism have pass. For its external and, for that matter, its reaches anyone with her talking points to contradict him. teams from Britain, Spain yielded to the recognition that this president internal security, Germany relies largely on anymore. She is grappling with – and Relations with the Bavarian CSU, and France. Joachim Klaehn must be taken very seriously. the US – the NSA and the CIA. This was true suffering from – three main problems. the CDU’s so-called sister party, are looks at the league’s current Germans, in spite of all justified – and before and is still true after the disclosures First, Merkel leads a coalition gov- even worse. Virtually no politician in standing. pages 22–23 sometimes excessive – criticism, are fully of Edward Snowden. ernment that none of the other parties Germany has rejected Merkel’s refu-

continued on page 2 continued on page 5 2 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 3 POLITICS POLITICS continued from page 1 Tainted love

Trump cites only the numbers that paint Germany as a stingy ally living shamelessly off the generosity of the US. The German government has – unsuccessfully – attempted ALEX EDELMAN/CNP/ADMEDIA to convince Trump that it is ready to make changes, even though his calculations are neither mathemati- WHY cally nor politically cogent. So Trump is forcing the Germans to clarify their position. As a result, the federal government is being nudged towards more self-reliance while engaging in a more honest EUROPE debate on external and internal security – and on what it will cost. For a country with this history and meager experience in strategic thinking, this is an enormous chal- lenge – and yet perhaps also an NEEDS A opportunity, for Europe as well. Although it is no certainty, it is comforting to assert that no presi- dent, not even the current one, can destroy the ties that link the Ameri- can and German people. The grim- PLAN B mest predictions usually garner the most attention, but they are mostly false. Benjamin Franklin once said There is no denying that its opponents of the German immigrants in the US: “Those who come hither are have seized the moment. Here’s how we generally of the most ignorant can make Europe great again Stupid Sort of their own Nation.” One should take care, he wrote that they not “Germanize” the US. It turned out to be an ill-founded concern. Pivot to nowhere? US President Donald Trump turns his back on Europe. The quarrel over the Iraq war was followed by eight years of Obama, whom the Germans rhapsodized as the end of World War II and tarian forces, who have long at and dismiss these people and both clarity and capacity led to minimum requirements of reform. they had Kennedy decades earlier. BY BENJAMIN ZEEB accounted for half of the world’s begun presenting their audiences the very real rapport they enjoy predictable problems both on the These efforts must be carried out But half of America rejects Trump GDP by creating institutions and with a story where the weakness with huge swaths of the European eastern flank and in the Mediter- by European citizens acting in as fiercely as do the Germans. And Spurring Europe to action aybe Europe will be by helping Germany and Japan of the executive is a direct result population. Anyone who hasn’t ranean once the EU was seriously the interest of the entire conti- while the prospect that things may all right in the end. erect two of its major economic of the implementation of the core grasped this after Trump’s elec- put to the test by two simultane- nent and, if necessary, against still improve with this president MPerhaps the little we pillars. Its share today stands at values of Western democracies. toral victory and the Brexit vote is ous crises: a large scale influx of the interests of individual nation remains bleak, there is the com- America’s retreat and Donald Trump’s refusal to lead are putting the trans-Atlantic alliance at risk can do within the structures of just one-seventh. Free trade, liberalism, tolerance closing their eyes to reality. refugees and repeated Russian states. Europeans feel most at forting thought that there will be a the EU will turn out to be just With wages stagnating and and solidarity are sold, above The only way to stop the march aggression. home at a subnational or regional post-Trump period. enough to steer us through these income inequality rising, it has all, by the political right but also of the enemies of democracy is to The EU was never apt at com- level, yet this is precisely where Until that time, Germany must trying times. Maybe the realiza- become harder to convince the increasingly by the left, as the root reclaim sovereignty. More than bining the continents numerical revisionist nationalism is felt most proceed with self-confidence, criti- or, horrible thought, likely to become a needed Weltpolitikfähigkeit, the capacity Today we raise our voice again. Our tion that we indeed face an exis- citizens of Western societies, causes of establishment politi- anything, Europe needs efficient resources. At its inception, the violently. It is thus here that the cism and self-criticism, but also BY THEO SOMMER permanent fixture of US foreign policy? for world politics. He is right, of course. purpose is the same as then: to save the tential crisis will sink in quickly many of whom had not seen a pay cians’ ineptitude. and effective democratically legit- EU’s goal was to fulfill three basic campaign to reconstitute Euro- with a healthy portion of strategic While Europeans expect his ghastly style to And while it is undeniable that Europe trans-Atlantic community. It remains a enough to respond to the chal- raise in decades, of the benefits An oft-cited passage from imized government action. Only if functions: Contain Germany, pean sovereignty should begin. patience. Never give up on a friend – e live in perilous times in an disappear with him, they are by no means won’t get there quickly, at least it’s on vital asset not only for Europe, its security lenges ahead. of global integration. In Europe, from 1962 aptly the citizens of Europe realize that keep out Russia and facilitate A limited set of demands used and certainly not when he’s in such imperiled world. The most dra- sure that the basic thrust of his approach the move. and its prosperity, but also for America’s But if we can agree that it is this situation was exacerbated describes the situation in which their political willpower can be continuous US involvement in the as a litmus test for regional can- dire straits as is this magnificent Wmatic shift of power and wealth will vanish as well. Europe won’t cut loose from America. influence in the world. Denigrating allies, blatantly clear that the very core by tough austerity measures, we find ourselves today: translated into political author- continent’s affairs. didates of all parties could include land with its less-than-magnificent since the ascent of the United States to Pessimists in Europe assume that Ameri- The goal, in the words of German For- however troublesome they may be at times, of Western society, down to what which had become necessary, in Only a crisis – actual or per- ity – one that does not bow to French President Emmanuel six items to guarantee sufficient president. worldwide dominance a hundred years ca’s inward turn will continue. In 15 to 20 eign Minister , is a “balanced is the shortest road to isolation. We should Robert F. Kennedy once called its part, because eurozone countries ceived – produces real change. external, superordinate powers – Macron’s proposal to return room for maneuver – so that ago puts an end to 500 years of West- years, whites will be a minority, they point relationship,” a relationship in which the all remember Winston Churchill’s dictum: “sacred rights,” is under threat, had failed to include any kind of When that crisis occurs, the can democracy truly thrive on this sovereignty and democratic par- the future of political and social ern (and white) hegemony. China’s rise out. This will weaken ties with Europe and US can no longer push Europe around by “The only thing worse than having allies is both indirectly from adverse mechanism capable of squelching actions that are taken depend on continent. For many European ticipation to the continent’s citi- developments of the EU remains KATJA GLOGER from international insignificance to global sap the trans-Atlantic commitment. the exterritorial assertion of its sanctions not having allies.” In the same vein, Donald global trends and directly through the fire in the event of a financial the ideas that are lying around. nation states, this can no longer zenry through the creation of a malleable – while taking into is a writer for the weekly Der Stern. clout is changing the power balance. The European optimists assume that the US policy, by weaponizing the dollar or by Tusk, president of the European Council, the challenge mounted by advanc- emergency. That, I believe, is our basic func- be achieved with the EU as it larger “European sovereignty” account the historical precedents Chinese model – capitalism plus authori- pullback from the liberal world order its Liebesentzug – withdrawal of affec- implored Donald Trump: “Appreciate your ing autocratic nationalism – is Many of the changes we see tion: to develop alternatives to exists today. The uneasy feeling of is at present the only concrete of politically stable entities: GEORG MASCOLO tarianism – poses a grave challenge to the won’t last long. They bank on the resilience tion – regarding international institutions. allies, for you don’t have many.” “maybe” really good enough? today are structural and have existing policies, to keep them being ruled rather than governed, suggestion for EU reform that heads the joint investigative unit of the daily Süddeutsche Western system of free market democ- and the ultimate rationality of American Maas wants Europe to act as a “counter- We are firmly convinced that we must Both sides of the Atlantic are been in the making for decades. alive and available until the politi- which is shared by many Euro- has the potential to accomplish 1. To re-institute effective politi- Zeitung and the public radio and racy, as despots all over the world are voters. The pendulum will swing back to weight” to America, capable of defending not let our trans-Atlantic partnership erode undergoing coordinated attacks Thus, some commentators have cally impossible becomes politi- peans, not only on the periphery what needs to be done. It remains cal authority through the estab- television broadcasters NDR eager to emulate it. The liberal interna- normal, they say. “Trump’s foreign policy “red lines” crossed by Washington. Like and silently fade away. The reasons are on the structures and values that pointed out that we should prob- cally inevitable. but also at the center of the EU, doubtful that he will succeed with lishment of a common budget and WDR. tional order, built by America after World will not outlast his whims,” argues Janan obvious. have upheld and sustained demo- ably stop obsessing about the It is in part the failure of liberal is not fictive. his plan given the political reali- exclusively for common tasks, Both have been based as War II and sustained by its European Ganesh in the Financial Times. First: We face a host of problems that cratic civil society since the end people who are cheering on this elites, who had bought wholesale Sovereignty lies at the heart ties of a system dominated by the which is also imperative for sta- political correspondents in allies ever since, is collapsing. Democracy The realists are not so sure. They con- GERMANY IS neither Europe nor the United States can of World War II. The usefulness decline, the most prominent of the notion of the end of history, of the populist message. It’s the logic of ever-competing nation bilizing the euro as the common Washington, D.C. is in retreat; nationalism and tribalism sider it too risky to rely on the hope that hope to master alone. The challenges of of institutions built by the US whom currently occupies the that there were no other, more power to decide who makes the states. The pregnant question: currency and for exploring the are gaining ground; and global instability Trumpism will disappear with Trump. At our time require partnership as a response: during the Cold War era, mainly Oval Office. convincing ideas lying around laws, who sets the rules and who What happens if Macron fails? extent to which debt related to continues to grow. Even in the so-called any rate, for the time being they have to NOT GOING in combatting terrorism; stopping the with the purpose of defending But even if Donald Trump and when reactionary nationalism is granted or denied the privi- Apart from the obvious geo- common projects can be mutual- free world, democracy is again at risk. reckon with a president who throws out spread of weapons of mass destruction, liberal democracy at home against his ilk are only a part of this reared its head once again. lege of entry. This includes the strategic implications and the ized. Worse yet: Facing a China on the rise treaties, whose allegiance to NATO is ques- TO ABANDON especially nuclear weapons; building peace the threat emanating from Soviet story, there is no denying that As stale as the ideas hawked government’s capacity to protect unresolved currency crisis, fail- and a disruptive Russia in a world replete tionable and who considers the European in the Middle East; providing energy secu- Russia, is increasingly being opponents of globalization have by Steve Bannon or Nigel Farage its citizens from harm, be it the ure to regain political power 2. To establish one common with threats and disorder, what used to be Union a “foe.” rity; fighting climate change; and solving called into question. For Euro- seized the moment. may be, there is a new, rather threat of a foreign adversary or of and the related capacity to dis- European external border and IMPRINT known as “the West” is breaking down. , the chairman of Atlantik- AMERICA. BUT the never-ending trade disputes in a non- peans it wouldn’t much matter They have crafted a highly innovative dimension to their social decline. Neither the EU nor tribute resources strategically migration policy, policed by the The cause, in the eyes of most Europe- Brücke, put his finger on the wound when antagonistic way. why the Americans abandon their effective narrative that juxtaposes project. In an ironic twist, the European nation states can cur- could be particularly disastrous EU as a whole. Publisher ans, is President Donald Trump’s appar- he said: “We Europeans must define our IT DEVOUTLY Second: We have more in common goal of securing the liberal order a cultural and economic national- nationalists have globalized rently claim they will be able to given the looming technologi- Detlef W. Prinz ent determination to destroy the world role in the world without the US. To be with each other than with anyone else. If abroad. Perhaps they question ism – slightly rebranded as “the themselves. This means that “the deliver on these basic government cal change in the periphery of 3. To establish a common Euro- order the US created: the web of alliances true: It would be better if America returned America and Europe are to thrive in the its effectiveness, or have truly new thing” – with an outdated dream of Brexit isn’t just about functions, even in the near future. the eurozone. Automation and pean citizenship not linked to any Executive Editor WISHES THAT Theo Sommer and institutions that underwrote freedom, to the fold one fine day, but at the present new era unfolding before us today, they lost faith in the ideas they had so world order buoyed by corrupt winning in the United Kingdom,” In many countries the capacity to digitization have already begun particular member state. safeguarded peace and promoted prosper- moment we can’t count on this for sure.” should beware of letting their partnership fervently championed over past elites and propagated by obsolete according to Farage, “it’s winning do so has already been lost. their triumphant advance. At Editor in Chief ity. “Today,” Robert Kagan states in his Merz echoed Chancellor Angela Merkel’s AMERICA languish. Only together can they hope to decades – to the point where values. in Catalonia, Hungary, Poland Observing EU institutions in the very moment when invest- 4. To establish a common Euro- Peter H. Koepf recent article titled “The Cost of American memorable statement: “The times when hold their own in a world of ever more and they, during their brief unipolar The ever-greater visibility of the and all over the this situation is like watching ment in the infrastructure of the pean Army with a monopoly on Retreat,” “the US seems bent on relinquish- we could fully rely on one another are ever stronger competing powers. moment, even sought to cement European nation states’ failure as we speak.” Bannon, in the a survivalist trek through the future economy should occur, the legitimate force for the common Senior Editor REMAIN TRUE Lutz Lichtenberger ing its duties in pushing back the jungle.” more or less over, so I can only say that Third: There is a very simple demo- this order in lands as far away as to face the challenges of the 21st meantime is busy setting up his jungle. You make do with what wheel of history is at a standstill external defense, with a single Atlas, the Titan of endurance, is tired of we Europeans must take our fate into our graphic reason for hanging together. By the Middle East. century has created an opening anti-EU operation in Brussels. It you have. You govern with the in Europe. National budgets of command structure, doctrine, holding up the sky. own hands.” French president Emmanuel TO ITSELF the year 2050, America and Europe will Europe was often highly critical for anti-democratic and authori- is with peril that we ignore, laugh tools at your disposal, not with many eurozone countries will budget and procurement, etc. English Language Editor Jonathan Lutes This is not a new phenomenon. Isola- Macron weighed in: “The partner with each comprise a population of 500 Million of the manner in which the US the tools you wish were at your remain inflexible for years to tionism has been the twin of imperial- which Europe built the post-war multilat- Juncker, who finds it ridiculous that Euro- – between them, one billion people facing appeared to be running the world, disposal. The show must go on. come; there is also a shortage of 5. To establish a single foreign Art Director ism throughout America’s 242-year his- eral order seems to be turning its back on peans pay for their Airbuses and 80 percent nine or ten billion in the rest of the world. and rightfully so. But at the same There is honor in this approach. investment, which will be diffi- office with the sole purpose of Paul M. Kern tory. Swings from geopolitical outreach this shared history.” At the annual confer- of energy imports in dollars, he wants to One billion people in the West, nine or ten time we could always count on This approach is also doomed cult to make up for in the future. executing common external to withdrawal into its continental shell ence of his ambassadors, Macron added: install independent payment channels out- billion in the rest – that prospect deserves them continuing to do so. ONLY IF THE CITIZENS to fail. As the influx of private capital policy. Layout Johanna Trapp have punctuated the country’s policy. The “Europe can no longer entrust its security side the Swift system. Beyond that, forging sober contemplation. Then came the true watershed While the nationalists are right is disproportionately small, the Gordon Martin current retreat has been long in coming. It to the United States alone. Today, it is up an “alliance for multilateralism” is one of The late Senator John S. McCain moment of the post-war era. The OF EUROPE REALIZE to lament the absence of sover- danger of a “lost generation” 6. All these functions will be was George W. Bush who first pulled back to us to assume our responsibilities and to his principal projects. was a stalwart advocate of Western 2008 financial crisis marked the eignty, or power, as some might looms in southern Europe. As financed by a common European Advertising from multilateralism, making unilateralism guarantee security – and thereby European Yet the minister also says: “We are still unity and an unwavering supporter end of the extended Cold War prefer to call it, their romantic long as there is no substantial tax or debt and will be subject to Janine Kulbrok his guiding principle. Barack Obama pri- sovereignty.” close to each other.” To manifest this close- of the world America has inspired, order. The consequences of the THAT THEIR POLITICAL descriptions of past glory vastly change in the capacity and direc- scrutiny and budgetary review by oritized nation-building at home and lead- It seems paradoxical but it is a fact: ness and to rescue it into the future is the organized and led for three-quarters subsequent Great Recession and overestimate the extent to which tion of eurozone governance, a common . Publishing House Times Media GmbH ing from behind. Under Donald Trump, Donald Trump’s truculence is finally spur- central purpose of Deutschlandjahr USA. of a century. At last year’s Munich global realignment were even WILLPOWER CAN BE it ever existed in the first place. the prospect of a perpetually The construction of such a coali- Tempelhofer Ufer 23-24 strategic restraint has shriveled to strategic ring the Europeans to action. In various Maas was deeply touched when during Security Conference he made an appeal more pervasive than the events Europe was never able to unstable political and economic tion is a tedious and adversarial 10963 Berlin retreat. He refuses to lead. His battle cry fields they are stepping up to the plate. one of his recent trips, a young GI pulled to the Europeans: “Make no mistake, of September 11 or the peace- uphold the structures by which region around the Mediterranean task. However, should Macron Tel.: +49 30 21505-400 TRANSLATED INTO “America first” jettisons the basic concept They are increasing their defense spending him aside and implored him: “Please, don’t my friends: These are dangerous times, ful revolutions of 1989. While it traded with the world, managed becomes more and more likely. be unable to deliver on his plan,

Printed in Berlin by that deal-making means taking the interests and boosting their military cooperation abandon America.” Germany is not going but you should not count America out, the latter had allowed the US flows of migration or capital, We must wish Macron well, it is the only alternative for a Dogan Media GmbH of your partners into account instead of and integration. They are in the process of to abandon America. But it devoutly wishes and we should not count each other to retain its position as the only POLITICAL AUTHORITY and defended its borders inde- but we must also prepare for the truly democratic, transparent and An der Brücke 20-22 rudely overpowering and crushing them. aligning their foreign policies – vis-à-vis the that America remain true to itself. out.” Heeding McCain’s admonition unchallenged global superpower, pendently from the US. To this eventuality of his program being efficient Europe. Without such 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf Trump is the first to think that the Ameri- Mediterranean and Africa, but also with This paper was founded in 2004 at a would be the noblest way of honoring the events of 2008 served as a CAN DEMOCRACY day, NATO actually defends the rejected. We need a Plan B. efforts, all that remains is the can world order undermines American regard to China. Simultaneously, they are time when German-American relations the memory of a great American and wakeup call. While the fall of fact that most of its war-fighting Should nation states and the EU gloomy perspective of a continent The German Times is a registered trademark of Times Media GmbH. greatness – Mark Leonard’s sly remark is strengthening the stability of the euro and were at their lowest point after the end of dedicated Atlanticist. Soviet Russia had meant merely capacity originates from across prove incapable of meaningful left behind. dead-on. For the time being, the president moving towards a fuller banking union. conflict between East and West. The bone the geographical extension of a TRULY THRIVE ON THIS the Atlantic. reform, this leaves only a bottom- www.times-media.de marks an inflection point. In his last State-of-the-Union address of contention was George W. Bush’s Iraq previously established system, While there is a common travel up approach aimed at regional THEO SOMMER BENJAMIN ZEEB Press deadline The question is: President Trump’s to the European Parliament, Commission war, started on the basis of lies and self- is the executive editor of the financial crisis laid bare an CONTINENT area – Schengen – there is no actors across the continent that is CEO of the think tank Project September 21, 2018 obnoxious style, his incalculability and his President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted, deception. We raised our voice in order to The German Times. uncomfortable new reality. The common border defense or migra- follows a Europe-wide coordi- for Democratic Union. unreliability – are they a temporary detour perhaps a bit grandiloquently, that Europe bridge the profound gap. It worked. US facilitated globalization after tion policy. The resulting lack of nated strategy to push for the 4 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 5 POLITICS POLITICS

THE WHIPPERSNAPPER THE CROWN PRINCE

t should have been a crushing defeat, for the at dozens of regional conferences. His style was e is already well along the path that both considered too generous – these were the intra-party cause and for him personally. Kevin Kühnert calm and matter-of-fact, without the revolutionary friend and foe agree may one day land him points of criticism against Merkel that prevailed Iwanted to prevent the center-left Social Demo- pathos for which many of the former chairs of the Hin the German chancellery. Angela Merkel before her admission of war refugees three years crats (SPD), the party whose youth organization he Jusos were known. “We’ve found almost 1,000 uses appointed the 38-year-old to her cabi- ago. In interviews, Spahn has continued to cling to leads, from voting to reboot their current coalition of the words ‘want’ and ‘would like’ in the coalition net this year, if only to the often rather thankless catchy and, some feel, provocative assertions: the with Angela Merkel’s center-right Christian Demo- agreement,” was one of the most repeated quotes post of health minister. The Christian Democrat current level of social assistance is enough to live off, crats (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party Christian from Kühnert’s roadshow. This was “the utmost has been a member of the since 2002, he says; he called demonstrators at the G20 summit Fear and prejudice Social Union (CSU). vague formulation” of a political project. The SPD when he became the youngest directly elected rep- in “left-wing fascists”; and he considers In September 2017, the SPD had suffered its worst can no longer trust the CDU, Kühnert preached to resentative in the history of the Federal Republic. it vital to impose a strict ban on Muslim women Why Germany’s populist AfD attracts so many followers showing in a Bundestag election since the found- his comrades. Spahn has been an inconspicuous politician over wearing a full-face veil. ing of the Federal Republic in 1949: 20.5 percent. Ultimately, at the end of March, two-thirds of the years, a proficient healthcare policymaker and Spahn had probably taken into account the continued from page 1 After Merkel’s negotiations with the Greens and party members voted for continuing the coalition pension expert who sat on all the relevant techni- appalled reactions of the left, which played right into Touch of grey the free-market Free Democrats (FDP) faltered, the with Merkel; only one-third voted Nay with Küh- cal panels, commissions and party committees. But his hand, giving him more publicity and making him SPD was left alone as the only potential partner for nert. And yet the Juso chief emerged from the debate all that changed in 2015 – with the refugee crisis even more beloved by the party’s right flank. This on October 14 and in Hessen ing real wages. The euro crisis, of eastern Germans vent their ing privatization, including that gee policy as stridently as the Union. The sole conceivable alternative would in an even stronger position than before. Kühnert and Merkel’s response to it. When German poli- allowed the budding star of the Christian Democrats, BY PETER H. KOEPF two weeks later, followed by they felt, revealed their elected anger and frustration at demon- of highways and health care. , the CSU have been new elections, which all center parties had, as they say in politics, enhanced his profile. tics descended into confusion, Spahn set out on a raised in Ahaus but a stone’s throw from the Dutch the European Parliamentary representatives – who had long strations and at the ballot box. The AfD also denies a link chairman. “The rule of injus- were against – not least out of concern that the far- He has become a national celebrity and is now the course opposite that of the chancellor. “If within a border, to avoid being seen as a throwback to the his time it was Chemnitz. elections in the spring of 2019 become stooges of uncontrol- Only there do they regain their between CO2 emissions and tice” is what Seehofer called right (AfD) would most friendly face of the future. This is more than a ques- year far more than a million refugees and emigrants gnarled, conservative CDU politicians of the 1960s. News reports around the and then, that autumn, elections lable, too-big-to-fail corpora- self-esteem. global warming. “I don’t believe Merkel’s decision in 2015 likely prove the beneficiary. The SPD thus entered tion of content, it’s about self-confidence in a party enter Germany, this will radically call into question Just as Kühnert in the SPD, Spahn is readily sought Tworld showed beefy, in three eastern German states tions – to have lost all control The sympathies that the dis- there’s anything that people can to permit hundreds of thou- into negotiations. Yet before a coalition could at odds with itself, from which voters are fleeing, many of the things we currently hold to be certain,” as a speaker by local CDU groups all across Ger- baldheaded men in black raising – , Brandenburg and of the situation. Many western satisfied, the shortchanged and do against climate change,” sands of migrants to come officially be formed, there would have to be a vote although the party believes it has crafted consistently he wrote. “We are experiencing a disruption of our many. He never forgets to mention that he is gay. placards and their right arms, Thuringia, where the AfD could Germans shared this view. the disrespected feel for the Gauland said in a recent TV to Germany. Now Seehofer among party members. 463,722 eligible voters were successful policy as part of the Grand Coalition since state.” Gay and conservative – sometimes still considered a chanting xenophobic slogans. become the strongest party of all. It was at this time, in 2013, nationalist AfD are irrational. interview. is interior minister, making summoned by the party in spring of this year for a 2013. In recent polls it garnered barely 18 percent. Although that was aimed at Merkel, it fell short of contradiction, even in 2018. The admission indeed Right-wing extremists, soccer Why do so many people in that the AfD was born as the Analysis of the party’s platform The actual glue that holds the him responsible for refugee binding vote: Yea or Nay. Kühnert’s moment had Incidentally, Gerhard Schröder – later German an open declaration of war; Spahn senses that, even helps Spahn levy his criticisms of political Islam and hooligans and angry citizens eastern Germany sympathize party criticizing the euro bailouts reveals that it serves the interests AfD together is hatred of other- policy. In his current office arrived. The 29-year-old mobilized the Jusos (short chancellor – and – the current head if the chancellor were to resign tomorrow morning, his warnings against the immigration of too many gathered – of all places – around with the far right? The answer and the EU. When this cause lost of businesses rather than “the ness. Since 2014, the party has he has repeatedly questioned for Jungsozialisten, or Young Socialists, the youth of the SPD – both began their paths to party chief it’s still too early for him to take over. But, in terms Muslims by equating them with often openly aggres- a big statue of after a has two components: a sense of its , the Islam-haters little guy.” It calls for a scaled- steadily radicalized. Most party Merkel’s authority on this division of the SPD since 1904) in opposition. Küh- as Juso chair. of his critics, Spahn has positioned himself to the sive homophobic attitudes. Spahn’s bold confession man had been stabbed to death issue, although Germany’s nert appeared on all the talk shows, gave newspaper right of Merkel, and has thus become the new hope shields him in bourgeois circles from being registered in this Saxon city of 250,000 constitution assigns the task interviews, traveled across all of Germany and spoke of conservatives within the CDU, who won’t (or as too far to the political right. residents, apparently by two of setting “policy guidelines” can’t) topple the chancellor, but are ever less shy In 2021, Merkel will have been in office for 16 men Germany had taken in to the chancellor. about openly longing for the end of her era. The years, equaling Helmut Kohl’s run in the 1980s after they no longer could or WOITAS/ZB/DPA JAN The chancellery was out- abolition of mandatory military service, the phase- and 1990s. It remains highly probable that she will would stay in their own coun- raged at Seehofer, not least out from nuclear power and the euro-bailout scheme decline to run for a fifth term. Spahn will then be tries: Syria and Iraq. The angry for his repeated bullying. The 41 years old, older than Emmanuel Macron when crowd blamed the crime on constitution grants Merkel he was elected president of France. Germany’s chancellor, shouting the right to fire him. But in the now-familiar “Merkel must reality, she cannot. In divid- go!” Then the mob turned their ing the government portfolios ire on people they considered among the three parties, the foreigners. The police, vastly current coalition agreement outnumbered, seemed power- lets the CSU decide who will less against this brand of collec- be interior minister. tive punishment. Third, with astonishing fre- Just as shameful and shock- quency and bluntness, as if it ing is the fact that federal law- were a foregone conclusion, DPA/ PAUL ZINKEN makers in Germany defended even leading CDU figures pre- and even justified this episode dict that Merkel will not run of “going buckwild” (Steve for another term as chancel- Bannon). It was “normal that lor in three years. All Berlin people explode” after this “kind talks this way. Sooner or of killing,” the parliamentary later, Merkel will announce leader of the populist AfD, Alex- her intention to stand down, ander Gauland, said in a state- they say, although this would DPA/BERND VON JUTRCZENKA DPA/GREGOR FISCHER DPA/MONIKA SKOLIMOWSKA Robert Habeck, , Kevin Kühnert and Jens Spahn (left to right) ment. And: “When the state can break with tradition. For the no longer protect its citizens, the moment she says nothing on people take to the streets and the matter. protect themselves,” Bundestag None of Merkel’s predeces- parliamentarian Markus Frohn- sors have left office of their maier (AfD) tweeted. A call to own accord. All were sent vigilantism? The whites of their eyes: far-right demonstrators in Chemnitz in late August. packing against their will. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOC To be sure, there were also There’s rumbling within spontaneous counter-demonstra- helplessness as well as fears of the gained traction. Then, the refu- back state that only the wealthy positions are held by far-right Merkel’s conservative par- tions, and music bands organized future and of gradual decline. It gees came, more than a million can afford. But the platform loudmouths, and the numbers of liamentary group. This loose Four upstarts are upending German politics. The German Times’ editor Lutz Lichtenberger a big pro-tolerance solidarity began right after the fall of the of them. Many eastern Germans does support a minimum wage voters and supporters are rising. talk further undermines her takes stock of their prospects to define the nation’s politics for the years ahead concert attracting as many as Berlin Wall. To this day, western suddenly feared for their jobs, and, broadly, Germany’s long- It is disturbing to learn from authority. Governing is get- 50,000 attendees. Slogans and Germans regard the incorpora- their homes and social welfare. enshrined system of collective Franziska Schreiber, a women ting harder. insults flew back and forth. tion of the five eastern states as The government, they believed, bargaining. It also includes vague who left the AfD, how many Those wanting to mourn the an act of generosity – which did had a soft spot for any and all references to tax breaks for low members in 2016 actually desired THE FIREBRAND THE GREEN HOPE victim had no appropriate place not stop legions of West German minorities, but not for us. and median incomes. a terrorist attack. “Things really to do so. carpetbaggers from taking their This seemingly permanent For the upper crust, how- need to hit the fan,” the author Not suprisingly, politicians and inexperienced new compatriots message of arrogance and indif- ever, the AfD promises capping (of Inside AfD) heard again and he time horizon of Sahra Wagenknecht’s within the party as aloof and all too concerned with hile Sahra Wagenknecht may be the most center back towards liberal democracy, progressive their parties seized the oppor- to the cleaners with insurance ference that easterners receive employer contributions, taxes again. “Then people will see we GÜNTER BANNAS political career is wide open. Wagenknecht, her own interests. But no one could keep pace with her familiar face of the new Left, her con- and ecological policy. “We want to make the Greens’ tunity for some grandstanding. schemes and used car sales, all from western elites is now being and welfare contributions at were right all along.” When Anis was parliamentary Tco-chairman of the Left Party’s parliamentary in terms of how she was perceived by outsiders; before Wtemporary, Robert Habeck, the newly positions capable of winning a majority. This is a “The clashes have their roots of which deeply embarrassed the answered, as growing numbers 40 percent of income. It seeks Amri drove a stolen truck into correspondent and Berlin group, began a project this summer whose goals long, she became the face of her party. elected co-chairman of the Greens, is getting ever rebuke of the scaremongers and an invitation to in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s easterners once they realized their to abolish inheritance tax and a Berlin Christmas market kill- bureau chief for the and potential effect on the landscape of German In 2010 Wagenknecht finally managed to climb into more popular. He is targeting the political center. the dispirited to gather courage. We can change statement ‘We can do this,’” said mistakes. Later, with growing rejects a wealth tax that could ing a dozen people, Schreiber Frankfurter Allgemeine political parties has Berlin’s political class scratch- the party leadership and reached the pinnacle of the Above all, it is Habeck’s style, often considered politics.” FDP Vice President Wolfgang resentment, they watched banks PETER H. KOEPF actually help repair the cohe- often saw high-fives in place of Zeitung until March 2018. is editor in chief of The German ing its collective head. The 49-year-old hopes her caucus in 2015. That period also featured a liaison and nonchalant, that is now shaking up his party from In recent years, the Greens have been stuck right Kubicki, referring to Merkel’s get rescued with tax money and sion of a society afflicted by the condolences for the victims. It In June he was awarded the Times. Together with Franziska movement, #, or #Rise Up, will foment a then marriage with former SPD chief and Minister of within while delivering the Greens some excellent in the center of the party spectrum; they were open-door policy during the then return to their old busi- widening gulf in private owner- was all repeated in Chemnitz: prestigious Theodor Wolff Schreiber he wrote the best- Prize by the Association coalition movement that – for now – claims to stand Finance , 26 years her senior and for poll results. At 15 percent, the party currently potential partners of the SPD and the Left Party on 2015 refugee crisis. ness models, raking in cash once selling book Inside AfD. A Report ship – the gap between rich and a dead person at the hands of of German Newspaper for election not as a party, but rather something like years one of the most dazzling figures in left-leaning enjoys third place, ahead of the AfD and only 3 one side of the aisle, and no longer just the secret The reason for such statements more, while the “little guy” paid by One Who Left, which was poor. The AfD also wants more asylum seekers. It’s fertilizer for Publishers for his life’s a movement. The movement is directed at all three German politics. percentage points behind the SPD. dream partners of Angela Merkel and the CDU on can easily be traced to upcom- for the party times of the past published in German in August. freedom for the private sector, the AfD’s blossoming dreams of work. parties that are left of center, including her own Left #Aufstehen does not see itself as a party, but rather In a political environment shaped by failures on the other. In 2013, the party rejected the chancel- ing regional elections in Bavaria with unemployment and sink- less regulations and is encourag- taking power. Party, which was cobbled together from the remains a movement intent on influencing the public debate the left and on the right, how did Habeck succeed lor’s offer to join in forming a government. In 2017, of the SED – the state party of the former GDR – and while aligning the SPD, Greens and the Left Party in bringing consensus to a party with a strikingly during negotiations with Merkel’s Union parties and a West German spin-off from the SPD called Labor on a common, bolder course oriented more to the anti-populist, rather exhausting and above all eco- the FDP, the Greens were lauded for their creative and Social Justice – The Electoral Alternative. In left. However, her rhetorical ventures of recent years logically demanding platform? ideas and pragmatism. But at the last minute the 2017 the Left captured 9.2 percent of the vote, good indicate that Wagenknecht is seeking even more. Her The 49-year-old, who until September was envi- Free Democrats pulled out of the talks. The Green for 69 seats in the Bundestag. Wagenknecht would cautious yet targeted statements have distanced herself ronment minister in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s dream of reclaiming government responsibility after like to win over SPD followers for whom the Social from her party’s line and the dominant attitude on northern-most state, has managed the same feat as nearly 20 years was shattered. BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG – WHERE PEOPLE LOVE Democrats have become too neoliberal and all too the left in all matters related to immigration. As far his three contenders: They are all new faces with Habeck is now the star attraction of a party that content to be bedfellows with Merkel’s CDU as well back as 2016 she said: “That there are limits to the fresh ideas expressed in their very own voices. Even functions in programmatic harmony like no other, as Greens supporters who suspect that their party is population’s receptiveness is a simple fact, and that if it’s sometimes just a repackaging of old concepts, yet sees no clear path back to power. Or conversely: on a steep decline towards becoming a free-market our capacity for absorption is not unlimited is another. the charm of the new is working its magic. it’s the party that tomorrow could be courted by TO LIVE AND DISCOVER FDP with an ecological appendage. Coming to these conclusions is neither left nor right, Unlike in the US, political careers in Germany potential partners from across the full spectrum of @ Nowhere else can inventors work – and live – so well. L-Bank plays its part, by promoting a climate of innovation with various programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises. We also Wagenknecht is a figure as flamboyant as she is but rather a banality.” are determined by party structures. It is difficult German politics. promote quality of life with measures aimed at families, infrastructure and climate protection. This is how we ensure that Baden-Württemberg’s many inventions continue to find their way around controversial. After finishing high school in 1988, Wagenknecht has never lost sight of the “little for outsiders to break in; the path to the top winds the world – whilst their inventors like to stay firmly put! Find out more at www.l-bank.de Communist Germany deemed her “not fit for the people” that constitute the voter potential of the left-of- through many intermediate stages and, as a rule, is collective” and denied her permission to study at center parties, from which many Germans have since quite a long one – extraordinary personalities seldom university. In early summer 1989, when the GDR strayed sharply to the right, embracing the AfD and endure. When in 2016 the Greens first held a primary was in its final death throes, Wagenknecht joined the their rhetoric of resentment. It is a similar issue as in on the American model to select their two chairs, SED anyway, just when all who could were fleeing the the US: Have the progressive parties – the SPD in Ger- Habeck lost by a hair. Two year later he was elevated party as quickly as possible and wanted nothing more many, the Democrats in the US – been focusing on the to lead the party without a vote among members. to do with socialist ideals. Over the next two decades, “wrong” themes, on identity politics, and neglecting Together with (the Greens Wagenknecht became one of the best-known figures in the real economic concerns of the lower middle class? traditionally elect one woman and one man to the the party without ever making inroads into the Left’s The calculus behind #Aufstehen, however, may party leadership), Habeck toured the country this power centers. She knew how to rhetorically shine in extend beyond political sentiment. In the Bundestag summer. His central message was such: “The center talk shows while distinguishing herself as the author of elections in 2013, the SPD, Greens and the Left Party is where the majority forms.” It’s about shifting the numerous books on economic policy, whose intellec- constituted a majority and would have been able to tual content puts them leagues above other such works build a coalition (in 2017 the three combined for a published by politicians. Wagenknecht was criticized mere 38.6 percent.) But the SPD could never bring itself to entertain an alliance with the SED heirs in the Left Party, whose opposition to NATO was one of the chief arguments against a partnership with the SPD. The new movement is sure to lower the threshold now separating one party from the next. 6 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 7 POLITICS POLITICS

Bundeswehr about-face EUlogy of Defense Hans-Peter Bartels, the Bundestag’s commissioner for the Bundeswehr, says after years of shortages, No longer able to rely on America’s military leadership, Germany’s armed forces are going to be fully equipped again for the tasks they face the EU is harmonizing its military capabilities and facilities

ermany’s military is This means maintaining the the practice of back-and-forth Bundeswehr reform of 2011. In the numbers continue to rise. Initial new, lighter, more comfortable the Middle East or Africa. They too small. That’s what force’s 13 current external borrowing. The material situa- wake of the global economic and BY JOHANNES LEITHÄUSER projects include the establish- protective vest for soldiers. must themselves become capable Gthe Poles say, and the deployments, from the Balkans tion remains dramatically inad- financial crisis, the priority was to ment of a network of logistics The new momentum in EU mili- of action. All EU cooperation deci- French, and the Brits, and the and Mali to Iraq and Afghani- equate and in some ways has cut costs across the board, irrespec- ine months ago, most centers in Europe, so that each tary cooperation boils down to sions made in the past two years Americans. Instead of fearing stan, while joining in the collec- even worsened. At the beginning tive of consequences. European Union individual army, large or small, two factors. The most important have served this objective. German military aggression, as tive defense of Europe with the of 2018, all six of Germany’s The government and lawmakers PICTURE ALLIANCE/IMAGEBROKER Nmember states took needn’t continue organizing its is Britain’s decision to leave the Paradoxically, NATO has pro- they did in 1914–18 and again in NATO Response Force, NATO combat submarines were out of will have to make sure they order their biggest step yet toward a own foreign missions. Then there EU. Prior to the Brexit referen- vided the biggest boost to the 1939–45, they fear the country’s naval task forces, the air policing service. At times, not one of the new arms systems, as they did common European army. It was is the new military training certifi- dum, the UK always exercised day-to-day military cooperation military weakness. over the Baltic region and the new A-400M transport planes earlier, complete with all acces- not, however, a moment that lent cation center, to ensure that in the its influence at EU headquarters of European armies. The new How times have changed. No German-led NATO battalion in could fly. Whether using -Euro sories including spare parts, test- itself to easy symbolism: No future, all armies have congruent to block progress in the common NATO strategy to deter Russian state disarmed as thoroughly fol- Lithuania. fighters, Tornados, Transalls, ing equipment, simulators and common European uniform nor training standards – so that, for European security and defense aggression has spawned several lowing the end of the Cold War Meanwhile, the German force’s CH-53s, Tigers or NH-90s, air peripheral training. It will cost common weapons and equip- instance, Estonian tank grena- policy. The British feared restric- new military units, such as the in 1991 than reunited Germany. military capabilities and effective units lamented inadequate flight more, but work better. ment, nor even a joint high com- diers receive gunnery training on tions on their military sover- fast-moving “spearhead force,” This was enshrined in the Two- hardware have generally deterio- hours for crews, as too many air- The budgetary changes, at least, mand. Militarily, what the EU a par with that of their German eignty; they also worried that available within days anywhere Plus-Four treaty involving West rated in recent years. New initia- craft were unusable on too many are taking form. By 2024, German now has is rules. They allow for and Spanish counterparts. joint European forces might even- in the Alliance, or the forward- and East Germany plus the four tives have been introduced that days of the year. military expenditure is slated to cooperation between individual Twenty-five of the 27 EU tually weaken NATO. After the stationed units in Poland and the victorious powers of World War target human resources, hard- The navy casts a similar pic- rise from €40 to €60 billion European states to jointly shape member states (the United King- referendum, European military Baltic States, which have a perma- II – the US, the UK, France and ware and expenditures, but have ture. The decommissioning of annually. That would then be 1.5 “Up in the air” might be the best way to describe the current state military facilities and capabili- dom, which is scheduled to exit cooperation immediately picked nent presence using rotating units. the Soviet Union. The army of yet to be felt. old ships works smoothly, but percent of GDP – and approxi- of the Bundeswehr’s. When the CH-53 helicopter is ready to fly, ties. the EU in March next year, has up. In addition to PESCO and the All these new units are multina- reunified Germany, it was agreed, I deliberately made my first offi- activation of their replacements mately the same total that Britain it can transport the multi-purpose medium truck Unimog. At the suggestion of the Ital- already been factored out) have EU Defense Fund, EU states also tional. In them, Germans, French, would not exceed a strength of cial troop visit as the Bundestag’s is years behind schedule. Instead and France devote to their armed ian military, for example, experts expressed their willingness, in agreed to set up a joint military Norwegians, Dutch, Spaniards, 370,000 troops. The old West new Bundeswehr commissioner in of the force’s official plan strength forces. The Bundeswehr’s acqui- omy is booming, after all, and improvisational talent, a sense of from several European armed principle, to join the new secu- headquarters. Czechs and soldiers of all other German Bundeswehr numbered 2015 to the German contingent of of 15 frigates, only 9 now exist. sition management also needs competition is tough. Police forces duty, solidarity, camaraderie and, forces are developing a new rity project, called PESCO. The The election of Donald Trump NATO countries must constantly 500,000 soldiers, East Germany’s NATO’s rapid deployment unit, And among these 9, the periods immediate attention. Far too often around the country are also swell- sometimes, with humor. Many armored infantry vehicle. On acronym stands for PErmanent gave the Europeans another reason work together at company level. National People’s Army 160,000. the VJTF (Very High Readiness at dock keep getting longer as the in the past, funding approved by ing their ranks. To attract both servicemen and servicewomen go German initiative, six other EU Structured COoperation and has those EU countries interested in of determined and powerful mili- to accelerate their military coop- This is where European military Downsizing was thus a binding Joint Task Force). There on the ships get older, spare parts are parliament for the armed forces more young people and qualified beyond the call of duty. Inter- countries are involved in setting been codified and agreed upon the new technology need convene. tary action. eration. This was not so much due cooperation becomes a reality commitment. grounds of the Bergen Train- lacking and project management – has remained unspent. personnel from elsewhere in the nationally, too, German soldiers up a European Medical Com- in the EU’s Lisbon Treaty. The In addition to the flexible PESCO The driving force alongside to Trump’s complaints that almost on a daily basis – when Polish Today, some 180,000 troops ing Area, I was handed a list of both on the Bundeswehr side and The government is also plan- labor market, the Bundeswehr enjoy the high esteem of their mand to guide and ensure medical novelty of this cooperation – by framework, the EU member states PESCO is the European Defense all European NATO countries mechanics repair a Dutch Leopard serve in the Bundeswehr, which has 15,000 items of equipment and that of Germany’s arms industry ning a new initiative in human can and must get better – and fast. peers. They deserve to once again care during EU military opera- EU standards – is that it does not have passed resolutions to further Fund, which aims to accelerate the have inadequate military budgets, tank, or when a German battalion since become an all-volunteer force, weapons systems that had to be – falls short of expectations. resources. The defense ministry That’s because the new tasks to be fully equipped and prepared tions, such as in Africa. Until involve the entire community, i.e. harmonize the 27 member states’ research and development of new but rather, Trump’s announce- commander sets the operational although the smallest Bundeswehr borrowed from other parts of the The problems of managing short- has come out with new target be met with the additional man- for the tasks at hand. now, all member states participat- all EU members. So, instead of military capabilities and equip- weapons and equipment. Starting ments of no longer wanting to plan for a Norwegian parachute of all time no longer has just one Bundeswehr so that at least the ages, overlong servicing times and figures. By 2024, manpower is power and equipment already ing in such operations have had to always having to win over 27 ment. When these efforts come in 2020, this fund is expected to play the world’s policeman. Euro- company. chief mission, as it did before 1990 1,000 German Panzergrenadiers the systematic lack of spare parts to rise by 12,000 to an on-paper exist today. The men and women renegotiate the terms for each and political and military decision- to full fruition, there may not be have an annual budget of more peans have become even more HANS-PETER BARTELS (SPD) (NATO defense) or following that would be available for immedi- affect the navy, army, air force strength of 198,000 soldiers. The now in uniform must shoulder every new mission. makers for a specific military any single EU army, despite the than 1.5 billion to finance proj- aware that they can no longer has been the Bundestag’s € JOHANNES LEITHÄUSER year (foreign deployments). The ate action. and joint support service equally. additional volunteers will, of these challenges on a daily basis commissioner for the Nine months ago, EU defense community project, such as the recurring political demands for it. ects co-planned and registered by rely on US military leadership to is a Berlin correspondent for the German military must now fulfill That was in 2015. Three years The causes can be found in deci- course, all have to be garnered on as best they can. This will succeed Bundeswehr since May 2015. ministers first agreed on 17 such development of new underwa- What should emerge, however, is EU member states. One of its first resolve conflicts in their neigh- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. both18-09-05_003_ID18068_eAz_Gotthard_GermanTimes_290x254_RZgp tasks equally. later, nothing has changed in sions made in connection with the the free market. Germany’s econ- only through great commitment, cooperation projects, and the ter surveillance equipment, only a European defense union capable projects is the development of a borhood, such as the Balkans,

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AMAXX_Worldwide_GermanTimes_290x254mm_D_0918.indd 1 20.09.2018 15:03:05 18-09-05_003_ID18068_eAz_Gotthard_GermanTimes_290x254_RZgp.indd 1 05.09.18 17:58 8 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 9 POLITICS POLITICS BPA AGENCY BPA WHERE THE REFUGEES ARE COMING FROM AND HOW THEY REACH EUROPE Can’t we talk? Despite the recent cooling-off, Russia and Germany can

TOTAL ARRIVALS IN 2018 still work together – if they see each other for what they really are

ITALY BY DMITRI TRENIN Rather, Russia is Europe’s largest 20,210 82,201 immediate neighbor, alongside other neighbors such as the Arab SPAIN ike Moscow’s relations world, Iran and Turkey. Berlin SEA ARRIVALS 38,911 TURKEY with the West more should certainly take Moscow broadly, Russia’s ties with into account, but more impor- Includes refugees and migrants arriving by sea to Italy, L 22,348 Greece, Spain and Cyprus. Germany – its most important tantly, Germany should accept European partner – have grown the way Russia is now to avoid increasingly strained over the new disappointments. 77,422 past few years. Previous hopes The focus of Germany-Russia of Russia’s integration into a interaction now should be placed TUNISIA CYPRUS Greater Europe, from Lisbon on avoiding escalation in Don- LAND ARRIVALS MOROCCO 145 in the west to Vladivostok in bass ahead of and during Ukrai- ALGERIA Includes refugees and migrants arriving by land to Spain. the east, have evaporated. The nian elections next year; prevent- formerly cordial relationship ing a humanitarian catastrophe between Moscow and Berlin has in Syrian Idlib; keeping Iran LIBYA EGYPT 4,779 cooled off, as estrangement and within the limits of the JCPOA even mutual alienation have set agreement, while dissuading DEAD OR MISSING (ESTIMATE) in. Yet, while past illusions of the Trump administration from integration cannot and should further provoking Tehran into not be revived, Russian-German a breakout; working together MOST COMMON NATIONALITIES OF MEDITERRANEAN SEA AND LAND ARRIVALS FROM JANUARY 2018 1,719 relations can be made more pro- with the EU countries to stabilize ductive. In a nutshell, Moscow Still engaged in dialogue: Putin and Merkel in Meseberg. the politico-military situation in COUNTRY OF ORIGIN NUMBER OF REFUGEES needs to work with the EU’s pre- Libya; and exploring ways for Previous years Sea arrivals Dead or missing mier economy to improve rela- themselves in the Russian market. revanchism and the invasion ally that is permitted to maintain on building neighborly rela- solving the conflict over Trans- SYRIA 13.4 % 7,567 2017 172,301 3,139 tions with Europe and partially At the same time, cultural and threat Moscow might pose to constant contact with Russia. At tions with Europe as it actually nistria and improving humani- offset the continued deteriora- humanitarian ties between Russia the Baltic countries and Poland, an official level, the trans-Atlantic exists, from Lisbon to Helsinki tarian and economic ties across IRAQ 9.1 % 5,125 2016 362,753 5,096 tion of relations with Washing- and Germany reached new which had been far-fetched from allies have the same view on – a Europe that, in the Kremlin the lines between Georgia and GUINEA 6.9 % 3,890 2015 1,015,078 3,771 ton, which have little prospect heights. Between 2.5 and 3 mil- the start, subsided. Germany and Russia. But unlike the US for- calculus, will remain a junior Abkhazia, with its large Geor- 2014 216,054 3,538 for stabilization in the next lion ethnic Germans from Russia France played an important role eign policy establishment, which partner of the United States for gian minority. Such an agenda, if TUNISIA 6.6 % 3,729 few years. Berlin has to engage and other former Soviet repub- in reaching the Minsk agree- views Russia as toxic and treats quite some time. By the same implemented, would not restore Moscow to preserve a degree of lics, such as Kazakhstan, moved ments on ceasefire and conflict it as it would Iran or North token, Germany should not post-Cold War hopes; it might, AFGHANISTAN 6,5 % 3,665 DEMOGRAPHY OF MEDITERRANEAN SEA ARRIVALS geopolitical stability on the con- to Germany, creating a sizable resolution measures for Eastern Korea, Germany sees Russia as treat Russia as an economically however, lead to practical results FROM JANUARY 2018 MALI 5.5 % 3,116 tinent of Europe and to address Russian-speaking diaspora in the Ukraine. Minsk II, which Merkel an important neighbor it must and socially backward part of and re-instate if not trust between security issues in the EU’s neigh- center of Europe. Subsequently, and Putin were personally deal with. Dealing with Russia Europe that must be civilized and Germany and Russia, which will ERITREA 5.4 % 3,027 Men Women Children borhood. many Germans stopped seeing involved in shaping, theoretically now, however, is much different integrated with the rest of the take decades to build, then a Russia could take steps to Russia as a threat, and most Rus- remains the pathway to a resolu- from what it was even a half- continent by bringing Moscow degree of predictability and a MOROCCO 5.2 % 2,916 demonstrate its willingness to sians started seeing Germany as tion of the Donbass conflict. At dozen years ago. closer to EU standards. Thus, habit of cooperation. de-escalate or defuse conflict situ- one of Russia’s closest, most loyal the same time, it is obvious that Today, Moscow no longer has Russia should not be conceived OTHER (SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA) 4.5 % 2,569 ations in Eastern Europe, which partners. In his September 2001 this agreement was more ame- the strategic goal of creating a of as the biggest part of some DMITRI TRENIN OTHERS 10.9 % 6,145 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% would improve the climate for speech at the German Bundestag, nable to Moscow’s interests, and common Greater European space imagined “other Europe” that is director of the Carnegie Moscow’s relations with Berlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin it became clear that the govern- from Lisbon to Vladivostok. should be brought to the level Moscow Center.

SOURCE: HTTPS://DATA2.UNHCR.ORG, STATUS AS OF SEPTEMBER 2018 Such steps would include easing declared that Russia had com- ment in Kiev never intended nor Instead, Russia should focus of so-called advanced Europe. tensions in Eastern Ukraine and mitted itself to the “European had the ability to implement it. soothing a series of frozen con- choice.” Besides, Ukraine’s leaders were flicts involving Moldova and The 2014 Ukraine crisis, by mostly relying on US assistance Georgia. Together with Germany contrast, put an end to the era and were not inclined to respond and the EU, Moscow could also of friendly cooperation between to rather restrained German and BY MARKUS BICKEL dized the federal government’s help stabilize parts of the Western Russia and Germany, as cool French attempts to steer Kiev very existence in a dispute over Balkans, particularly with regard diplomatic relations gradually toward complying with the con- arl Hilsenbek is worried. deporting rejected asylum seek- to Kosovo and Bosnia. Germany devolved into outright alien- ditions of Minsk II. “No one knows what A culture of welcome ers. Fearing an AfD surge in would do well by not yielding to ation. Even back in 2012 and This ongoing wider confron- Kwill happen tomorrow, October’s Bavarian election, outside pressure against build- 2013, before the onset of the tation between Russia and the or where migrant numbers go Seehofer has lashed out repeat- ing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline Ukraine crisis, Berlin had been United States has placed Moscow from here,” says the mayor of edly at Merkel: “The migration and Berlin at odds with one Ellwangen, a flourishing town vanishing into thin air issue is the mother of all political another. Germany has not just in Germany’s prosperous south- problems in this country!” taken part in the collective West- western state of Baden-Würt- To resolve this “mother of all ern sanctions regime targeting temberg. Unemployment there is Three years after Germany took in nearly a million refugees, problems,” Seehofer demands Russia, but also leads and coor- under 2 percent. Large billboards migration has polarized the country fast deportations. “Anyone BERLIN HAS dinates this policy within the EU. advertise companies searching who has applied for asylum and Merkel succeeded in convinc- for new trainees. Little cause for received a rejection is compelled ing the segment of the German worry, one would think. to leave this country,” he says. TO ENGAGE business community most closely But on the outskirts of town, lese man from police detention, Köthen in Saxony-Anhalt in the mood among his constituents to organize at the moment,” Yet experts on asylum have grave involved in economic coopera- on the grounds of an old army thereby preventing his deporta- September, after a 22-year-old that, he warns, politicians disre- Hilsenbek says. reservations with this approach: MOSCOW TO tion with Russia to reluctantly barracks, lies a large refugee tion. A storm of protest erupted man died there from a heart gard at their own peril. “We’ve Following the events of New Numerical evidence does not acquiesce to the need to pressure camp known to locals as the and spread far beyond Ellwan- attack following a street fight. had moments in Ellwangen when Year’s Eve 2015–16, when suggest that deportations will PRESERVE A Moscow to change its foreign Landeserstaufnahmeeinrichtung gen. Across Germany, people Two Afghans were arrested. parents said they will no longer numerous women in Cologne lead to more refugees integrat- policy. Most of the German busi- (LEA, or Initial Reception Facil- wondered whether to expect The AfD is also polling about send their kids to the bus stop reported incidents of sexual ing successfully. In 2015, when ness community not involved in ity). At times, conditions there more cases of resistance in refu- 14 percent in Bavaria, where and instead drive them to and harassment by northern Afri- a record 890,000 people sought DEGREE OF such cooperation readily accepted have seriously affected the “sub- gee centers. “A slap in the face voters elect a new state legisla- from school.” cans, conditions in and around asylum in Germany, 20,000 were the sanctions and supported the jective sense of security” among of the law-abiding populace” is ture in October. After a decades- The worries of Ellwangen’s places like the LEA have become sent back. In 2017, according to GEOPOLITICAL government’s position. Many Ellwangen residents, Hilsenbek how German Interior Minister long monopoly in government, mayor reflect the dilemmas many a second yardstick for everything the government, the latter figure Russians initially thought that says. “At the moment every- Horst Seehofer characterized the the conservative Christian Social municipal leaders throughout that has allegedly gone wrong was nearly 24,000. Germany’s position was mostly thing’s quiet,” says the 60-year- incident, which even made it to Union (CSU) now faces the pros- Germany are facing. From in Germany’s experience as a “Are we too dumb to deport?” STABILITY a product of the extremely close old marathon runner, “but that the pages of The Washington pect of needing to form a coali- the Baltic coast in the north country of asylum – irrespective the tabloid newspaper Bild asked ties between German political, could all change tomorrow.” Post. tion. In Saxony, the AfD already to the Alps in the south, from of the fact that the volunteer in a headline this summer. It is business and media elites and Hilsenbek speaks from experi- Regional lawmakers of the far- received the highest number of the western Rhineland to the spirit of helping refugees after a question that, following inci- their US counterparts. Moscow Well connected means: ence. By September 2015, within right Alternative for Germany votes in the 2017 federal elec- banks of the Oder River border- their arrival in Germany remains dents such as those in Ellwangen, and by staying even more closely irked by Moscow’s efforts to often tends to overestimate months of the LEA’s establish- (AfD) party, which took 15 per- tion. It cannot be ruled out that ing Poland, mayors and council prodigious. repeatedly enflames public senti- engaged with Russia and Ukraine keep Ukraine within its orbit Washington’s role in various ment, 4,500 people were living cent of the vote in Baden-Würt- the far right will share state members across Germany report Still, one thousand days after ment. It also cannot be answered on the Minsk process, while and integrate it into the Eur- international situations, and the More farming – less report writing. there. The facility was designed temberg in 2016, also lamented power in , the capital a sense among their constituents Merkel’s iconic utterance – “we as simply as the far-right populists reaching out to Russia on other asian Economic Union, a Putin- opposite is also true. Even though field work is their favourite part of the job, farmers had to spend a lot of their time to accommodate 1,000 at most. a loss of state control. Incidents of Saxony, after state elections that Chancellor Angela Merkel can do it” – hopes of a lasting and would have voters believe, says security issues, from Moldova to created customs union of sev- In reality, solidarity with Wash- accounting. With the intelligent connection of machines, CLAAS allows the automation of a large The pedestrian shopping area like the ones in Ellwangen are next year. and her refugee policy have left pervasive Willkommenskultur in mayor Hilsenbek. He vehemently Syria to Iran to the Balkans. Of eral former Soviet states. For its ington was not the only reason part of data collection and delivery. The technology locates machines, plans resource purchases, in Ellwangen’s old quarter was grist to the mill for the party, While criticizing the far right’s the country’s towns and cities Germany have been dashed. All rejects the so-called “anchor cen- course, there should be no illu- part, Moscow blamed Berlin for Berlin acted the way it did. The collects harvest data, does documentation, shows optimisation potential and much more. This is soon full of migrants. To keep a which, ever since hundreds of populist agitation, Ellwangen’s to fend for themselves. “Shel- her attempts to respond with ters” that, following Bavaria’s sions. Berlin should not expect Brussels’ refusal to discuss with categorical rejection of military why digitisation makes work significantly faster and often times more efficient. lid on the public’s growing anger, thousands of Iraqis and Syrians Mayor Hilsenbek also points out ters, especially, are very hard factual arguments merely draw example, Seehofer would set up Russia to change its general Russia the terms of the EU’s intervention in Europe, especially authorities decided to switch off fled to Germany fresh criticism. around the country to facilitate foreign policy course. Moscow proposed Association Agreement territorial annexation, is at the Ensuring a better harvest. the town’s free public WiFi ser- in 2015, has tire- Despite all the deportations of unwanted refu- needs to remember that Germany with Ukraine. The Kremlin also core of post-war German iden- vice. lessly warned of 800,000 success stories, gees. “If we in Ellwangen had to is not a stand-alone power but accused Germany and other EU tity. Germany has made some That quieted the situation until the erosion of More that 745,000 people applied for asylum in Germany in 2016; Merkel’s Cul- shelter people with no prospect an integral part of the EU and members – specifically France exceptions to that principle, but 222,000 the next year. early 2016, when the alleged law and order. 700,000 ture of Welcome of work, that is, people who are NATO. and Poland – of not insisting only as it relates to the United rape of a German-Russian girl When a Cuban- Of the 110,000 applicants in the first half of this year, almost three has vanished into simply waiting to be deported, For that, both sides must capi- on honoring the compromise States and NATO (in places like in faraway Berlin caused tem- German died fol- 600,000 quarters were younger than 30, while 57 percent were male. thin air. social peace here would be seri- talize on the positives and nega- that then Ukrainian President Kosovo and Serbia). Evidently, pers to flare again. In protests lowing a dispute First and fore- ously threatened.” tives of recent history. For a quar- Viktor Yanukovych had reached Berlin tends to trust the good against the supposed assault by with a Syrian and 500,000 most, it has been Alternatively, he believes citizen ter of a century after the fall of with the opposition in Febru- intentions of its senior ally and “southern-looking migrants,” an Iraqi in Chem- Interior Minister activism is the way forward. “I the Berlin Wall in 1989, relations ary 2014, which these three other members of the military hundreds of ethnic German- nitz in August, 400,000 Seehofer fan- think that in all of Germany, Ell- between Russia and Germany countries helped bring about. and political bloc it belongs to, Russians assembled at the gates thousands of AfD ning the flames. wangen is unparalleled. A town progressed steadily. Berlin tried Consequently, Moscow believed but Russia cannot count on that of the LEA, among them opera- supporters joined 300,000 The Bavarian of 24,000 inhabitants sheltering to serve as Moscow’s guide in these countries to be complicit in same courtesy. tives of the extreme right-wing members of the CSU chairman 4,500 refugees. That is truly a its efforts to integrate with the what it saw as a coup d’état that Nevertheless, while Berlin National Democratic Party of far-right Pegida 200,000 first attacked brilliant achievement.” West, with hopes of creating a toppled Yanukovych’s govern- has been a consistent critic of Germany (NPD). Demonstrators movement in the chancellor Greater Europe spanning from ment in Kiev. Moscow, Germany still engages claas.com chanted “Protect our children!” weeks of protests 100,000 and her refugee the Atlantic to the Pacific. Over It is important to remember in dialogue with its Russian MARKUS BICKEL and “Merkel must go!” in the Saxon city. policy in the fall is editor in chief of time, Germany would become that further escalation in the con- peers. Amid the hybrid war There would be more. In April Thousands also 0 of 2015. This the German-language Russia’s most important trad- flict with the rest of Europe was between Russia and the United 2018, dozens of inhabitants of marched through 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 JAN – JUL 2018 summer, See- Amnesty Journal. ing and economic partner. Many avoided in 2014–2015. Specu- States, Germany has taken the the LEA freed a young Togo- the streets of hofer jeopar- German companies established lation about so-called Russian peculiar position of a loyal US 10 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 11 POLITICS BUSINESS On Iran, it’s Europe vs. Donald Trump Withdrawing from the nuclear deal is a major blunder – the E-3 must pick up the baton

pean companies be targeted by sian and Chinese colleagues, for – directly or indirectly – on Euro- ous threats, and then reach out the nuclear aspects dealt with in BY VOLKER PERTHES US sanctions unless they give up close to a decade. pean companies, it now actually to try to solve all disagreements the JCPOA, but also deal with business with Iran, most likely to The exit of the Trump admin- expects the Europeans to make through personal diplomacy. All broader arms control and regional he United States and the the benefit of Chinese competitors, istration from this agreement sure that Iran doesn’t break its that Trump’s statement achieved security aspects, ballistic missile European Union have but many European policymakers constitutes a triple challenge for commitments, notably the limita- was to trigger a debate inside Iran production as well as – even more Toften differed over Middle also find Trump’s policies in the the EU/E-3. First, they are now tions on Iran’s nuclear program. – allowing some people to pub- importantly – missile proliferation East policies. The current dispute region outright dangerous. They charged with preserving the So what do we have to expect? licly muse about the possibilities to non-state actors. over Iran, however, which broke are wary of Trump’s encourage- JCPOA, and they will have little And what should the Europeans do? of developing more normal rela- Will Tehran be prepared to into the open with US President ment of Saudi Arabia’s aggressive help in doing so from the US or To start with, no one should tions between Iran and the US. engage in such negotiations? I Donald Trump’s May 2018 with- posture toward Tehran, and they Iran. Iran’s political elite is divided expect a renegotiation of the At the same time, however, don’t know, but I think it might. drawal from the Joint Comprehen- suspect that beyond its rejection of over the virtues of the agreement, JCPOA to address what both Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatol- And it will most likely be prepared sive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the JCPOA, the Trump adminis- and those who wholeheartedly American and European policy- lah Khamenei has announced to at least explore options for such nuclear deal with Iran, goes deeper tration actually aims at destabiliz- defend it have been weakened by makers see as shortcomings. The his rejection of negotiations with a broader deal. In the past, after and could have more far-reach- ing Iran and triggering some form the US withdrawal. Europeans JCPOA is essentially an arms the US, especially, as one could all, it was Iran which repeatedly ing strategic implications for the of violent regime change. don’t claim (and never did claim) control agreement and, as such, a read from one of his demanded to widen the subject of trans-Atlantic relationship than that the JCPOA is a perfect agree- compromise; it’s good enough for tweets, “with the “nuclear” negotiations with previous disagreements on how to ment. both sides for its agreed duration the current the E-3 and later the E-3 plus deal with Tehran or other Middle PICTURE ALLIANCE/APA/PICTUREDESK.COM US adminis- USA, Russia, and China to include East matters. Today, Europe and tration” (@ regional issues, while Washington the US are not simply taking dif- khamenei.ir, 13 and the Europeans wanted to limit ferent approaches to Iran, but Aug 2018). the talks to the nuclear dimension. are actively working against one Any attempt by Explorations and negotiations another in a policy field which is Trump to – despite about regional security and arms of significant strategic interest to all odds – pull off control could thus provide a way both sides. The dispute over the a Singapore-type out of the current impasse. It goes JCPOA is actually a major driver summit with Rohani without saying, however, that such of European debates about a form would be met with negotiations will never concern a of “strategic autonomy,” includ- utter skepti- Western agenda alone. Discussing ing demands to set up an indepen- cism from regional issues with Iran means dent European payment system to Europe, Amer- accepting that Iran will also bring thwart US sanctions. ica’s Arab its interests to the table. And once From an EU perspective, the friends and regional subjects are discussed with decision by President Trump to Israel alike. It Iran, other regional states, not least withdraw from – or more pre- is indeed hard its Arab neighbors in the Persian cisely to break – the JCPOA con- to imagine Gulf, will have legitimate claims stituted an outright challenge to that any bilateral for involvement. This is a diplo- the international community of summit declaration matic challenge, but not an insur- PICTURE ALLIANCE/BILDAGENTUR-ONLINE states, and particularly to Ameri- could produce more mountable one. Europeans have ca’s European partners. The situ- tangible achieve- ample experience with multilateral ation differs from the dispute over ments than a docu- arms control and security talks. the US-led Iraq invasion in 2003 ment as detailed as the The United States will eventually that created harsh divisions on the But it has been a major diplo- 159-page JCPOA. have to be part of such talks and European side of the Alliance, not Can Britain, France, Germany and matic success that has included but is far from perfect for either A comparably strenuous yet possibly of an agreement. Given least between the United Kingdom pick up the pieces of the Iran deal? the establishment of limitations on side’s taste. A renegotiation would more realistic approach would Washington’s current absence from on one side and Germany and and controls over Iran’s nuclear require the will of all parties. be for the Europeans, particularly the diplomatic scene, Germany, THE CHINA QUESTION France on the other. This time, the One shouldn’t, however, over- activities, the removal of nuclear Russia and China aren’t interested; the E-3, to start a new round of France and the United Kingdom E-3 – France, Germany and the look that to a large extent, Euro- material from Iran and the dis- and Iran would lose face if it sud- exploratory talks, and later nego- should revert to their approach UK – has maintained a common pean governments and the US mantling of certain elements of denly appeared to accept – under tiations, for what could in the of 2003 to 2006, namely to begin Behind the trade wars prompted by the US president looms nothing less than a fight over the new economic world order approach in confronting what administration actually agree in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. For pressure – what it consistently has medium term become a compre- and lead this new endeavor as a they see as the major blunder of their assessment of Iran and its these feats alone, the agreement declared unacceptable. hensive security agreement with threesome until the United States the Trump presidency so far. policies, particularly concerning should be kept alive. If only for this last reason, Iran. Such an agreement would is eventually prepared to join. This And it is not just a dispute over Tehran’s ballistic missile program, Second, France, Germany and Europe should not wait for the not replace but build upon the will certainly have to wait until omy” has lost its monopoly on Donald Trump’s “America internet in their strong domes- being accused of engaging in, Europe finds itself caught in policies. Rather, again from a its active military support for the the United Kingdom cannot United States and its self-pro- JCPOA. It would have to come after Trump’s presidency, which BY HANS-JÜRGEN JAKOBS efficiency. We are now being forced first” is simultaneously a “Beat tic market, their global expan- namely a zero-sum game. This limbo between the two power European perspective, by breaking Syrian government and its dismal simply change course and coordi- claimed master of deal-making. into effect by 2025 at the latest, will, in any case, end before the to pose the “system question.” China” approach. In the same sion plans are now rivaling the implies a world economy in which blocs of West and Far East. And, an agreement that had been nego- human rights record. The Euro- nate further moves with the other Statements by the US president when the first sunset clauses in expiration of the JCPOA’s “sunset overty and hunger are In this context, the huge US vein, his “Make America great corporate world’s beloved “Big the gains of one side are the losses as a confederation of states, tiated together with the EU/E-3, American dispute is centered on international parties to the agree- – in July 2018 – that he would the current JCPOA – limita- clauses.” perennial threats to any trade deficit, in particular with again” is just as much a “Make Five” on the American stock of the other, and in which the it continues to struggle with Russia and China, Donald Trump the JCPOA and the highly demon- ment, i.e. Russia and China. This be prepared to meet with Iran’s tions on the quality and quan- Ppolitical system. They are regard to China, foreshadows a China weak again.” For the market, Apple, Amazon, Google, old aphorism of globalization as common policy agreements con- made a statement on his attitude strative act of withdrawing from would likely only increase the US President Rohani even without tity of enrichment – expire. And also the factors that in the 1970s much greater power shift. The Trump administration, this “stra- Facebook and Microsoft, whose a “rising tide that lifts all boats” cerning important issues. What’s VOLKER PERTHES toward international law per se an agreement that EU negotiators president’s mistrust, paranoia and preconditions seemed to suggest it would have to go beyond the prompted China’s Deng Xiaop- fact that a nation like the United tegic competitor” with its “preda- success is reflected not in the no longer applies. This was the missing in Europe is a forward- is the executive chairman and and opened a rift between the US and their US counterparts from fury vis-à-vis the Europeans. that Donald Trump may want to current JCPOA both with regard director of the German Institute ing to seek a simple and effective States continually imports many tory economics” – as US Secretary trade balance but in the services motto that successfully shep- thinking structural policy; there and its European allies that it is both Republican and Democratic And third, while Washington follow his own model of dealing to time frames and substance. In for International and Security way to restore his underdevel- more goods than it exports under- of Defense James Mattis referred account. herded countless US companies are also no large internet com- unlikely to close again as long as administrations had been working is undermining the agreement by with North Korea: Start by apply- other words, it needs to include Affairs (SWP) in Berlin. oped country. “It doesn’t matter mines its economic strength as to China this year – fulfills a In the financial sector as well, and investors through the wild panies that could carry such a he is in office. Not only will Euro- on together, as well as with Rus- re-imposing sanctions on Iran and ing pressure and making seri- longer-term arrangements for whether the cat is black or a country, even though it can similar “favorite enemy” role that China’s four major banks (the years of globalization and helped policy into the new era. Europe white,” the former leader noted, “easily” afford such deficits them ride out the largest eco- can’t figure out which is worse, “as long as it catches mice.” thanks to lines of credit from all nomic crisis in history. American private-equity capital- In other words, Deng had over the world. Nevertheless, a further esca- ists (“locusts”) or Chinese inves- steadfast champion of trans- of Iraq in 2003, the nomination of For Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman would be alarmed that more and declared that communism would As Trump noted, two-way lation of the trade war would tors. In thinking that both sides Atlantic cooperation has Sarah Palin as his running mate in of the Munich Security Conference more of our fellow citizens seem to henceforth be permitted to engage trade has “been too one-sided be tantamount to self-harm. are taking aim at its crown jewel Apassed away. US Senator the 2008 presidential election and his (MSC) at which McCain was a very be flirting with authoritarianism and in capitalist maneuvers, but only if for too many years, for too many Today, the economies of the US – its social market economy – John McCain died on August 25, support for President Donald Trump’s welcome and decades-long attendee, romanticizing it as our moral equiva- they served to foster the growth of decades.” The last time the overall and China are simply too inter- Europe is jeopardizing German 2018, after a long battle with brain repudiation of the Iran nuclear deal. the senator was “the anti-Trump: an lent. But what would alarm them the nation. China thus became the US trade balance with all coun- AMERICA’S twined. Global value creation and medium-size companies that cancer. This is a bitter loss, especially In her statement on his passing, advocate of a value-based Western most, I think, is the sense that many first “workbench of the world,” tries was almost equalized was as supply chains are just too closely already suffer enough from their in an age in which autocrats and German Chancellor Angela Merkel order, a defender of democracy and of our peoples, including in my own a highly sought-after production recently as 20 years ago. In terms PROTECTIONIST linked. For example, without the own succession problems. This self-centered democrats are driving called McCain “one of the greatest polit- human rights, a supporter of civilized country, are giving up on the West. site for products and goods of of trade in goods with the US, cheap mass labor of the supplier then becomes an open window nations apart and questioning estab- ical figures of our time” and someone debate and nonpartisan cooperation That they see it as a bad deal [….] all kinds. the EU has about a €175 billion Foxconn, the tremendous profits for investors. lished partnerships. who “fought tirelessly for a strong trans- and a true hero who never put himself I know there is profound concern Today, Deng’s cat and the spoils surplus. The trade deficit with POLICIES GIVE RISE made by Apple with their best- There is a great danger that Throughout his long career, McCain Atlantic alliance.” She also described at the center of the debate.” across Europe and the world that of its decades-long mouse hunt China amounted to $375 billion selling iPhone would have been Europeans will be forced to con- was fully committed to a world order him as a person guided by the “firm In McCain’s unforgettable speech America is laying down the mantle have become so large that they are in 2017. TO THE VERY THING unthinkable. In turn, the rela- tinue watching the political ping based on cooperation among West- conviction that all political activity must at the MSC 2017, shortly after of global leadership. […] Make no prompting entirely different and Raw financial figures are one tively comfortable US debt would pong match between Trump and John S. McCain ern powers while always supporting aim to uphold and promote freedom, Donald Trump’s inauguration, he mistake, my friends: These are dan- much more fundamental ques- thing; political aspirations are be inconceivable without their Xi Jinping in their usual mix- August 29, 1936 – August 25, 2018 traditional notions of democracy and democracy and the rule of law.” asked what the founders of the con- gerous times, but you should not tions on the world stage. Indeed, another. Whenever speculations THE CHINESE ARE faithful creditor, China, which ture of amusement and fear, count America out, and we should although the Middle Kingdom about a trade war make their now holds $1.2 trillion in US only to end up realizing that not count each other out.” is still officially seen by many way into the public discourse, BEING ACCUSED OF government bonds, thus making the two sides are actually doing John McCain was also a friend of as a “developing country,” it is the real issue at hand is much it America’s largest lender. China, business at Europe’s expense. this newspaper, which has for the past nevertheless well on its way to more than just the amount of ENGAGING IN too, is heavily in debt and has a The “American challenge” ten years published a special issue – challenging America’s role as money involved. Indeed, what dangerously extensive system of described 50 years ago by Jean- The Security Times – on the occasion the sole global economic super- is being discussed is nothing less shadow banks. Jacques Servan-Schreiber has of the annual MSC. In 2013, McCain power. This attack is paradoxi- than who is going to dominate In a set-up like this, one can now morphed into the “China took the stage waving a copy of The cally aimed at the very country the world. We are being pre- afford to gamble a bit, but one question.” Security Times: “You’ve probably that for decades cast itself as the sented with a possible new world should be wary of overdoing it. The efforts of Deng Xiaoping seen this around the conference,” “super power” of all continents, a order as well as a number of For this precise reason, Trump’s – that great Chinese reformer – McCain said. “It shows a forceful, role that included playing the part new geostrategic relations. In Senator Joseph McCarthy once largest in the world and also con- hope of being able to extort con- continue to echo in our current bat-wielding Yankee dueling with of the “world’s police” and ensur- circumstances such as these, the assigned to Soviet communism trolled by the state), which oper- cessions in the chaos he creates troubled era, much to the dismay a crouched yet fearsome Chinese ing its version of peace, order and economy becomes the arena of in the 1950s. ate in conjunction with two large may quickly vanish. His goals of Trump and other defenders of swordsman. That obviously suggests democracy. a spectacular battle between an What most alarms US strategists state wealth funds (CIC, Safe), are free market access, better pro- the old world order. In response a looming Cold War in Asia. It’s a The People’s Republic of China, old world power and an up-and- is “Made in China 2025,” the are coming up against a pha- tection of intellectual property, to the question of what a govern- nice caricature.” The senator went on however, is to Pax Americana coming contender: the former short-term objective formulated lanx consisting of Wall Street and containment of state influence ment should do for its citizens, John S. McCain at the Munich Security Conference in 2012. The senator with Detlef Prinz, publisher of The German Times and The Security Times, in 2007. to describe, “what is really going on” what a slide is to a negative. In continues its full commitment by the Beijing leadership more asset management giants such as and less bureaucracy in China. the “grand old man” of China in his view: “On recent trips to the other words, Beijing is the alterna- to its “pursuit of happiness,” than three years ago to become BlackRock and Vanguard, whose These concerns happen to be answered rather succinctly: “Let freedom. For these reasons, his pass- Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung ference would say if they were to see Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and tive that Washington has lacked whereas its challenger operates the world leader in ten future voluminous capital holdings have shared by all Western companies them get rich!” And then: “Edu- ing touched many people in Germany. referred to him as “der Tapfere” – the our world today: “They would be Burma,” he had experienced “real since the fall of the Iron Curtain somewhere between verve and sectors of the economy. These positioned themselves over the that do business in the People’s cate them!” From this, we can Indeed, his departure from the world brave one. The paper praised him for alarmed by an increasing turn away enthusiasm for our growing involve- at the end of the 1980s. It all caution, boasting the largest sectors include electromobility, world economy like a net. Republic and who generally make surmise that Deng’s cat is not stage is mourned even by those who embodying not only patriotism, but from universal values and toward old ment in the region.” He also said the makes things rather sensitive, and domestic market in the world aerospace, high-speed trains and In today’s era of ubiquitous big profits. To these businesses, going to stop chasing mice any disagreed fundamentally with the also values, decency and moral cour- ties of blood and race and sectarian- following about China: “The peaceful complicated. – 1.4 billion people – and thus mobile communications, areas Trumpism, such market-share President Xi Jinxing’s comment time soon. views of his Republican party and who age. It also credited him with know- ism. They would be alarmed by the development of China is in the inter- The ruling Communist Party facing the rather large problem where Shenzhen-based Huawei issues between competitors inevi- about China “keeping its doors did not share many of the political ing “that politics in a democracy hardening resentment we see towards est of the US.” blends a planned economy with a of facilitating the wealth of its is already a global player. While tably turn into questions of eco- wide open” represents an effort to HANS-JÜRGEN JAKOBS stances McCain took over the years, means seeking out the best possible immigrants, refugees and minority John McCain, his views and his market economy in a thoroughly citizens while simultaneously Chinese corporations like Alib- nomic warfare. In fact, America’s achieve harmony via PR. From a is senior editor of the business including his support for the invasion compromise.” groups, especially Muslims. […] They steadfastness will be dearly missed. GT profitable way. The Western model maintaining the invulnerability aba, Tencent, Baidu and JD.com protectionist policies give rise to Western perspective, these doors newspaper Handelsblatt. of an “individualistic market econ- of its own system. have long since dominated the the very thing the Chinese are are anything but “wide open.” 12 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 13 BUSINESS BUSINESS

BY MANFRED RONZHEIMER help ease the burden on caregiv- ers, expectations are reserved but substantially more positive on he self-driving cars of the using renewable energies to fight near future depend on pre- global warming,” Kropp adds. Tcise digital geolocation data PICTURE ALLIANCE/IMAGEBROKER One striking aspect of the study to navigate the urban jungle and is the high importance given to arrive at their destinations. Here, socially embedding new technolo- a multinational company with gies. In concrete terms this was offices in Berlin, has developed one investigated in the cases of digital of the best online mapping ser- transformation, autonomous driv- vices currently available. Its mobil- ing and the smart home. It found ity expertise is so sought-after that that Germans regard digitization German carmakers BMW, Daim- and its effects with mixed feel- ler and Audi have invested some ings. For example, Technikradar €3 billion for access to Here’s found that “the majority expects a navigation data to help steer their rise in comfort (54.4 percent), but vehicles. also fears losing control over its It’s a remarkable innovation own personal data (60.6 percent). story. Back in 1999, Gate5, the The overwhelming majority (80.8 Hoping for a “together first” forerunner of Here, was a small percent) believes the use of care- startup firm in Berlin’s Prenzlauer giving robots would leave people Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier speaks to The German Times on trade, Berg district. For six years, its soft- in need of nursing care with less ware specialists continued to refine Unlimited data: Computer chips on a silicon wafer at the computer expo in . human attention. Nearly 53 per- Trump and taxing US companies in Europe their navigation tool before attract- cent fear that in the future only ing the attention of telecommuni- the affluent will be able to afford cations heavyweight Nokia, which nursing care by humans. Germans bought the company and its 70 are even more skeptical toward staffers. Here now employs 6,500 autonomous driving: a mere 18 Minister Altmaier, economically speaking, Ger- inequality has not gone up further. Wages The EU has just extended its sanctions against people, about a thousand of which percent consider self-driving cars many is on pretty firm footing. Economists and employment have also grown very Russia. They will remain in place because, regret- are in Berlin – and has become reliable.” call this the “strongest boom in two decades.” well by international comparison. We tably, there has been no progress in the peace legendary in the German capital’s TECH SKEPTICS Körber Foundation chairman Growth is exceeding 2 percent; per-capita GDP must ensure that this trend continues process for Ukraine. startup scene. Lothar Dittmer believes this means is rising; unemployment is low; average wages and that Germany remains competi- Not every innovation is suc- that what really matters to Ger- and consumer spending are both growing. And tive. Full employment is possible and German entrepreneurs in Russia want relations cessful. In fact, few are. Only one mans is not the technology itself, yet, millions of people feel left behind. How can remains our goal. We will continue to return to normal soon, without sanctions. Can startup in ten really gains trac- but “how it is embedded in society you help them? easing the burden on workers, such as you raise their hopes? tion, says a rule of thumb among – the goals it seeks to attain as well We’re now in the ninth year of a period of strong through unemployment insurance and Eastern Europe and Russia will remain very venture capitalists. Eighty percent NO MORE as the effects of its use.” Techni- economic growth. Despite many international eliminating the solidarity surcharge for important economic areas for us. Many German vanish from the market within kradar seeks to contribute to this risk factors, Germany’s economy will continue most taxpayers. companies, especially in the country’s east, have three years. In searching for and Innovation is seen as a stepping stone to the future in Germany “urgently needed debate over the to grow into next year. That would then be the good business ties with Russia. I want to keep promoting innovation, investors status, shaping and regulation of longest period of uninterrupted expansion since expanding economic ties in areas free of sanc- and policymakers setting up the technological innovation.” The 1966 – more than half a century ago. Wages and tions. Our dialogue and exchange with one framework need a sixth sense for only Sweden and Austria attain a eignty and maximally exploit the All sides agree this process must cannot be stopped. Yet that does survey is “designed as a long-term pensions are rising, and next year we’ll probably another must continue, and business relations Peter Altmaier winners. That goes both for start- higher R&D intensity than Ger- battery value chain,” the seven- be greatly accelerated. The new not mean that improvements are early warning system” to recog- cross the “sound barrier” of 45 million employed are a good foundation for that. ups and R&D facilities in the pri- many,” the report says. Spending year innovation initiative pledges. instruments are agencies for dis- always the result, people believe. nize undesirable developments people. This is the highest number of working vate and academic sectors. is expected to cross the 3-percent “We will continue to push battery ruptive innovation in the civil Over 60 percent feel that, as prog- through technological change in a people our country has ever seen. But there The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline through the Some failed projects continue threshold this year. research forward and accompany sector and for cybersecurity. ress advances, it brings with it timely manner. “Ideally we would are also people whom the upswing has not yet Baltic is being built, and criticism is non- radiating a kind of phantom pain Germany’s transition away from consortiums with suitable support “Young, highly innovative future growing restrictions on the indi- support innovation processes in reached, who feel left behind or forgotten by our stop, from both the US and other Euro- through the sector for decades. fossil fuels, known as the Ener- programs through to the establish- clusters” in research and “experi- vidual. This actually nourishes the a way that would bring products elected officials. We take that very seriously. For pean states. Are we making ourselves When Germany’s Federal Minister giewende, has thrown open the ment of battery cell production,” mental spaces” for social innova- willingness to get involved – not and technologies into line with the that reason, in my office, as head of the Federal dependent on Russian gas? for Economic Affairs and Energy gates to broad usage of renewables the government says. The driving tion are targets for the funding. to reject technology, but to shape expectations of those who would Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, I Germany has a diversified supply grid, Peter Altmaier recently unveiled including solar and wind power. force is the growing market for One vital aspect of growing inno- it. Sixty-eight percent of those sur- use or be affected by them,” adds work to bring to life the central pledge of the in terms of gas as well. Additional plans for a disruptive innovations The cornerstone was laid by the electric cars, and the goal of con- vation is its acceptance by society. veyed by Technikradar expressed Ortwin Renn, scientific director of social market economy, namely, prosperity lines also deliver energy to other agency, he recalled the debacle of country’s Renewable Energies tinuing to build their motors in In this respect, the average German the demand that citizens have the the IASS Potsdam and executive for all. That’s why we’re raising spending on places in Europe. Nord Stream 2 MP3 technology, which was devel- Act, which subsidizes green elec- Germany in the future. is not nearly as tech-averse as is right to help decide the future of board member of acatech. investments and innovation, so that in the is, above all, a corporate project. oped at a Fraunhofer Institute in tricity and guarantees it preferred Research activities surrounding generally thought. The rejection of controversial technologies. This assessment is also reflected future “Made in Germany” will remain an Yet we must also consider the

the German city of Erlangen in status for being fed into the power the High-Tech Strategy will be nuclear power and genetic technol- The poll also revealed some in an initial evaluation by Peter assurance of the most advanced technol- rightful interests of Ukraine. I PICTURE ALLIANCE/ZUMA PRESS ALLIANCE/ZUMA PICTURE 1982 but only became a money- grid. To be sure, Germany’s solar articulated in six “core social chal- ogies appears to be an exception, ambivalence. Only 24.6 percent Dabrock, a professor for sys- ogy and jobs anywhere in the world. We have had talks in Moscow and spinner in the hands of US and power industry has suffered from lenges” and twelve “missions,” according to a new study called of those surveyed believed that tematic theology at the Univer- are strengthening our industries with an Kiev on the matter. This summer Asian music streaming services. tough international and especially says Research Minister Anja Technikradar by the acatech Acad- the use of technology solves more sity of Erlangen-Nuremberg and industrial strategy, investing in social housing, Another critic of Germany’s economic data is private investment, which, at more than 90 per- in Berlin, at my invitation, a meeting between German-based innovation has Asia-based competition. Yet inno- Karliczek. These include the fight chairman of the German Coun- improving pension payments and lightening the the US president, specifically Germany’s trade cent of the total, provides the lion’s share of total Russia, Ukraine and European Commission a Janus face: strong creativity on vative companies have established against cancer, putting urban and cil on Ethics: “Germans are not burden on families. surplus and its “unfair” practices. Is he right? investment. There we want to keep promoting the Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič was convened to the one side and serious market- themselves in niche technologies rural life on par with one another THE AVERAGE GERMAN technology averse. They have an This surplus reflects first and foremost the com- investment climate and providing targeted incen- address the issue. ing deficits on the other. A new that continue to expand on inter- and creating less plastic waste. open relationship with technology Companies are urgently seeking skilled labor. petitiveness of our private sector and its products tives, i.e. tax breaks for research and development innovation policy is supposed to national markets. The 66-page paper identifies the without succumbing to technology Soon the baby boomers will start retiring. Migra- and services, which we have restored with great and energy-saving building modernization. And Brexit and “America first,” Russian muscle flex- change that. They include the Berlin com- “grand challenges” in health care, IS NOT NEARLY AS euphoria.” Technology develop- tion could help. How should it be regulated? effort over the past 15 years. We have to take a we must discuss unburdening companies so they ing and China’s economic expansionism are all Evaluations and corporate pany Younicos, a provider of sustainability, mobility, cities and ers must also come to terms with Specialized workers are in urgent demand in more nuanced look at the “surplus issue.” The can stay competitive internationally in the future. symptoms of resurgent nationalism and a retreat reports generally give Germany smart energy and grid solutions the countryside, security and the TECH-AVERSE AS this disposition, he added. “Only many firms. That’s why we must raise our poten- public debate often ignores the fact that, in bal- toward spheres of influence. Is there any hope good marks for innovation. R&D based on battery technology. The economy. The government plans once research and the corporate tial both at home and abroad. For the latter, we ance of payments, the US has a surplus against Germans lament what they see as the ignorance left for “together first”? spending in the country has steadily firm is currently busy converting to invest €16.8 billion in the High- sector maintain a sensitivity to their agreed in the coalition agreement on an immigra- the EU. That’s because of the many successful of the current US administration and the Rus- I am firmly convinced we can solve global prob- risen since the 1990s, according to the Azorean Islands’ power grid Tech Strategy this year. GENERALLY THOUGHT social and environmental respon- tion act for specialized labor. We must pass it US-based digital companies operating in Europe. sian president toward climate change. How can lems only through international cooperation. a new government report. In 2016, to 100 percent renewable sources. Berlin sees the strategy “pro- sibilities will the German people into law soon. But we must also look to our own we convince the big CO2 emitters to do more to Just think of conflicts like that in Syria, climate the public and private sectors The key lies in storing solar elec- viding orientation for the people, emy for Technical Sciences and problems than it creates. And, less award them their deeper trust,” country for nurturing and keeping these work- In return, Germans complain that US corpora- save the planet? change, the growing global population, rising invested more than €92 billion in tricity to make it available at night. pointing out new perspectives and the Körber Foundation. The rep- than a third (32.9 percent) think Dabrock says. This trust is “not ers. We cannot accept having 800,000 long-term tions pay no taxes in Germany. How can the Climate change is a global phenomenon that protectionism – we need global responses to these basic research and practical inno- Founded in 2005 and now with a raising confidence and curiosity in resentative interviews with 2,000 that challenges such as hunger, given blindly” and must constantly unemployed in this country. Education – specifi- German government stop US tech companies requires joint international action. Hence, we challenges. And we need to work together more, vation. Germany’s R&D intensity staff of 120, Younicos has installed the future,” Karliczek said when citizens by the Center for Inter- poverty and climate change can be be earned anew. He concludes: “If cally our proven model of dual-track professional from shifting their revenue and profits to low-tax deeply regret the US withdrawal from the Paris not less. Right now we can see what happens to – the percentage of GDP devoted to more than 20 battery systems with unveiling the initiative. Research disciplinary Risk and Innovation tackled with the help of technol- the research and corporate sec- training and qualification – is the key there. Yet EU states such as Ireland and the Netherlands? Agreement. On the other hand, it’s been heart- trade when protectionist tendencies gain ground. research and development – came a combined output of nearly 100 and innovation should help attain Studies at the University of Stutt- ogy. On the other hand, the proj- tors succeed in gaining this trust, we must also ensure that skilled people who want Fairer taxation of big corporations is an explicit ening to watch US states such as California and At the end of these spirals, everybody loses. There in at 2.93 percent. “Germany thus megawatts. “substantial improvement in the gart (ZIRIUS) make it the largest ect’s scientific director, sociologist German society will provide a solid to work, can work. For this we must push faster goal of this government, and that goes especially New York commit themselves to protecting the can be no winner. That’s why it’s all the more ranks among the top ten of the Battery technology is also one living quality” of all citizens, she empirical investigation to date on Cordula Kropp of ZIRIUS, found – which in no way means uncriti- for expanding childcare. for IT companies. We must stop companies that climate nonetheless. Germany has not only set important to talk to one another and advocate world’s most research-intensive of twelve primary missions of the added. German society’s relationship with that nearly half – but men more cal – framework for high tech to avoid their tax duties through profit transfers or ambitious climate goals nationally; we also con- continued international cooperation and rules- countries,” according to the Min- “High-Tech Strategy 2025” that One novel aspect of the High- technology. so than women – believe “that flourish.” The economic upswing, as not only employees tax optimization. Germany’s finance minister is tribute disproportionately to efforts at attaining based trade within the framework of the WTO. istry for Education and Research. the German government launched Tech Strategy is its stronger Generally speaking, Germans technology will improve the qual- point out, benefits the affluent first and foremost. holding talks at a European level to find good EU climate objectives. Once we demonstrate that With the agreement between President Trump The average R&D intensity of early in September. “We support emphasis on transfer between aca- have a fatalistic attitude toward ity of life for future generations.” Your predecessor’s annual report calls “exces- solutions. He has my support for his efforts. an economically vibrant industrialized country and Commission President Juncker we now have MANFRED RONZHEIMER the 28 EU member states in 2016 the construction of autonomous demic research on the one hand high tech. More than 89 percent of Germans have varying attitudes is a freelance journalist sive income inequality” an “obstacle to inclusive like Germany can meet this challenge, the transi- a chance to negotiate with the US over disman- equaled 2.03 percent, according to capacities in battery cell produc- and the private sector and soci- those surveyed said they were con- toward individual technologies. based in Berlin. growth.” What would you do to improve every- Why doesn’t Germany invest far more in infra- tion to green energy will finally become a model tling tariffs instead of issuing new ones. I think latest estimates. “Within the EU, tion to secure technological sover- ety as beneficiaries on the other. vinced that technological progress “Regarding the use of robots to one’s share of the economic boom? structure, digitization, education and security? for economic success. Other countries should do that has opened up the opportunity to defuse the First of all, we should not play down the good Public investment was raised massively during their share. Only then does our planet have a looming trade conflict between the US and the news we have seen on the labor market. Employ- Chancellor Merkel’s previous term. And we will chance in the not too distant future. EU in the coming months. ment in Germany has risen to a record high continue to raise spending on investment and while unemployment has fallen to a historic innovation, especially in digitization, education The EU and US have imposed sanctions against Peter Altmaier’s answers were provided in writing. low. Wages have climbed steadily in recent and security. Expanding digital infrastructure, individuals and individual assets because of years, and so have pension payments. Wage in particular, must move faster. We need more Ukraine. Do you see any success there? THE FUTURE IS WRITTEN IN THESE STARS

OUR FUTURE IS CALLED EUROPE. WITH ITS CURRENT 28 MEMBER STATES, THE EUROPEAN UNION IS EUTOP – Structural process ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC ECONOMIC REGIONS IN THE WORLD, AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. partner for your success since 1990 EUTOP ∙ Rue d’Arlon 15 Since EUTOP was founded in 1990, two years before the European Union was called into being by the signing of the Maastricht 1050 Brussels ∙ Belgium Treaty, we have regarded EU-Europe as a single political entity, whose heart beats in Brussels. The EUTOP business model is Phone: +32 2 2868080 founded on this very conviction. Fax: +32 2 2868099 www.eutop.eu We look forward to our future together. It is written in these stars. [email protected]

AZ_VAREX_GT_290x100_ZW_Print.indd 1 19.09.18 12:03 14 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 15 BUSINESS POLITICS DAIMLER AG DAIMLER

The future of fahrvergnügen The automotive industry is facing major challenges around the world. German carmakers have more to lose than most and are thus investing a great deal in securing its future

of a potential downturn have engineers were still busy dealing At the beginning of last year, All this piles on in a moment of tromobility, which is spurred on owning one. Today, none of the creation will shift further BY MARTIN GROPP increased in recent years. with the diesel scandal, meaning the research service of the German automotive history: the German by challengers like the US-based leading manufacturers operates towards Asia, because For example, in the course of that VW had to slow down its Bundestag calculated a total of industry is only one of many electric carmaker Tesla, but also without the keywords “car shar- markets there are not t first glance, it would this year, Daimler scaled back manufacturing. 2.15 million “car-dependent” facing deep, fundamental changes. by increasingly rigid European ing” and “mobility services,” as saturated and cus- appear that the German its earnings forecasts, mostly But current developments aside, jobs in Germany. That accounts A number of auto executives are regulations on carbon dioxide which can be accredited to the tomer demand is still Aautomotive industry because the principles of free the German automotive industry for roughly 5 percent of all indi- reiterating the formula predicting emissions. German car manufac- success of companies such as high. has little reason to complain. international trade seem to be has taken a step back to reflect viduals employed in the country. that the change in the industry turers are feverishly working on the American ridesharing service “The transfor- Records are being broken left attracting fewer adherents. In on its own future. For example, new electric models. Indeed, it’s Uber. mation underway and right. In early July, the fact, BMW is similarly affected. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess no coincidence that Mercedes, The foreseeable magnitude in the automotive Stuttgart-based Daimler group As the largest auto exporter recently estimated that German BMW and Audi presented new of the impact of these changes industry is more announced it had sold more than from the States – ahead of Ford carmakers have but a 50:50 electric automobiles – or at least was confirmed by a recent study drastic than ever before, 1.18 million Mercedes vehicles and General Motors – Daimler chance of pioneering the mobility “future studies” – one after the conducted by the strategy con- and it is taking place on all in the first six months of the exports vehicles to China from of the future. The reason, he told IF GERMAN AUTO other; these products are set to sulting firm Oliver Wyman on three levels – among customers, year, breaking their half-year its plants in the US. The com- the German business newspaper appear on the market gradually, behalf of the German Associa- in the production process and in record. pany is hit by the tariff raises on Handelsblatt in late August was MANUFACTURERS starting next year. Volkswagen tion of the Automotive Industry the products themselves, all at the Their competitors in Munich cars it produces in Spartanburg, that the industry is currently facing has designated the start of the (VDA), an interest group repre- same time,” notes Jörn Buss, a are also having a great run; South Carolina being shipped to an immense structural change. coming decade as the beginning senting German manufacturers partner at Oliver Wyman. “The between January and June 2018, China. Daimler has been forced Diess argued that his pointing out AND SUPPLIERS LOSE of its electric offensive. Today, and roughly 600 parts suppliers. automotive industry is facing some BMW delivered more than 1.24 to raise its prices in the People’s this uncomfortable fact was based German carmakers offer 30 dif- The study’s strategic advisors stormy weather.” And yet, Buss million vehicles – its BMW, Republic. This could have a on realism, not pessimism – and IMPORTANCE IN THE ferent electric models; in 2021, had both good and disturbing also states that German manu- Sweet ride: Mercedes 190 SL ad from 1952. Mini and Rolls Royce brands negative impact on sales figures he is not alone in this assessment the plan is to raise that number news for the automotive indus- facturers and suppliers are well- combined – while celebrating its in what is currently the largest of the situation in the home of the to more than 100. try. On the positive side, growing prepared for the challenges ahead Bratzel points out that generating spots in the ranking. Volkswagen Whether the subject is trade ously reducing costs. This is, as Fuss highest six-month revenues of car market in the world. Autobahn. FUTURE, IT COULD HAVE The second set of challenges demand is estimated to prompt a and that they are working intently new functions, services and prod- leads the pack among mass car policy, electromobility, autono- points out, their daily task: “Pre- all time. Automakers also have to deal If German auto manufacturers involves the increased networking 30 percent rise in global car pro- on innovations. ucts is more important than ever producers, ahead of its Japanese mous driving or mobility services, cisely for this reason, the industry is Even the Volkswagen Group with the new emissions measure- and suppliers lose importance in A DEEP IMPACT ON THE of vehicles via the internet as well duction, to around 123 million And it’s true, a lot of money for a manufacturer’s reputation: competitor Honda and Ford in the German automotive industry well-prepared to cope with chang- is on top. Despite the emissions ment system being enforced in the future, it could have a deep as autonomous driving, where the vehicles by 2030. Value creation is flowing into the automotive “Innovation is now a matter of sur- the US. is keenly aware of the challenges it ing conditions.” And, ultimately, scandal that started in Septem- the European Union since Sep- impact on the German economy. car itself takes the wheel. Another is set to grow at a slower pace, industry of the future at this very vival,” notes the automobile expert. And yet, this leading role comes is facing, says Peter Fuss, partner there is one key point we shouldn’t ber 2015 and marked the most tember. The procedure, which The auto industry is a key eco- GERMAN ECONOMY goal is to build cars that will be by roughly 27 percent to reach moment. According to figures pro- Bratzel also recently calculated with a deep obligation to not let up. at the consulting firm EY, which forget: “People need cars because serious crisis in the company’s bears the rather bulky name nomic factor; some would even able to find open spots in park- €1.31 billion in the same time vided by the VDA, manufacturers just how innovative the different As we all know, the competition has been studying the subject for cars enable them to be individually history, VW’s core brands sold “Worldwide Harmonized Light say the most important one. ing lots, even park themselves frame. There is no doubt that and suppliers are going to invest auto manufacturers around the is always ready to take over in a decades. “I don’t know of any com- mobile. And, at the moment, there’s roughly 3.12 million vehicles in Vehicles Test Procedure,” has Taken as a whole, auto manufac- and take over tasks like driving there will be opportunities for €40 billion in alternative drives, world actually are. The bench- heartbeat. The biggest innovator pany pursuing a head-in-the-sand nothing better than a car for getting the first half of 2018, also a led to additional costs as many turers and suppliers in Germany, According to Germany’s Federal over the next five to ten years will on the Autobahn, so drivers can growth. in particular in electric motors mark for Bratzel’s ranking is an on the index is Tesla, followed policy,” says Fuss. And the auto around independently.” record. It would appear that the older models must be recertified. as of recently, employ more than Office of Statistics, cars and trucks be more drastic than in the last concentrate on other things. Here’s an eye opener: by the over the next three years. Another index that involves giving product by the Chinese electric car brand industry is resilient: “It has taken a scandal has not prevented cus- Volkswagen suffered most at the 820,000 people, not to mention are also the country’s most impor- 50. This is due, in large part, to The third major challenge is end of the coming decade, 25 €18 billion will be spent on net- developments different weight- Nio. This is remarkable, seeing as number of blows over the years and tomers from buying Volkswa- Group level due to the fact that the thousands of jobs that are tant export, ahead of engine build- three parallel developments put- found in the changing needs of percent of cars sold will have an work expansion and digitization. ings depending on how new and Nio is only four years old. In other has always had to fight,” he notes. gens. many of its corporate brands – directly dependent on cars, such ing and chemical products. The auto ting automakers and suppliers, in consumers. At least in industri- electric engine; today, depend- According to Stefan Bratzel, pro- innovative the invention actually words, when it comes to capacity Just as in the past, the challenge MARTIN GROPP is the automobile correspondent In other words, things are such as Porsche and Audi – took as auto-repair shops, car dealer- industry’s share of total gross value particular, in a vice grip. alized countries, there are more ing on the country, that share is fessor at the Center of Automotive is. Among the manufacturers of for innovation, a little guppy is today’s automobile manufactur- for the Frankfurter Allgemeine going very well, at least in terms longer to pass certification tests. ships and the roughly 15,000 gas added in Germany is 4.5 percent. On the one hand, there is the people interested in driving cars between zero and a maximum of Management in Bergisch Glad- premium cars, BMW, Mercedes already hot on the heels of the ers face is to optimize the quality Zeitung. of sales. Still, the harbingers One reason for this was that stations across Germany. In other words, there’s a lot to lose. transformative shift towards elec- than people interested in actually two percent. In addition, value bach, this is an absolute necessity. and Audi come in at the top three industry’s biggest fish. of their products while simultane- 180914_AZ_GermanTimes_254x290_aw.qxp_AZ 14.09.18 14:10 Seite 1

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M www.draeger.com 16 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 17 BUSINESS ARTS & LIFE TAXATION FOR CHICKENS Germany’s greatest revolution One hundred years ago, the monarchy was toppled and democracy installed, writes the historian Robert Gerwarth The president of the United States is squawking about Germany’s trade surplus – and not without reason, yet he fails to grasp reality in Germany and the United States what this is – blows up the global n Nov. 10, 1918, the marked a political revolution, described the revolution from ment of the events of November This hope was shared by many against which the Federal Repub- trade order originally established by prominent editor-in- but also a major social revolu- the perspective of a middle-class 1918 than contemporaries, label- bourgeois liberals, even if they lic compared favorably as a much the Americans. If everyone simply Ochief of the liberal tion that afforded full citizenship conservative when he wrote that ing it a “failed,” “incomplete” had not initially been supportive more stable, more Westernized the model types produced by Amer- does what they want, then reliabil- daily Berliner Tageblatt, The- rights to women, who had pre- to him, Nov. 9, 1918, marked or even “betrayed” revolution of a political revolution. Many and more economically success- ican companies – large cars that ity, an imperative for companies, odor Wolff, published a remark- viously been excluded from the the “most wretched day of my – a judgment primarily informed of them were positively surprised ful democracy. However, such consume considerable amounts is lost. This is true for American able commentary on the events most basic right of citizenship: life!” Others went even further by their retrospective knowledge by the lack of radicalism and a perspective ignores that – at For this reason, Donald Trump of fuel – simply don’t appeal to companies too, by the way. that had unfolded in Germany the vote. Germany was the first in their despair. Distraught at the about how Weimar ended. the relative absence of violence least until the beginning of the indeed has a point when he deems German buyers. Chevrolet would Trump would be more credible over the previous days: “Like a highly industrialized country in collapse of Imperial Germany and Because the new political leaders in November 1918, noting with Great Depression in 1929 – the Germany’s trade surplus problem- be unlikely to significantly improve if he himself were to make a con- sudden windstorm, the greatest the world to introduce universal faced with an uncertain financial in 1918 left pre-existing economic relief that neither chaos nor civil Weimar Republic was relatively not generated domestically – and atic. However, he draws all the its sales figures in Germany even if tribution to reducing US economic of all revolutions has toppled suffrage for women and women future, Albert Ballin, the Jewish and social relations, state bureau- war spread immediately after the stable. Extremists on the far left has, for some time, been criticized wrong conclusions. For example, it the EU were to reduce its tariffs. imbalances. As we recall, a current the imperial regime together actually constituted a significant shipping magnate and personal cracies and the judiciary relatively takeover that day. and right had been marginalized, for doing so. The International makes little sense to threaten indi- In any case, the US government account deficit emerges if savings with all it comprised, from top majority of the overall elector- friend of Wilhelm II, committed untouched, and because of Wei- For the prominent theologian Germany’s international isola- pening in Germany than in many Monetary Fund, for example, has vidual companies or sectors with also protects its market from exter- within a country are insufficient to to bottom. One can call it the ate. Although the political his- suicide that very day. Ballin, the mar’s eventual demise in 1933, and philosopher Ernst Troeltsch, tion was overcome and the SPD other countries. According to cal- repeatedly called on the German punitive tariffs. To be sure, there nal competition. For the light trucks finance investments. This is exactly greatest of all revolutions since tory of the Weimar Republic head of Hapag – once the world’s the November Revolution is fre- whose “Spectator Letters” are had won a landslide victory in culations by the Munich-based Ifo federal government to increase are a large number of BMWs on so popular in America, there is a the case in the US – which is why never before was such a solidly has often been written from a largest shipping company – was quently seen as an “incomplete“ among the most widely known 1928. From the perspective of Institute for Economic Research, public investment as a means of American streets, but these vehicles customs duty of 25 percent. Presi- from a macroeconomic perspective, built and walled Bastille taken very male perspective, women simply unable to cope with the revolution of secondary impor- contemporary documents of the 1928, the Republic’s survival BY MARK SCHIERITZ Germany has the world’s largest diminishing the high trade surplus. often originate in American pro- dent Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the Americans should be saving at one go…. Yesterday morning, played a prominent role in the perceived bleakness of the present tance. Some have even doubted period, the greatest uncertain- would have seemed a great deal current account surplus, totaling Moreover, the scope for engaging duction facilities such as the Spar- this retaliatory measure in 1963 fol- more, especially as the economy at least in Berlin, everything was revolutionary events that led to and future. whether the events of November ties had already disappeared more likely than its failure. or Donald Trump, Germa- €264 billion this year alone. This in a more expansive fiscal policy tanburg plant in South Carolina. lowing German and French import is already doing well. Trump is still there. Yesterday afternoon, the creation of a democracy and Irrespective of whether one con- 1918 qualify as a revolution at all. by Nov. 10: “Not a man died Our perspective on 1918 has ny’s trade surplus is some- amounts to 7.8 percent of annual does exist: In the first half of the This factory also produces vehicles limits on American chicken meat. doing the opposite. His tax reform all of it had vanished.” then exercised their democratic sidered the events of November How did this remarkable for Kaiser and Reich! All civil also for too long been dominated Fthing of a permanent provo- economic output – according to year, Germany’s federal govern- for export to China. Overall, BMW This tariff is still called the “chicken is inflating the state’s budget defi- Wolff’s enthusiastic appraisal rights: in the January 1919 elec- 1918 as a threat or an oppor- re-definition of the events that servants are now working for by a national tunnel vision that cation. The American president all established economic criteria, ment, federal states and munici- exports more automobiles from tax” today. It has meant that the cit. According to calculations by of the November Revolution tions for the National Assem- tunity, there was one thing on occurred in Germany in late 1918 the new government! All duties largely views events in Germany appears convinced that Germany this is too much for a country like palities took in €48.1 billion more the US than it imports to it. So, light trucks made by European pro- his own White House Office of may appear surprising, consid- bly, female voters exceeded male which all contemporary observ- come to be? The changing per- of the state will be carried out in isolation from what was going isn’t playing fair, but rather pro- Germany. than they spent. The budget surplus if Trump were to increase tariffs ducers are extremely expensive and Management and Budget, the state ception of the revolution began and there has been no run on on elsewhere in Europe. The year viding its own industry with com- From a macroeconomic perspec- therefore amounted to 2.9 percent on the import of automobiles and practically impossible to sell in the deficit will increase to 5.1 percent DPA in 1919 when the overwhelming the banks!” had 1918 was part of a much larger petitive advantages. Or, as Trump tive, the current account balance is of economic output. That’s a very auto parts from Europe, it would United States. of GDP by 2022. initial support for the democratic similar thoughts when, on Nov. European moment of political himself put it in an interview with the difference between investment large amount of money. also increase production costs in Now, Trump would probably The solution is thus relatively revolution of 1918 was weak- 10, he reflected on the events of change. Between 1917 and 1920 the German tabloid newspaper and savings. If a country invests It would also be in Germany’s the American BMW plants that argue that his threats are only a clear: Germany must invest more, ened for a number of reasons, not the previous day: “The German alone, Europe experienced some Bild: “When you walk down Fifth more than it saves, it has a cur- interest if this money were to be rely on deliveries from abroad. The form of negotiation, serving the while the US must gain control of its least because many Germans had Revolution is a very German one, 27 violent transfers of politi- Avenue, everybody has a Mer- rent account deficit. When it saves expended domestically. Due to victims would be the workers in goal of squeezing concessions from budget deficit and save more. How- harbored unrealistic expectations even if it is a proper revolution. cal power. Russia in particu- cedes-Benz parked in front of his more than it invests, it has a current years of investment reticence, South Carolina. the Europeans. He also has no ever, this is a debate that Donald about what a revolution could No French savagery, no Russian lar experienced two revolutions house. How many Chevrolets do account surplus. Because domestic public infrastructure is crumbling In addition, it is true that the EU problem justifying the duties on Trump very clearly does not want achieve and how the democratiza- Communist excesses,” he noted within less than 12 months, you see in Germany? Not many, demand is too low, German com- and requires urgent renovation. demands higher tariffs (10 percent) steel and aluminum on the basis of to have. tion would affect the peace treaty with relief. eventually resulting in a civil maybe none.” panies have to find markets beyond According to calculations by the on the import of motor vehicles national-security interests, although drawn up by the victorious Allies What changed this perception, war that cost the lives of well What’s the point of this accusa- the country’s borders in order to state-owned development bank than does the US (2.5 percent). But this can hardly be reconciled with at from January 1919 onwards. and contemporaries’ retrospec- over three million people. It is MARK SCHIERITZ tion? keep the economy going. KfW, an additional €159 billion this is not the leading reason why least the spirit of international trade is business editor at the weekly While those on the far left had tive assessment of the November also worth noting that of all the First of all, it is correct that some- Thus, Germany relies on other must be invested to bring streets, so few American cars can be found law. The problem here is that this Die Zeit. been longing for a revolution, it Revolution more generally, was parliamentary democracies cre- thing different seems to be hap- countries to create demand that is bridges and schools up to date. driving on German streets. Rather, type of negotiation – if that is in fact was not this revolution to which the revolution’s radicalization ated in East-Central Europe after they had aspired. Like their lead- and its violent escalation in early 1918 (with the exceptions of ers in 1918, Karl Liebknecht and 1919. The Spartacist Uprising of Finland and Czechoslovakia), the Rosa Luxemburg, they perceived January 1919, the Munich Soviet Weimar Republic was one of the the military collapse of Imperial Republic later that spring and the last democratic states founded in Germany in November 1918 as brutal backlash by right-wing 1918 to give way to an autocratic a historically unique opportu- Freikorps volunteers seemed to regime. nity to create a socialist state many contemporaries to be an A broader perspective is also run by the workers’ and sol- unwelcome echo of the Russian important when it comes to deter- diers’ councils. Friedrich Ebert’s Civil War. Similarly disappoint- mining the place the German unshakable determination to ing for many was that the expec- Revolution should hold in hold a general election for a con- tations for a negotiated peace modern European history. Both stituent National Assembly to clashed brutally with the actual the great European revolution of answer the question of Germa- conditions of the Versailles Peace the West (the French Revolution ny’s future form of government Treaty. The nationalist right in of 1789) and the great European was portrayed by the far-left as particular was quick to portray revolution of the East (the Rus- a fundamental “betrayal,” for it this as proof of the Republic’s sian Revolution of 1917) quickly prevented the realization of their inability to negotiate a better led to civil wars and dictatorships own, more radical ambitions for future for Germany. In the col- without anyone denying their the re-organization of German lective memory, the revolution, historical significance. Even com- society and its political systems. military defeat and its princi- pared to other European revo- The “betrayal” of 1918–19 pal consequence – the Versailles lutions – those in Finland and escalated tensions between dif- Peace Treaty – gradually merged Hungary in 1918 and 1919 – the ferent factions of the German into one narrative in which the revolutionary events in Germany Düssel labor movement, as the far left felt revolution, an act of betrayal of were not only relatively blood- that the majority Social Demo- the fighting men on the front, had less but also remarkably suc- Live close Feel free crats under Ebert had prevented caused an unnecessary military cessful when measured against a “real” revolution at a time defeat. their objectives: the restoration when it was allegedly feasible No one exploited this soon- of peace and the replacement of – an accusation that can still be to-be widely shared narrative the monarchy with a democratic heard today. As late as 2008, the of betrayal and failure more regime. The Ebert government True Republican: Future President Friedrich Ebert speaks at the Brandenburg Gate on Nov. 9, 1918. then chairman of the far-left Die persistently and successfully succeeded in channeling revo- Linke openly declared that Ebert’s than Adolf Hitler. Exactly five lutionary energies, maintaining ering that in standard history voters by 2.8 million. ers agreed: that the events of “betrayal” of the workers’ move- years after the proclamation public order in the face of a books, it is generally portrayed The year 1918 also brought November 1918 constituted a ment in 1918 had “set the course of the German Republic, on historically unprecedented defeat dorf as an “incomplete” revolution the Germans additional free- proper revolution, or, in the for the disastrous history of the Nov. 9, 1923, he first attempted and peacefully demobilizing sev- that failed to create a democracy doms that no one would have words of the monarchist news- Weimar Republic.” his “national revolution” in eral million soldiers. strong enough to withstand the thought possible before 1914. paper Kreuzzeitung, a “cataclysm The Social Democrat leadership Munich. He had consciously In view of the enormous chal- onslaught of Nazism in the early Alongside the political reforms such as history has never seen.” under Ebert also had high expec- chosen this date for his futile bid lenges that the emerging Weimar 1930s. Yet such a verdict only that guaranteed equal participa- From the extreme right to the tations in the autumn of 1918: if to revise the result of “Novem- Republic faced, Theodor Wolff’s makes sense in retrospect, from tion rights for all adult Germans, ber 1918” and to instigate a comment that the German Revo- the perspective of 1933. there were now greater sexual “re-birth” of the German lution of 1918 was the “greatest” It could be argued that the freedoms, both for women and people. During his subsequent of all revolutions may appear achievements of the November for homosexuals of both genders. ALL OBSERVERS imprisonment, Hitler penned daringly optimistic, perhaps even Revolution – the only successful Gay rights’ activists immediately Mein Kampf, in which Nov. 9, naïve. Nevertheless, one hundred The world meets in Düsseldorf. revolution in a highly industri- responded to the November revo- 1918, featured prominently as years after the Revolution, it alized country before 1989 – lution with considerable enthusi- AGREED: THE EVENTS his alleged moment of political might be time to do more jus- Düsseldorf is the city in which people always feel con- were quite remarkable indeed: asm, viewing it as the dawn of a awakening. For the Nazis, the tice to an event that led to the nected – with the world and with each other. As a leading within days, Germany peace- new era of sexual liberation that OF NOVEMBER 1918 day became a date of annual creation of the most progressive economic centre in the heart of Europe, Düsseldorf is a fully transformed itself from a heralded the decriminalization mobilization, a date on which republic of its time and that was vibrant, modern city with over 640,000 inhabitants from constitutional monarchy with of homosexuality. “The great Hitler’s followers were called – at least initially – accompanied limited political participation revolution of the past weeks must CONSTITUTED A upon to “honor the fallen” of by great hopes and expectations 194 nations. With outstanding shopping opportunities, a rights to what was probably be welcomed with joy from our the failed putsch by working for a yet unknown future. rich and varied cultural scene and exceptional events the the most progressive republic point of view,” wrote Magnus PROPER REVOLUTION towards the replacement of of the period. Germany became Hirschfeld, leader of the world’s the hated system established in city on the Rhine off ers a particularly high quality of life. ROBERT GERWARTH a democracy that, despite mas- first LGBT rights’ organization, 1918 with a mythical Third Here you can live close and feel free. is Professor of Modern History sive domestic and foreign policy in November 1918. communist left, no one in autumn demobilization and democratiza- Reich. at University College Dublin and challenges – most of them the Not everyone, of course, 1918 seriously questioned that a tion could be achieved without The fact that a mere 15 years director of the Centre for War consequences of a lost war – shared Wolff’s or Hirschfeld’s major revolution had occurred resistance from the old elites, Ger- separated the revolution of 1918 Studies. His book Die größte lasted for 14 years, thus surviv- enthusiasm. Contemporary reac- in Germany – a judgment that many would be offered moderate from the advent of the Third Reich aller Revolutionen: November ing longer than nearly all of tions to the events of November differs significantly from that of peace conditions that would allow in 1933 reinforced the tempt- 1918 und der Aufbruch in eine the other European democracies 1918 in Germany were, as one subsequent generations of politi- the country to emerge from the ing (but misleading) interpreta- neue Zeit (The greatest of all revolutions: November 1918 and founded in 1918. would expect, extremely varied. cal commentators and historians. war as a strong democracy and tion of the “doomed“ Weimar the beginning of a new era) was It should also be acknowledged The conservative Heidelberg- The latter two groups have been an equal partner in the post-war Republic post-1945. Weimar was published in September. that November 1918 not only based medievalist Karl Hampe far more hostile in their assess- international order. portrayed as a negative template 18 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 19 ARTS & LIFE ARTS & LIFE

Bernstein in the Baltic LET’S GET PHYSIKALISCH Justus Frantz reflects on the American conductor and composer, who would have been 100 this year How I learned to love the Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde – and to pronounce it properly

he music that led us to that, luck was absolutely on our I remember one night on Gran could sit together that evening several times on the mouth and tremendous gift. doesn’t need any acknowledg- make an appointment to take show – Let’s get deutsch! could also have activities like I placed them in a new Leitz one another was Dvořák’s side. We started having the most Canaria, as we were talking with leading world figures and simply wouldn’t let him go! Later Many musicians, including BY GAYLE TUFTS ment from the state.” “But,” I the citizenship test, which We could do the natu- cutting garden hedges, stuffing folder and put a sign with the TPiano Concerto in G beautiful weather possible in the about Viennese waltzes, Lenny express himself in six different on, while he was still at the finca Isaac Stern, Vladimir Horowitz say, “think of the presents.” comprises 33 questions on ralization test live with Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), word EINBÜRGERUNG (natu- minor. One night, after listen- north. Lenny was able to swim, suddenly jumped up, went over to languages. He was also always just prior to his departure for and Arthur Rubinstein, under- n 2017, I became a German Maybe one day down the road deutsche history and laws, a glamorous jury of deciding which bottles go into ralization) on the side. I felt very ing to the radio and hearing a sail and play tennis. The govern- the piano and proceeded to give “boyish.” For example, towards an audience with Pope Paul VI, standably did not want to per- citizen. The decision to my Bremen guy and I will get the deutsche government prominent German the recycling box versus which deutsch. recording I had made with the ment of Schleswig-Holstein even an hours-long presentation on the end of the Kiel Regatta, we Lenny received a warning from form in Germany after World Ibecome deutsch was not married, but it won’t be because as well as deutsche cus- personalities: Motsi ones have a Flaschenpfand, com- I had picked up my certified Northwest German Philhar- provided us with a helicopter to the Viennese waltz. He covered went sailing with friends on the Vladimir Nabokov that turned War II and the atrocities of made lightly and was surpris- I want to get deutsch. I can take toms and practices. Mabuse, Jorge Gon- plaining in every situation and birth certificate at Brockton City monic Orchestra, Leonard Ber- explore the beautiful landscape everything from the minuet to Baltic Sea, which was still quite out to be completely justified. It National Socialism. Bernstein, ingly emotional. The American care of that myself. Besides, He suggested I visit an zalez, Franck Ribéry – of course! – singing Helene Hall. Until that moment, I hadn’t nstein, who would have turned between the North Sea and the all the latest creations in a per- cold at the time. At one point, read: “Remember – the ring, not on the other hand, came to Ger- presidential election and my “shall we do it” is a bit sparse online portal that con- and me. Günther Jauch Fischer’s song “Atemlos” by really looked at it too closely. 100 this summer, invited me to Baltic. Schlosshotel Tremsbüttel formance that was in equal parts Lenny suddenly got up and took the lips.” many as early as 1948, albeit with personal abhorrence of Donald as far as marriage proposals tained test questions – could be the host. We heart. In the end, the winner But now I took it into my hand play the piece with him and the went so far as to adapt itself to musicologically serious and brim- a headfirst dive into the water. Although he never took sides in some trepidation. In Landsberg Trump played a major role, but go. So I called my tax lady and www.deutsch-werden.de wouldn’t just have would get a German passport and had black-and-white proof New York Philharmonic. We Lenny’s “daily rhythm,” which ming with vitality. Another time, We were all horrified. Nobody party politics, he was nevertheless am Lech, at a concert with Holo- my choice was actually a natural asked if she could recommend a – to prepare for it. Every- exciting ques- and the runner-up can use the that I existed: Gayle Kathleen became close friends, and soon meant breakfast between 2 and he performed a one-man version had warned him that the Baltic very politically active. He invited caust survivors, he cried tears outcome of my personal reality. lawyer specializing in naturaliza- thing went very quickly! tions, we audience joker to come back one Tufts, born on June 17, 1960 in he and his family were regular 3pm, lunch at around 9pm and of Strauss’ Rosenkavalier by play- was not nearly as warm as the the Black Panthers to engage in of sorrow and tears of relief for Both of my parents had died, tion law. She did, and I made an And there was still so more time. Brockton, Massachusetts. It had guests at my finca, or farmhouse, dinner at 2:30 in the morning. ing the orchestral accompaniment South Pacific. When it looked discussion and debate, but also to liberation and new life. there was no house in the US appointment. much I had to say! For I organized all my citizenship the names of my parents and an on the Spanish island of Gran We had a wonderful time. When on the piano and singing all vocal like he wouldn’t resurface any show the world how important it The thing that had given him to keep up and no legacy to We met at the Staatsangehörig- example, that the decision paperwork on my desk, address that I hadn’t lived at for Canaria. he flew back, he said is to find social con- the strength to come to Germany pass on, plus I have no children keitsbehörde Schöneberg, one wasn’t easy for me, that my including all the necessary 40 years. These were my ori- The finca was also the place to me at the airport: DPA sensus. On the eve of was what he called “holy German who will someday need to get of Berlin’s citizenship applica- American citizenship would documents in the origi- gins on an official DIN-A4-sized Lenny was looking to visit in “I fell in love with the second inaugu- art” – he was the only person in touch with their roots. As tion processing offices. In my always remain a part of my nal form and as photo- sheet of paper. Next to it lay my 1985 after completing his Peace Schleswig-Holstein.” ration of President who could have formulated it a freelance artist with unpaid opinion, if you can pronounce identity, that I value my life in copies. I put them in American passport with its signa- Tour, which had taken him and Bernstein was Richard Nixon, this way. This art is what brought vacation, my visits to the Home- that name clearly and without Deutschland very highly and transparent sheaths ture dark blue leather cover. That an international youth orches- always a teacher; he played Haydn’s him here to talk to Germans and land are infrequent and never messing up, you should auto- see it as a privilege to become and sorted them little booklet will always mean a tra halfway around the world he even sometimes Messe in tempore introduce them to his ideals. He last longer than a week or two matically get German citizenship. a citizen of this country. I chronologically lot to me, but does it really make to Hiroshima, 40 years after the called himself a belli (Mass in Time was convinced that democracy (it’s easier to get to the beach in I was a bit nervous. Rathaus wanted to assure him that I and in alpha- a difference whether my passport dropping of the atomic bomb. He rabbi. He was of War) with the can only be achieved when every Greece or the Baltic). Schöneberg is quite an imposing do really deutsch things all betical order. is blue or red? Does it make had arrived exhausted in Vienna always a composer New York Philhar- individual has access to culture, Most importantly, after 26 and important building. It’s not the time: I wear slippers, me someone different than I am and was yearning for peace and and a musician. He monic. that is, when art has made its way years of living, working and actually a house full of rats, as I’m a member of a Verein, today? A piece of paper doesn’t quiet and seclusion. He was very loved new things He was always into the lives of each one of us, paying taxes in Berlin, I was the name would suggest, but a I’ve been to Mallorca and define who I am. And let’s be much looking forward to stay- and the unknown. an ambassador rather than being the play thing unable to vote in the upcom- local city hall brimming with when I travel abroad, I miss honest, all I have to do is open ing at the finca, where he had His thinking never for peace. He used of privileged individuals only. ing German elections, a crucial German-American history. From that delicious deutsches Brot. my mouth for everyone to know already spent a great deal of time followed a set trajec- music to overcome With his music and his art, necessity in our ever-more cha- my balcony at home, I can see But my time was up and the that I’m an American woman. and where he had written many tory; his was a lib- borders and focus Leonard Bernstein made his way otic and turbulent democracy. the Berlin coat of arms on the next future German was already of his later works, including his eral spirit. It is hard on that which unites into the lives of each and every In my book American Woman: flag of the bell tower – the Berlin waiting. GAYLE TUFTS only opera, A Quiet Place, and his to fathom the sheer us and binds us one us. His songs are understood How I Lost My Heimat and bear blowing in the wind. Every Being the nerd I am, I went is a critically acclaimed last musical, 1600 Pennsylvania volume of his contri- together. The night by all, perhaps for the first time Found My Zuhause (Aufbau 15 minutes I hear the Freiheits- online right away. The previ- entertainer, author and Avenue. bution to this world the Berlin Wall came since Mozart and Beethoven. Verlag, 2017), I describe my love glocke, the liberty bell that was ous year, I had won €50,000 intercultural contributor, often Unfortunately for Lenny, I had – and what he gave down, I called him Shepherds in the mountains for both sides of the Atlantic and a gift from the American people on behalf of a good cause on cited as “Germany’s best-known American” (Stern Magazine). something completely different in me personally! In the on the phone, as it whistle his melodies just as much the complicated, bewildering and to West Berlin. And every Friday, a TV quiz show called gefragt- She has written and produced mind for him! I wanted to raise his 1950s and 1960s, was immediately as software engineers in Silicon ultimately satisfying process of when I cycle past the Rathaus on gejagt. I knew that if I showed her own hit shows in theaters, enthusiasm for the idea of launch- he helped us recog- clear to me that he Valley. It doesn’t matter whether becoming a German. my way to pick up fresh produce some chutzpah and prepared festivals and opera houses as (right), Leonard Bernstein (middle) and our author, the pianist Justus Franz in 1984. They well as appearing frequently ing a music festival in the northern nize the greatness of founded the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, one of Germany’s most prestigious in Germany. Frantz was the only one it’s “Maria,” “America” or “The As soon as I got home from the at the Wochenmarkt, I think of properly, I would be able to on television and radio. Tufts German state of Schleswig-Hol- Mahler. Spellbound, remembers his friendship with Bernstein on the occasion of the conductor’s 100th birthday. who could con- Age of Anxiety,” his symphony airport, I was greeted with flow- Kennedy and the half-million pull off a total citizenship-test breaks the language barrier stein – and I wanted to do so on- we listened to his duct “Ode to Joy” for piano that belongs in the ers, hot Frisian tea and an Elstar Berliners who gathered in the coup. I even had fun answering by presenting her work in site, as it were. But Lenny wasn’t interpretations of Mahler’s 2nd, parts himself. He hardly got one time soon, we looked for him in Berlin: “Lenny, the Wall has repertoire of all large orchestras apple. “Stay awake!” he said. streets of Schöneberg to catch a the questions. The questions “Dinglish,” an insightful mix of German and English. Her convinced: “Schleswig what?” he 3rd, 5th and 9th symphonies. note right, but it was still one of frantically, tore off our clothes come down!” He didn’t under- today; his music is a gift to the “Fight the jetlag!” And when he glimpse of the young president reminded me of the theory part shows are based on her own asked. He had been looking for- Lenny also worked to popular- the most beautiful Rosenkavaliers and prepared to jump in. But stand me at first, thinking only whole world. It connects people gave me a big hug, I thought, not and cheer on his message of free- of my deutsch driver’s license experiences and observations of ward to the warm and welcoming ize the music of composers we I’ve ever experienced. then he appeared, where we had that something had happened as friends. America can justifi- for the first time: well, that’s true dom. In the Rathaus reception exam and the subsequent everyday life as an Ausländerin (foreigner) in Berlin and are a climate of the Canary Islands. In hardly knew at the time, such as Leonard Bernstein could wax least expected to find him, smil- to my house. Then came the ably be very proud of one of its Bremen-style romance for you. area, everything still looked as seemingly useless queries celebration of German-American contrast, the summer in northern Carl Nielsen, Aaron Copland and poetic about the history of politi- ing from ear to ear. Lenny had idea to present Beethoven’s 9th greatest sons. I had missed his sort of prag- if Willy Brandt himself would about braking distances friendship in all its complexity. Germany that year had truly lived William Schuman. He brought cal songwriting just as much as swum underneath the hull – and Symphony at Christmas 1989 in matism and down-to-earth-ness. be there to personally greet me. and trailer hitches. It Her most recent book American up to Heinrich Heine’s famous music closer to children of all about the emergence of the blues. resurfaced on the other side of Berlin with the Bavarian Radio And by the following morning, in Fortunately, the civil servant at was information I would Woman: How I lost my Heimat JUSTUS FRANTZ and found my Zuhause was description; it had been “but a ages with his TV series Young He was as well-versed in German the yacht, laughing! Symphony Orchestra, with musi- is the key co-initiator of the spite of my jetlag and somewhat the Einbürgerungsbüro, the natu- probably never need, but published in 2017 by Aufbau winter painted green.” Indeed, People’s Concerts. Thanks to him, poetry as he was in English and Lenny loved the world, he loved cians from the four Allied powers Schleswig-Holstein Music foggy mental state, something ralization office, was a friendly, maybe it was still a good Verlag. it had been raining constantly it became popular to foster young American poetry. He was one of people. And he let them know and with other musicians from Festival (SHMF). He was also else had become clearer to me easy-going, handsome man in his idea to know it. I posed and the temperatures had barely musicians across the world. In the most educated people I’ve how much he loved them. When Israel and the GDR. Bernstein its artistic director until 1994. than ever before. “I want to do mid-40s with a thick turtleneck, some of the questions to reached 60. Nevertheless, I raved this context, his cooperation with ever known. Talking to him Helmut Schmidt, still German was deeply moved. Starting in 1986, leading it,” I said. – “Do was?” – “Get jeans and what I suspected was a my Bremen guy, Marian international musicians have to Lenny about the Schleswig- the Orchestra of the Schleswig- about art, history and philoso- chancellor at the time, invited An American Jew conducting gathered every year in this deutsch! I want the deutsch pass- Northern German background. I and my technician Max Holstein sun. It was a pure lie. Holstein Music Festival was phy was never superficial, and Bernstein to Bonn, he came to the 9th Symphony and the finale northern German state to port. I want to really be hier. I handed him my Einwohnermel- from Köpenick – all An American woman – And it didn’t help. something of a highpoint. He that light Anglo-Saxon touch of me first to ask if there was some- “Freude schöner Götterfunken” perform in palaces, stately want to be able to vote. I want deschein, my resident registration of them highly edu- in Germany: Gayle Tufts. So I asked my friend Helmut also gave the Norton Lectures his was always a true pleasure. thing he could do that would (Joy, beautiful spark of Divinity) homes, barns, stables, churches, to have a say in what happens form, along with my citizenship cated Germans! None shipyards and old industrial halls Schmidt, former chancellor of at Harvard University, where he As he would have said himself, make Lenny particularly happy. or, as he had them sing, “Freiheit, in an attempt to bring classical to all the Geld I pay in taxes. I application form and a passport of them was able to Germany and then co-publisher transferred to music Chomsky’s he was an “all-American boy.” I made a suggestion and Schmidt schöner Götterfunken” (Free- music to the widest audience want to do more than just meet photo. He then explained that answer the questions. of the German weekly Die Zeit, linguistic theory of a universal He was a person who could eat followed my advice, which was dom, beautiful spark of Divin- possible. Leonard Bernstein all these politicians when I do TV there were a couple of other Who wrote the text for advice. He came up with the grammar. I recall that in order a hot dog or a hamburger with to give him a proper send-off ity). This was the symbol of peace was also one of the festival’s talk shows. I want to be able to things I would have to bring in: of Germany’s national idea of doing a big interview with to prepare for these lectures, he the same enjoyment he brought in the form of a small mili - and human unity emanating from founding members. In 1987, he wähl them into office. I want to a certified birth certificate, my anthem? How many initiated an orchestra academy Bernstein and flying him in a had traveled to the finca with two to dining at a Michelin-starred tary honor guard. The soldiers Berlin to the rest of the world. We that brings together 100 young stop the f*** Populismus.” apartment lease, my tax return years are members of private jet from Vienna to Ham- oversized library suitcases filled restaurant. He was a person who couldn’t believe their eyes when Germans will always be grate- and talented musicians. “Shall we do it, then?” from the previous year and proof the Bundesrat elected burg. Lenny agreed – and after with scientific literature. wore jeans during the day and Bernstein kissed the chancellor ful to Leonard Bernstein for this I’ve been together with my of my knowledge of the German to serve? Are judges in man – let’s call him my “Bremen language. For that final reason Germany members of guy” – for the past 22 years, but alone, it’s good that I waited 25 the executive branch,

we’re not officially married. My years to do this. the judiciary, the plan- ROBERT RECKER Bremen guy is not a big fan of I also had some homework ning authority or legisla- weddings. He thinks the whole to do. I had to write a letter tive authority? thing is too conservative and explaining my decision to take At this point, what I really FREEDOM, DÜSSELDORF-STYLE bourgeois. He says: “Our love on German citizenship and also want to do is create a game

HA Schult once declared: “The freedom of a society is only as great as the freedom of its art.” Düsseldorf on the Rhine gives the conceptual artist free rein. In mid-September, www.lansky.at together with Mayor Thomas Geisel and Frankonia Euro- In direct dialogue with the bau CEO Uwe Schmitz, he unveiled his new work “Wall of Freedom” in the Old Town. “Freedom,” according to the European Union institutions artist, “is a right we have to fight for. The Wall of Freedom is Düsseldorf's response to the attack on our freedom.” Ever since the Austrian accession to the European Union, our law firm’s founders have gradually expanded our EU expertise. Today, LGP covers a wide range of key topics important for the future of the EU: energy, environment, infrastructure, competition, data protection, digitization, human rights and migration. Through Schult graced his canvas with candid notions of freedom our LGP Senior Expert Council, we involve former politicians and experts on major issues and are in direct dialogue with by citizens of Düsseldorf. The people inspired him, says the European Union institutions. Our clients rely on our know-how when it comes to international politics, European integration, artist. His message goes far beyond the “Wall of Freedom.” harmonisation of legal systems, decision-making in the EU, EU law, international law, human rights, Eastern and South LANSKY, Until Nov. 25, more works of art can be visited at the “The Biberstrasse 5, Eastern Europe or financing topics. Through our offices in Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Astana (Kazakhstan), GANZGER A-1010 Vienna Spirit of Düsseldorf,” an art event at the Frankonia Eurobau- as well as by collaborating with Andersen Tax and Legal, we are present throughout Europe and worldwide. LGP – legal + partner (Austria) sponsored Andreasquartier. advice at the interface between law, politics and business. T: +43 1 533 33 300 F : +43 1 532 84 83 ATTORNEYS AT LAW E: [email protected] VIENNA // BRATISLAVA // ASTANA 20 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 21 ARTS & LIFE ARTS & LIFE

From Weimar to (Re)build it and they will come Midtown Manhattan More than just architecture: Frankfurt has its historic Old Town back

proceeded on a rather radical track (2) DPA called for steep pitched roofs that German people. A few months ago, How the Bauhaus began a century ago in sleepy Weimar, BY MATTHIAS ALEXANDER toward modernism. At the begin- were covered in slate, had natural an architectural theorist from Stutt- and a decade later was shaping architecture in the US ning of the 1970s, the area between stone skirting and featured only gart felt the need to warn the public number of architects the cathedral and the Römer saw gabled windows. And then there about delighting in Frankfurt’s rep- had already started issu- the construction of a massive con- was the so-called Stadthaus, or town licas. Architecture is evolving into Aing prophecies of doom. crete complex, built to house the house, whose lower story comprised a “key medium for authoritarian, threat was evidently unthinkable. deputy, Itten, that would prove dominantly by European modern With help from Walter Gropius, way. Particularly in terms of the Indeed, back when planning city government’s technical offices. the remaining walls of a Roman nationalist, revisionist-history- BY KLAUS GRIMBERG “This contrast between a popu- most consequential. The latter’s architects, including highly promi- in 1937 László Moholy-Nagy was further development of the Inter- was underway to reshape the The 10-story Brutalist building was station and the Carolingian palace. embracing right.” In other words: lace still predominantly stuck in aggressive advocacy of his own nent masters from the Bauhaus. appointed director of the new Chi- national Style, the social, artistic center of Frankfurt, word on the a monument to historical amnesia. It took nine years before the new those relishing in the sight of the he townspeople of an older time and the wild, wacky religious and philosophical con- The exhibition began in New cago design school called New Bau- and political factors present at the street was that it was destined to When the monstrosity became Old Town was finished; for several “Goldene Waage” should urgently Weimar had never come Bauhaus community hungry for victions resulted in his leaving York and toured the US with huge haus – American School of Design, emergence of the Bauhaus were become a “gebaute Lüge,” that is, derelict 30 years later, there was months now the area has been probe their souls for the Fascist Tacross the likes of a life is a reflection of the questions the Bauhaus in 1923 and his success for over two years; it also which was forced to close a year consciously neglected; moreover, the architectural embodiment of suddenly a chance to start all over accessible to the public, and the hidden within them. Johannes Itten. The bald instruc- surrounding the design of the replacement by the constructivist coined the term “International later for financial reasons. In 1939, issues relating to formal instruc- a blatant lie. Some even used the again, but the local administra- first tenants are now installed. On The vast majority of Frankfurt- tor at the Staatliches Bauhaus, future, questions that in many László Moholy-Nagy. Style” (Hitchcock). “It denoted Moholy-Nagy founded its succes- tion no longer played a role. word “Disneyland,” in Europe a tion was surprisingly unprepared the last weekend of September there ers look upon the new Old Town or simply Bauhaus, often wore a respects remained fully unresolved This phase also saw the Bau- an architecture that the US sought sor institution, the Chicago School “As a matter of fact,” claims de synonym for a flashy, superficial to seize the opportunity. At the will be a large fair to mark the with considerably less hesitation. monk’s habit of the Mazdaznan in the young Weimar Republic,” haus face intense pressure from to make its own, in an attempt to of Design, which was restructured Rudder, “severing ties with the world of make-believe. Critics beginning of 2005, an urban area’s official opening. Of the 35 For them, the development is an movement while exuding eso- says Steffen de Rudder, a profes- the Dutch de Stijl artist and pro- – somewhat simplistically – lend in 1944 as the Institute of Design. connotations associated with the of the plans went so far as to development ideas competition buildings, the “Goldene Waage” overdue attempt to bridge proud teric worldviews from literally sor at the Bauhaus University pagandist Theo van Doesburg, expression to the great-power Joseph Albers, one of the last Bauhaus was also understood as play a card that is often highly was launched with rather vague (golden scale) directly opposite the lines of tradition that reach back to his every pore – his philosophy in Weimar, whose work deals who had in mind something of a status of the US in the realm of masters of the Bauhaus, was ulti- a liberation, as the purging of a effective when it comes to muz- guidelines. The invited architects cathedral is the ensemble’s most a time long before National Social- included strict vegetarianism extensively with the history of hostile takeover of the Bauhaus. culture as well,” claims de Rudder. mately hired at Black Mountain superstructure that had become zling opponents in any debate in proceeded to deliver rather unimag- resplendent: built by a religious ref- ism. As a location for trade fairs and, by all accounts, bounteous the Bauhaus. Many currents of His influence and the school’s “Here it was, this auspicious, new College in Ashville, North Caro- obsolete, and as a prerequisite for Germany: the Nazis, they noted, inative designs with façades clad in ugee from the Spanish Netherlands that filled the courtyards and open amounts of garlic. His unusual the age, from naturism to nudism, attempts at grappling with the form that would become filled with lina, where he taught art until the advancement and transforma- had also been fans of the half- the prevailing styles of the day. Had at the start of the 17th century, it squares of the Old Town, Frankfurt teaching methods quickly made from progressive education to demands of a technology-ori- American content and transformed 1949 to, among others, Willem tion of modern architecture.” timbered building style known they been realized, the cathedral- presents an almost overabundantly in the Late Middle Ages was already the rounds in this once serene psychoanalysis, found expression ented world led the Bauhaus to into a new and, for the first time, de Kooning, Robert Motherwell as Fachwerk. Römer area would now be popu- ornamented façade. a welcoming city with Europe-wide former ducal residence – they in the Bauhaus curricula. A pre- take on a more pragmatic, func- originally American architecture.” and Robert Rauschenberg. That was in 2006, when the lated with faceless buildings whose The entire project cost a good appeal. The city’s development into KLAUS GRIMBERG included breathing exercises, liminary course conceived chiefly tional approach, which itself was Seen in this light, it is easy to The seeds of the Bauhaus unde- is a freelance journalist debate over developing the area demolition would be under discus- €200 million. When taking into a banking capital, which figured relaxation sessions and gymnas- by Johannes Itten was developed the cause of much controversy. understand why the defining per- niably bore ample fruit in the US, based in Berlin. between the cathedral and the sion within just a few decades. account the proceeds from the sale of prominently in the European Central tics as well as periodic bowel to constitute an elemental com- This process culminated in sonalities of the Bauhaus were yet they did so in their own specific Römer – as Frankfurt’s city hall But then a small, conservative buildings, a sound appraisal would Bank’s decision to locate there, is cleansing. His entire bearing ponent of the training. Itten was is called – had reached a boiling faction of the city council wrote show that the city of Frankfurt inconceivable without this prehis- seemed to convey a disdain for intent on testing the individual point. The positions on both sides a proposal to alter the foreseeable invested around €130 million in this tory. convention. aptitudes of each student and con- were irreconcilable: one party was course of action: the “Citizens for project. For Frankfurters, there is no It is not an exaggeration to say When the Bauhaus was founded veying to him or her the appro- advocating a reconstruction of the Frankfurt” called for re-establish- Mainhattan retro: The new Old Town is located between the doubt that the expense was worth it. that the new Old Town has finally in Weimar in April 1919, the end priate fundamentals of artisanal pre-war configuration, while the ing the layout of the historic Old banking district with its skyscrapers and St. Paul’s Church. In concrete terms it is certain to pay restored Frankfurt’s equilibrium. of World War I and the abdica- craftsmanship and design. (KLASSIK WEIMAR) STIFTUNG other promoted a full embrace of Town and reconstructing the build- for itself before long: the municipal The protracted, high-level debate tion of the last Grand Duke of “More than anything, it was modern architecture. The former ings of particular significance from corporation responsible for tourism on the area between the cathedral Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Wilhelm about showing the students a rhapsodized about the rebuilding an art history perspective. In light promotion has reported enormous and the Römer has been a contrib- Ernst were but a few months very specific approach: perceiving of historically significant buildings, of the dismal designs produced interest from all over the world. uting factor to many Frankfurters past. On paper, the Staatliches assigned tasks in light of the means while the latter urged that archi- by the architecture competition, It is above all the variety and engaging for the first time in the Bauhaus, under the direction of of the time,” explains de Rudder. tecture should reflect the style of the idea quickly gained resonance coherence of the new Old Town that distant history of their city. It has Walter Gropius, combined the To fathom the nature of the materi- its time – returning to the build- among political outsiders. For a capture the hearts and minds of visi- finally become clear to them how former Grand Ducal School of als and their usability for a particu- ing forms of past eras would be few months, the municipal public tors. It visualizes certain things that rich the history of Frankfurt truly Arts and Crafts with the Weimar lar task – this would become the escapist. could talk about nothing else; remain undisclosed elsewhere: the is; reclaiming a piece of it only Saxon Grand Ducal Art School, essence of Bauhaus thought. The area over which the tradi- informational events and panel typical neighborhood of new devel- strengthens the city’s self-aware- which had been founded by the The courses in the individual tionalists and the modernists were discussions were consistently well opment in German cities amounts to ness. Frankfurt’s self-image and Belgian designer, Henry van de workshops built on this idea. In so bitterly fighting is tiny. Although attended. The voting results were a cluster of monotonous, multi-story external perception had become Velde. the early years, Walter Gropius it measures no more than 7,000 unambiguous, as polling had also cubes seemingly arbitrarily posi- rather precarious over the decades: It quickly became clear that the took it upon himself to attract square meters, it is of eminent his- indicated: an overwhelming major- tioned in the urban realm. Today’s it was seen as dynamic, interna- new academy would embody an renowned artists to Weimar to torical and urban significance: it ity of Frankfurters expressed their city planners and architects rarely tional, liberal and prosperous, but entirely new spirit. In the Bau- work as instructors. Among constitutes the core of old Frank- support for the re-instatement of succeed in creating public spaces also ugly, cold and untethered. This haus Manifesto, Gropius made others, Lyonel Feininger, Josef furt. The Romans chose to settle the pre-war architecture and edifice Shiny objects: the Stoltze Fountain on the Hühnermarkt in the Old Town. charismatic enough to lure a city’s negative side of its image has now an emphatic call to reunite art and Albers, Paul Klee and Oskar Sch- there due to the site’s slightly raised in the area between the cathedral residents to spend time there. In faded considerably. craftsmanship and together create lemmer answered the call. As a elevation, which offered flood and the Römer. The causes for this shift in opin- a manifestation of anxieties about Frankfurt’s new Old Town, archi- Luckily, there are no signs that “the new building of the future,” result, the Bauhaus faculty repre- protection from the nearby River For Frankfurt, this whole debate ion are ripe for speculation. In a the future, especially in the bour- tects and planners are now being Frankfurt could become a Mecca which will “unite every discipline, sented a coming together of the Main. Centuries later in 794, Char- was highly unusual. Seldom in certain sense, the theme had been geois middle class that dominated schooled on how cities were built for nostalgic souls. Current efforts architecture and sculpture and important minds of the European lemagne convened a synod here; recent decades has the city dis- floated some time ago. The rebuild- the debate on the redevelopment of over the centuries, before this knowl- by individual initiatives promoting painting, and which will one day avant-garde, who sought to real- the Carolingians built a palace in cussed architecture and urban ing of the Dresden Frauenkirche the Old Town. Frankfurters openly edge was lost in the shuffle after additional reconstruction projects rise heavenwards from the mil- ize their visions of cosmopolitan- 820; and from 1562 onward, the development so intensely. The citi- was completed in 2005, while yearned for a city image that people World War II, when the ideology have yet to garner much public lion hands of craftsmen as a clear ism and international diversity. Holy Roman kings and emperors zens had become accustomed to the many other German cities were would unequivocally associate with of the modern gained near absolute resonance. More skyscrapers are symbol of a new belief to come.” In this first phase, the Bauhaus were selected and crowned here in ever-changing appearance of their also discussing reconstruction proj- better times. domination in architectural circles. currently being planned or built While by today’s standards that resembled a large creative labo- the cathedral, before setting out on city; no other place in Germany has ects, not least Berlin, where certain The establishment parties in Today, there are early indica- than ever before. The city housing may sound like excessive pathos, ratory for experimentation with the coronation path to the feast in consistently experienced such short groups were struggling to rebuild Frankfurt’s city hall initially sought tions that the lesson is having an the world’s largest internet hub is back then such appeals were different materials, forms, colors the Römer. Johann Wolfgang von iterations of “new construction – the Prussian palace in the center of to diminish the uncharacteristically impact. Even among architects who gaining one data processing center delivered very much in earnest. and indeed a whole range of play- Goethe witnessed one such coro- demolition – new construction.” town. In cases where the erasure vehement citizen participation, but initially looked critically upon the after another. Brexit promises to They embody the optimistic spirit ful ideas. nation as a boy and raved about And no place has a higher tolerance targeted former East German ini- it gradually found its way into the project, several have made concilia- extend the economic boom the city of a young generation that – after But as one would expect, the The Bauhaus Festival at Ilmschlößchen, Weimar, 1924. Placards: EXIT – TENSION – CATASTROPHE - EMOTION – PASSION – PERFORMANCE – PAUSE (from left to right). decades later in his autobiography. for benchmark-busting buildings. tiatives, the projects could be justi- debate as its representatives delved tory statements about the new Old has enjoyed for the last decade. And the convulsions of the war and the teaching staff at the Bauhaus was In short, there were few loca- In an economic sense, Frankfurt fied as a correction of the GDR’s deep into all relevant materials. In Town. They have praised the great now that Frankfurt’s old heart has end of the ruling nobility – strove also a breeding ground for very the 1923 Bauhaus Exhibition, given the red-carpet treatment in tions in Germany more historically has profited enormously from this politics of memory. In terms of a protracted yet fruitful process, the deal of craftsmanship that went into been transplanted back into the Old to lead a different, a freer, a bois- peculiar characters and somewhat the school’s first large-scale self- the US after the Nazis gained power charged than this one, even if no development; it never managed to projects in former West German project began to take shape – 15 erecting the buildings. Yet others Town, the city is set on a strong terous life. And so it all began: the contradictory theories. Over time, presentation, where several of in Germany; many were promptly one in post-war Frankfurt could forge a satisfactory look for itself, states, planners were wary that buildings were to be reconstructed persist in their dismissals; in their path towards the future. TILLMANN FRANZEN 150 young women and men who Walter Gropius was increasingly its early design classics could appointed to leading positions at appreciate it. After the entirety of even if its skyline of skyscrapers Germany was mired in an eco- and 20 plots would give rise to new minds, such reconstructions always had registered in roughly equal required to act less like the direc- be appreciated, such as the now renowned educational institutions. the Old Town fell victim to Allied – no other city in Germany can nomic crisis – the phrase “sick constructions that would be forced amount to an attempt to amor- MATTHIAS ALEXANDER numbers for that first semester tor of a university and more like famous Bauhaus Lamp by Jucker In 1937, Walter Gropius came, bombs, Frankfurt – more recklessly rightfully use the phrase – has since man of Europe” was not uncom- to adhere to rather rigid design tize the memory of the devastating is the metro chief of the celebrated spectacularly, moved a tamer in a circus of artistic and Wagenfeld. Although public via England, to the US, where he than most other German cities – defined its image, and with much mon at the time. The popularity of stipulations. As such, the ensemble consequences of National Socialist Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. informally about the town and conceits and personal vanities. reaction was generally enthusias- was immediately installed as an simply cleared away the rubble and popular approval. historical reconstructions was also would emerge. The relevant statute rule and the associated guilt of the even sometimes bathed naked in Josef Albers, who held vari- tic, the exhibition also bred some architecture professor at the Har- the River Ilm. ous positions over a many-year skepticism. In the sardonic words vard Graduate School of Design. This appalled the stuffy Weimar stint at the Bauhaus, would later of writer and critic Paul Wes- He would become director of the townspeople, who still clung to report with some pride that theim: “Three days in Weimar and architecture department in 1938, the etiquette of the empire. Chil- people “never agreed on any- you've seen enough squares for a the same year he organized the dren from these circles – it has thing. If Wassily Kandinsky said lifetime.” “Bauhaus 1919–1928” exhibition often been reported – were thus yes, I said no. And if he said no, In retrospect, this exhibition at the MoMA in New York. sternly chided for misconduct: I said yes.” But above all it was marked the starting point of an In 1938, Mies van der Rohe, “If you don’t behave, it’s off to the increasingly combative rela- epic journey through the leg- the last director of the Bauhaus, the Bauhaus for you!” A worse tionship between Gropius and his endary and influential Bauhaus resumed his teaching activities as The Bauhaus Archive Museum of Design in Berlin. years in Dessau (1925–1931), the new director of the architec- the short yet dramatic phase in ture department at the Armour Berlin (1932–1933) and culminat- Institute in Chicago. He then ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM Clubchair B3 by Marcel Breuer, mask by Oskar Schlemmer, ing with another groundbreak- hired two of his former Bauhaus dress by Lis Beyer, 1927. This year, this international exhibition and event series “bauhaus ing spectacle: the legendary 1932 colleagues to its faculty: Walter imaginista” is tracing the global intertwinements and current architecture exhibition at New Peterhans from New York, who relevance of Bauhaus ideas across five different continents. For its York’s Museum of Modern Art. established the seminars for visual grand finale in 2019, “bauhaus imaginista” will return to Germany “It was of central importance for training, and Ludwig Hilber- with the results of its investigations. the adoption of European moder- seimer, who took over the field

The actual Bauhaus centennial in 2019 will begin with a large nity and the American realignment of urban development. (KLASSIK WEIMAR) STIFTUNG opening festival in Berlin from Jan. 16-24 and feature contemporary international performances, music by instructors and students of of modern architecture,” writes More than anyone else, Mies the Bauhaus and its successor institutions, Bauhaus films and de Rudder in his essay “Wech- van der Rohe succeeded in imple- plenty more. selnde Zuschreibungen. Moderne menting the International Style in All Bauhaus sites in Germany have combined to form the Bauhaus Architektur zwischen Amerika the US, including his designs for Association 2019, which is planning a multitude of peripheral und Deutschland” (Alternating the world-renowned Farnsworth exhibitions, art projects, events and actions. In its totality, it will attributions. Modern architecture House in a suburb of Chicago. show where and how Bauhaus architecture, urban planning, between America and Germany). Three years later, Mies won the design, photography and dance have left their mark. Large centennial exhibitions will be held at all three Bauhaus Under the title “Modern Architec- commission to design his first locations – Weimar, Dessau and Berlin – where in each case a ture – International Exhibition,” office skyscraper, the 1958- Sea Where form and function go hand in hand. new museum building will be inaugurated. the curators, Philip Johnson and gram Building in Midtown Man- Maintain perfect posture with the Graph conference chair. Design jehs+laub. wilkhahn.com design made in germany A good overview of the entire program, in both English and Henry Russell Hitchcock, showed hattan, considered by many to be German, can be found at www.bauhaus100.de. a selection of realized designs pre- his finest work. 22 The German Times October 2018 October 2018 The German Times 23 ARTS & LIFE ARTS & LIFE

also happens to be 17 years old. Gelsenkirchen-based Schalke and PICTURE ALLIANCE/AUGENKLICK starting in 2019. It is also encouraging that vari- BY JOACHIM KLAEHN Bayern is covering the €10-million the “Black and Yellows” from “We want to achieve something ous national and international transfer fee for the winger as well have invested the most big,” says Nagelsmann in his usual regulations (the binding 50+1 rule, t is, generally speaking, very as the almost equally high bonus in the league this year. Dortmund aggressive tone, when asked about UEFA’s Financial Fairplay) are hard not to notice Cristiano MINOR LEAGUE payments. Davies is certainly no spent roughly €75 million on Hoffenheim’s goals. TSG manager not being watered down by the IRonaldo. In the case at hand, bargain, but he (hopefully) rep- new recruits , Axel Alexander Rosen, the congenial German Soccer League (DFL) but the former Real Madrid star German soccer fans are worried about their clubs’ ability to stay competitive resents a promise for the future. Witsel and Thomas Delaney, partner to that “little rascal” from actually followed. Indeed, despite was singing along to the offi- in the face of European rivals with massive spending power Either way, Uli “Mister Bayern” among others. Schalke invested southwest Bavaria, sees the Cham- the free market attitude, profes- cial Champions League anthem Hoeneß has made it known that €54.2 million, upgraded their pions League as a huge incentive sional soccer still needs safeguards just prior to the start of the he intends to launch an attack in squad with the help of Sebastian for the small-town club: “We’re and boundaries. The most recent second-leg quarter-final against summer 2019 with an “aggres- Rudy and simultaneously made not in it just to sing the anthem “DFL Report 2018” points, for his team’s cross-town rival Atlé- sive transfer policy.” According an outstanding deal with the sale and travel to three very nice stadi- the first time, to a total turnover tico: “Die Meister – Die Besten to Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rum- of youngster Thilo Kehrer for €37 ums. We want to leave our mark of €4.01 billion for the 36 clubs – Les Grandes Équipes – The menigge, however, this doesn’t million to the Qataris at Paris in Europe.” of the first- and second-division champions!” Back then, in April European soccer would be: Juven- League after a penalty shootout Germany’s first division teams showcase the attractiveness of the change any of the team’s sport- Saint-Germain. Roughly €1.72 billion in prize Bundesliga. This marks a 4.2 per- 2015, the egocentric Portuguese tus Turin. Club boss Andrea against Valencia in Milan, and in invested €460 million in new play- league,” said Kahn. “Ronaldo ing ambitions with regard to In last year’s qualifiers, new- money was up for grabs in the cent increase in value over the player was ridiculed for mouth- Agnelli (42), the last male heir 2013, they won 2:1 against Borus- ers. The spent would have been a milestone for 2018–19: “We want to relive what comers Hoffenheim were unable Champions League last season; in 2016–17 season and the previous ing the words to the song. And in that famous Italian industrial sia Dortmund in London. After €1.39 billion for stars both big the Bundesliga.” we experienced in London in 2013 to get past FC Liverpool – a team the Europa League, that number year. That’s a record. yet, it’s undeniable that this over- dynasty, made it clear from the that German-on-German final at and small. Italy’s Serie A spent In the meantime, the bosses at very soon,” said Rummenigge that would go on to play in the was around €400 million. This Thanks to their balanced the-top anthem is designed to very beginning: “Juventus has Wembley Stadium, English soccer €1.072 billion, Spain’s Primera Bayern set out on a completely dif- unequivocally. Champions League final – but are year, clubs in the English Premier sources of income, Bundesliga have a shot-in-the-arm effect on to win the Champions League fans lauded and applauded the Divisíon spent €890 million and ferent path. In spite of the impend- Bayern is and will continue to now eager to see how far they League will take in the equivalent teams are experiencing ongoing professional soccer players: it’s this year.” And this is exactly virtues of German soccer on France’s spent €634 mil- ing career exits of be the Bundesliga’s trump card, at can make it in 2018–19 thanks of €2.3 billion in national TV rev- growth, financial health and high monumental, opulent and makes why the “Bulls” from Piedmont the streets and in the pubs of lion (including the €180 million and Franck Ribéry – two beloved least for the time being. But what to six promising recruits (Leon- enues, followed by the Bundesliga levels of popularity among sports the air crackle with tension and put €117 million on the table to the British capital. In fact, they transfer of mega talent Kylian Bayern stalwarts – the club was about the other three German ardo Bittencourt, Vincenzo Grifo, (€1.16 billion), Ligue 1 (€1.153 fans, all of which allow them to excitement, which is exactly sign . Of all virtually bowed down in front Mbappé from AS Monaco to noticeably restrained on this year’s Champions League starters, Ishak Belfodil, Joshua Brenet, billion), Primera Divisíon (€1.1 continue to be able to compete at what this competition is about. people, it is now up to Ronaldo to of what they saw as the highly Paris Saint-Germain, which was Kasim Adams Nuhu and Arsenal billion) and Serie A (€1.05 billion). an international level. Still, most This is soccer with thunderous break the winning streak of Real refreshing style of play practiced already in the bag in 2017). loan Reiss Nelson cost €30 mil- In spite of the obvious domi- of the children starting elementary timpani, rich trumpets, a huge Madrid’s star-studded team (four by FCB and BVB, also register- Oliver Kahn (49), one of the lion). Their goal is to deliver “fes- nance of FC Bayern, the resultant school in Germany in 2018 have string section and a magnificent Champions League titles in the ing that the youth and support chief critics of Germany’s devel- BAYERN IS THE tive matches” against Shakhtar monotony in Germany’s first divi- no idea that it’s possible for any choir – in other words, the type past five years!) and raise the cup system operated by the German opment process, recently came Donetsk, Olympique Lyon and sion and the envious side glances other team than FC Bayern to of Baroque showiness we expect on June 1st, 2019, in the Estadio Soccer Federation (DFB) and the forward to make a good point: TRUMP CARD, BUT Manchester City at their debut at the English Premier League – be national champions. In other from a sacred oratorio. Wanda Metropolitano, the home Bundesliga was a prolific, fruit- “It’s going to be difficult in the at the highest international level. which is miles ahead in terms words, it’s high time the Bundes- In the world of club soccer, stadium of Atlético Madrid. For bearing machine. One year later, future for Bundesliga clubs to Hoffenheim is a town of 3,000 of TV revenues – it is important liga reinvent itself – this time as the Champions League has been their part, the “Colchoneros” – the German national team would get absolute top players,” said WHAT ABOUT THE inhabitants and thus the smallest that the Bundesliga not fall into a a premium product. As we all the measure of all things since even after their success in three go on to win the World Cup in the businessman and three-time site of soccer nobility in Europe. state of doom and gloom. In fact, know, lofty coronation hymns, the 1992–93 season. Today, recent Europa League champion- Rio de Janeiro under the tutelage world number-one goalkeeper. OTHER THREE GERMAN These days, it continues to profit in the areas of sponsoring, trans- goose-bump moments and the however, erstwhile enthusias- ships (2010, 2012 and 2018) – the of soccer aesthete Joachim Löw. “German clubs are still entirely from the efforts of its generous fer revenues, match-day income, crowning moment of glory – “The tic German fans are becoming dream is to make it to the final That was less than five years dependent on success stories from CHAMPIONS LEAGUE majority shareholder, co-founder hospitality and merchandising, the chaaaampiooons!” – don’t come weighed down by some tough and get their hands on that elusive ago. In 2018, after the shock of their first-class youth programs. of software giant SAP Dietmar German clubs are doing solid, free. questions: Are Bundesliga teams higher-ranking title, this time in their first-round elimination in But that can’t be the only strategy Hopp (78), who has pumped A major league star? The new Alex Witsel meticulous, customer-oriented, going to be able to keep up in the their own back yard, so to speak. Russia, the situation is sobering. they pursue over the long term.” TEAMS? roughly €350 million into his was the Bundesliga’s most prominent acquisition this season. exemplary work. Germany’s elite Champions League? Or at least in Also among the favorites this “Die Mannschaft” is still trying Kahn put his finger even further pet project since joining the club class of clubs continues to act JOACHIM KLAEHN is the sports editor at Rhein- its smaller and often unfairly chas- year, which include FC Liver- to find its inner balance, and the into the wound after Bayern presi- transfer market. The only new Schalke 04, TSG 1899 Hoffen- in 1989. Silent contributions to former TSG striker and passion- had at their helm Julian Nagels- Nagelsmann actually received – as magnets for audiences; with Neckar-Zeitung, a daily paper tised brother, the Europa League? pool, FC Barcelona, Manchester German clubs recently took a very dent Uli Hoeneß announced that signing that will cost anything is heim and Borussia Dortmund? gaming operations, money for ate golfer. In fact, TSG 1899 mann (31), a highly confident and declined – an offer from Real an average of 41,000 visitors per based in Heidelberg. He has Or is it really true that money can City and Paris Saint-Germain, humble approach – at least in his club had expressed no interest Alphonso Davies, an extremely For these clubs, the sole purpose is overall infrastructure as well as a Hoffenheim is just as ambitious young coach who counts among Madrid. “I’m going to postpone game (in contrast to 36,000 in the been reporting on TSG 1899 score goals? is Germany’s own behemoth, comparison to English, Spanish, whatsoever in acquiring CR7, aka talented Canadian national team to reach the knockout phase, there comprehensive young talent pro- as the company with headquar- the most talented in Germany, that career peak a bit,” he noted, Premier League), the Bundesliga Hoffenheim and the German If true, then we already know FC Bayern München. In 2001, Italian and French teams – with Cristiano Ronaldo. “A player of player born in a refugee camp in doesn’t seem to be more in it than gram – these are the key points ters in nearby Walldorf. Plus, perhaps even on the entire old and then, in a surprising move, is the best crowd-pulling league national soccer team since 2008. who the undisputed conqueror of Bayern won the Champions regard to new signings. that magnitude could have helped Ghana to Liberian parents who that. The “Royal Blues” from in the financial approach of the since February 2016, they’ve continent. decided to take over at RB in the world.

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QW_AZ_GermanTimes_2018_290x254-D-RZ.indd 1 14.09.18 13:24 24 The German Times October 2018 ARTS & LIFE Lost in back-translation A special edition of The German Times marking October 3rd, the Day of German Unity The rediscovered original manuscript of Arthur Koestler’s novel Darkness at Noon allows for a new interpretation of a literary and political classic

Rubashov, who is arrested and The book does not reveal the be resold for up to eight times works were all translated from one of the interrogation scenes, BY LUTZ LICHTENBERGER soon thereafter imprisoned. In country in which it is set. At the retail price. By mid-year, the the English. Scammell notes that Rubashov scoffs that “our lead- captivity he is interrogated to several points in the novel there novel had sold 300,000 copies, German-speaking readers would ership [is] more grotesque than t’s the political novel of the excruciating effect by two exam- are indications it may be Nazi and after two years, two million. have regarded the novel as “testi- that jumping jack’s with the little day, a warning signal, a reck- ining magistrates, Ivanov, an erst- Germany, or perhaps communist With the escalation of the Cold mony of a foreign culture.” This, mustache” – a direct reference to Ioning with all forms of totali- while friend and fellow traveler, Soviet Union. Scammel writes War, however, Koestler’s anti- perhaps, encouraged many of Hitler. However, the phrase in tarianism, a riveting literary dys- and Gletkin, a hostile and ruth- that early on, more astute critics totalitarian – indeed universal – them to overlook the passages Daphne Hardy’s original transla- topia. As a matter of fact, Dark- less inquisitor. The two officials called attention to the generally message passed nearly unnoticed. on totalitarian Germany and to tion reads: “our leader-worship ness at Noon, Arthur Koestler’s use all means of exclusively inter- [is] more Byzantine than that of international classic, is undergo- manipulation to DPA pret the novel as the reactionary dictatorships.” THE VENTURE ing its third finest hour in - Ger bring Rubashov criticism of the In this more abstract formula- many, that is, in German. to confess to Soviet state. tion, the commonality Koestler Born in Budapest, raised in crimes he did not The rediscov- so deftly recognized between the Vienna and an artisan of German commit. ery of the origi- Soviet Union and Nazi Germany CAPITAL prose, Koestler toiled on his book The book, as nal manuscript remains more-or-less unpro- while exiled in Paris between Scammell calls can thus also be nounced. summer 1938 and spring 1940, it, is an “intel- celebrated as an Matthias Weßel, who found before being forced to flee the lectual political occasion to better the manuscript and was able to “Poor but sexy” no more. With real estate prices French capital ahead of the Nazi thriller,” which understand the research Koestler in the German occupation. The only German simultaneously book’s politi- Historical Institute Moscow as on the rise, is the German capital losing its copy was lost as he fled. 75 years became a politi- cal dimension. well as in the Russian State Mili- unique allure among European metropolises? later, however, the German lit- cal statement, a Daphne Hardy, tary Archive, has vowed to deliver erary scholar Matthias Weßel commercial suc- the translator a complete and systematic evalua- The Berlin Times tells it as it is discovered the manuscript in the cess and a novel of the Urtext, tion of the two versions. archive of a publishing house in celebrated by had never before In the afterword to the new Zurich. critics. In 1998, translated a book revised German edition published Daphne Hardy, Koestler’s lover the Modern into English. in 1960, Koestler wrote: “I trans- at the time, penned the English Library selected She was just 21 lated Darkness at Noon back into translation of Darkness at Noon the book as the years old and was German myself, and this distress- and sent it off to London. In the eighth most forced to work ing feeling lingers within me that absence of the original manu- important work of the twentieth overlooked fact that Koestler was As in the time of Franz Kafka, under tremendous time pressure. the spontaneity of the original has script, Hardy’s translation was century. one of the first authors to notice whose works were published She was familiar with neither been lost.” considered the Urtext and served Up until his arrest and impris- the growing similarities between between 1908 and 1924, segments the practices of the Soviet and Germans readers are now the as the source for translations into onment in the Spanish Civil War the Soviet and Nazi regimes. of the literary world and wide National Socialist secret police first to savor this spontaneity in 30 languages, and even back into in 1937, Koestler himself was a Koestler’s message, in general, circles of political intellectuals fix- nor the mechanisms of totalitar- full splendor and to draw what- German. As Koestler’s biogra- communist. He often asked him- can be read less as anti-Soviet ated on anti-communist interpre- ian states, thus she replaced Bol- ever political or historical conclu- pher Michael Scammell would self how the NKVD was success- than anti-totalitarian. tations of literature. Darkness at shevik terminology with British sions they may. In fact, it would note, such a case stands alone in ful in persuading such prominent The book became a bestseller. Noon was broadly perceived as a legal concepts and terms, which be rewarding, and not just from the history of modern literature. party leaders like Nikolai Bukha- In France alone, 70,000 copies document of the Cold War. lent the system a milder and more a literary standpoint, to contem- PARTY LIKE IT’S 1929 BASKETBALL NEVER STOPS THE RAVAGES OF TIME CAPITAL CRIBS Darkness at Noon uses pow- rin, Grigory Zinoviev and Karl were sold in its first month of pub- The first German translation civilized manifestation. plate new translations into other The hit TV show Berlin Babylon portrays The Alba basketball team has developed From Russian spies to haunted houses: The boom in luxury apartment buildings is erful and disturbing imagery Radek to confess to crimes they lication in 1946. Parisians queued appeared in 1948. Within Ger- Several critical “mistakes” can languages based on the rediscov- the people and the excitement in the city a one-of-a-kind youth program – to find the The photographer Ciarán Fahey has captured but one reason for an increasingly tight real to recount the life and death of never committed, thus signing up before the publishing house to many, Koestler was understood now be accounted for. In the first ered manuscript – ideally into all in its final years of freedom during the next roundball star and teach all kids how both glorious and obscure Berlin relics of a estate market. Who gets to live in the city the revolutionary leader Nicolai their own death sentences. secure a copy, which could then to be an English author. His back-translation, for example, in 30 employed previously. Roaring Twenties. page 3 to play the game. page 5 time gone by. pages 6–7 tomorrow? page 8

A tale of many cities Facets of meaning abound – in an ever-changing city. The novelist Annett Gröschner tells the tale of Berlin today New opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia. erlin, Prenzlauer Allee, after the other. But there’s also and apartments – especially in Ten years after the start of the performance “Die Zeit schlägt Thus far, anyone who has just behind the Ringbahn the well-dressed woman who, on the east – seemed to belong to no financial crisis, it is clear who dich tot” (Time beats you to come here with great plans and Your investment location No. 1 Bsubway line. A drunk and early Sunday mornings, moves one. Money was not an issue. A got the short end of the stick death). In his book of the same an arrogance stemming from staggering, somewhat shabby from one trash bin to the next in new culture was emerging from in Berlin – the renters, i.e. the name, actor and essayist Hans prejudice has failed in Berlin. looking older woman with a sec- search of returnable bottles. the rubble, like the vinegar trees overwhelming majority of Ber- Zischler argues that “Berlin is Even the worst blowhards who in Germany. ond-hand cigarette butt in the This year will make 35 I’ve that come to life in autumn, in liners. Low interest rates have too big for Berlin.” It’s one of the have been in town for just a day corner of her mouth stretches spent in Berlin – just about the colors so vivacious, a box of made real estate investment a most truthful sentences I’ve ever and start holding forth on the her left fist into the air and whole time in Prenzlauer Berg. watercolors could never echo high-yield endeavor, the result read about Berlin. There are so habits and customs of the city It is only the perfect interplay of factors such as shouts out to the folks waiting In this hot summer of 2018, as I them. But the two halves of the of which has been a continual many different ways one could are swallowed up in a flash. for the walk signal to flash green: was walking across Schönhauser city, in their own right and in rental-price explosion with par- interpret those words. One is that One could say that Berlin has economic strength, infrastructure and cultural “Enough of this nonsense! You Allee, I felt a few drops of rain competition with one another, ticularly grim results for Berlin; the idea of Berlin was always always drawn in people who life which makes a region a strong investment all have enough blankies!” turn to steam on the crosswalk had lived beyond their means, a for, in contrast to other European larger than the lived reality, and would arrogate to clean up the I love these kinds of exclama- baking in the sun, and for a gargantuan self-service shop of capitals, 86 percent of the city’s this contradiction produced deci- city, and then rubbed their faces location. North Rhine-Westphalia | NRW is tions in public places. You surely brief moment I was able to recall corruption and subsidy. Thus, 1.6 million apartments are rental sions in Berlin that were disadvan- into the Brandenburg dust. The unique in many ways. Profi t from the countless hear them in most big cities, but the expectations of that young tageous to the rest of the world. price has often been high, and in Berlin, where the locals – espe- woman who had just fled the Another is that Berlin transcends sometimes required the help of possibilities and conditions that Germany’s cially in the east and around the countryside. The hopes I had back far beyond the conception any others, as with the liberation of most populous state has to offer you. Regard- edges of the city – still foster a then were inseparably linked to individual has of Berlin. The total- Berlin in 1945. strong dialect, they are the most the big city’s olfactory reservoir ity of opinions possessed by all Unfortunately, there is at pres- less of the industry or the project concerned, direct, at times mean and quite at that time: the scent of lime THE IDEA OF 3.5 million Berliners on their city ent a tendency to segregate, as it this is where you fi nd the ideal prerequisites for often comical. blossoms and water sprayed on results in anything but a closed is commonplace in the big cities The woman stands on the dry streets, mixed with the crueler BERLIN WAS ALWAYS narrative. of the world. But Berlin has new opportunities. More than 20,000 foreign bridge over the Ringbahn, which smells of season-old potatoes, Every Berliner who walks no such tradition, as one sees companies have already decided in favor of the demarcates the inner city from pissoirs and dead mice, sooty through the city sees something from the few villa districts in the the outskirts of Berlin. Especially chimneys and lentil soup with LARGER THAN different. This fascinates me. A southwest of the city. Living in metropolitan region North Rhine-Westphalia. in the east and northeast of the bacon, that is, if you happened person who lives affluently in close proximity to people with Contact us – we will gladly convince you, too. As city, the train line has become to venture through a building’s THE LIVED REALITY Zehlendorf moves through the vastly different origins, income somewhat of a social barrier over gate to its back courtyard. city with a different orientation levels and education – a fin- a one-stop agency we are here to support you in the last ten years. Behind the The dilapidation of the city and knows a Berlin that is entirely de-siècle apartment block is a your investment projects: www.nrwinvest.com Ringbahn bridge, SUVs turn into dovetailed with my vanquished different than that known to the popular and revelatory example compact cars. As soon as pedes- illusions of childhood, which at the start of the new millen- flats, 72 percent of which are young Turkish woman who grew – was a wonderful peculiarity trians heading away from the begged for something new nium, the deeply indebted state owned by private lessors. The up in Neukölln. The old women of Berlin. But now every pre- inner city step off the bridge and to take their place. The city’s of Berlin was forced to hawk rest are divided between hous- I spoke to for years about Berlin, war apartment building is in onto solid ground, baby stroll- unrenovated spaces and cemeter- its silverware, which included ing cooperatives and municipal and who are now almost all dead, great jeopardy. The “locals” ers suddenly become cheap or ies ensured that past generations the sale of up to 60,000 apart- housing associations. The frag- were tough and unsentimental, – long-established tenants are second-hand; coffee comes out were never far from our thoughts. ments from non-profit housing mentation of entire rental houses sometimes mean and scared of now commonly referred to by of a big thermos and is actually Another constant presence in our associations at a give-away price into individually purchasable con- nothing. this English or “new German” called coffee – or Plörre, German lives was the insuperable concrete to return-oriented, market-listed dominiums, expensive and often Those coming to the city to term – are seen as inherited lia- slang for dishwater; an ice cream wall, which I never imagined I housing associations. There are pointless façade insulation and a find success never let their image bilities among stacks of gold cone costs 40 cents less; and you would see disappear. Its virtu- barely any vinegar trees remain- modernization allocation of 11 of Berlin crumble, and when it bricks. They are increasingly can try your luck at the slots in ally over-night disappearance six ing today in the inner city; every percent still make for an unfet- does, they just rebuild it. One of being forced out of their familiar any number of one-room casinos years later marked the advent of once-vacant lot is developed, only tered business model and a license the old women had a saying back neighborhoods in the inner city well into the wee hours of the a truly exhilarating time. rarely with social housing; open to print money – a situation that is then: “Everyone gets their slice of and deposited in the outskirts night. There are old people who The first few years after the spaces for artists are shrinking; quickly becoming an irrevocable Berlin.” This is no less true today, of town. Berlin, now as before, spend all day perched on a pillow Wall fell are rhapsodized, often studios and rehearsal spaces have reality. only the slices have become more is a conglomerate of 3 cities, 59 in their window sill gazing down by people who weren’t there, as been repurposed or have simply “Berlin, where have you gone?” unfairly divided than they were villages and 12 former estates. at the street, lighting one cigarette a time when property, houses become unaffordable. asked Fabian Hinrichs in his 2013 30 years ago. Those who have lived in Prenzlauer

continued on page 2

180921_INV1-032_Anzeige_The_German_Times_290x254mm_ISOnewspaper26v4_RZ_lc.indd 1 21.09.18 11:26 2 The Berlin Times October 2018 October 2018 The Berlin Times 3 IT’S ABOUT EDUCATION, PICTURE ALLIANCE /ZB/KARLHEINZ SCHINDLER out of Döblin – that figures BY URSULA SCHEER in the fate of each our stars: the weighty, warmhearted yet o one evades the under- brutal Bruno Wolter (Peter tow of ecstasy, nor the Kurth), who passes himself off STUPID Nvortex of doom. As the BERLIN TIMES as something like a fatherly first double-episode of Babylon friend. Filmmaker and author Güner Balcı argues that Germany Berlin comes to a close and the A political sex scandal pro- is neglecting its immigrant children. A polemic denizens of a packed nightclub vides but a succulent introduc- throb to the music, entranced tory segue to the main events and infatuated by the androg- that will ensnarl the main char- ynous charm of the Russian 1929 acters: a bloody massacre and a he misgivings harbored as equals. Today, this inability are told that many parents fail dead-end jobs. This state of affairs performer on stage, elsewhere conspiracy involving a freight by many Germans with is creating an even greater rift in to wake up in time to get their is a consequence of massive politi- in the city Stalin’s henchmen Weighty, warmhearted, brutal – Berlin Babylon is the German TV series train from Russia. Poison gas, Tregard to migrants are German society. All too often, kids to school on time. Accord- cal neglect, as well. In fact, the unload their Gatling guns on an bounteous amounts of gold and steadfast and long-standing. This public debate on integration is ing to the report, these kids are school featured in the TV report underground band of Trotskyite of the year, depicting life in the German capital during the Roaring Twenties the ambitions of the “Black will not come as a surprise to characterized by a willingness to often made to attend school only was slated to be shut down due to dreamers. A lady of the night Reichswehr,” a group of gen- anyone who has taken the time focus solely on the shortcomings to render their parents eligible declining student numbers – a fact finds her John; confetti litters the erals out to restore the Kaiser to examine the state of migrant of “others.” for Kindergeld (child benefits – that was left unmentioned by the air; bodies fall in a flurry of gun- to his throne – these are just integration in German society Indeed, it would seem that for a social security payout for all producers of the program, which fire. The singer lowers her mask, a few of the factors our stars over the past decades. What is years no one has been prepared parents and guardians). A teacher was broadcast on German public banana-skirted dancers contort face in season one. Season two alarming, however, is the number to take the social and political with a thick Eastern European television. Instead, the school their bodies à la Josephine Baker features the specter of commu-

of Germans who judge the failed responsibility needed to be able to accent – a man who thinks the became a repository for students and a love-struck youth looks FILME FRÉDÉRIC BATIER/X nists and brownshirts marching integration of migrants and their seek out and find new solutions. plural of “crisis” is “crisises” – is who were not accepted elsewhere. on in awe. the streets, as a pincer move- children more harshly than they How else can we account for the seen lamenting the lack of interest Güner Balcı Now, with an increased budget Everything spins, everything ment of right- and left-wing do the failings of their fellow fact that over several decades, in education among his students. and new friendly-sounding sup- happens at once and everything enemies of democracy threatens Germans. It’s not only those on large numbers of youth socialized The film them shows close-ups of to be mixed in with the major- kids, the Muslim ghetto is their port programs, the school has relates to everything else: the to take down history’s actual the right who see every crimi- in a Muslim context in Germany children who, though they appear ity of students? Should they lead only place of influence, a place become an institution for those glamorous and the gruesome, lust Foreign Minister Gustav Strese- nal with Turkish, Iraqi or Tuni- have consistently lost out in terms self-conscious, are nevertheless “normal” lives, where they attend where the often romanticized tra- who are more or less biding time for life and fear of death, desire mann and the fictitious, Jewish sian roots as an opportunity to of education? How else can we proud to be the object of media school regularly, that is, where ditional values of their grandpar- before a likely adulthood spent and pain, the lives of the little Deputy Police Commissioner demonize all migrants; they are explain why Germany’s current attention. Although most of these the state actually carries out its ents’ culture become the bench- on Hartz IV or in prison. I guess people and the global political August Brenda. not the only ones who sneer at government has not been able to students were born in Germany, supervisory duty with regard to mark for their lives in Germany. it didn’t occur to anyone to put order. The images in the final Babylon Berlin is no history “Kanake” talk, a derogatory fill a single cabinet post with a not a single one of them can mothers and fathers who are over- By the end of the TV report, the few remaining students into sequence are cut to the rhythm lesson. It is an adaptation of term used to describe the German person with a “migration back- deliver a grammatically correct whelmed by their circumstances? attentive viewers will have begun a different school. of the music, forming a wide Volker Kutscher’s novel Der spoken among migrant youths ground”? And even after nearly sentence in German. These children live marginalized to notice – almost accidentally – Instead of disrupting a class- shot in the mind’s eye: Such is nasse Fisch (The Wet Fish) that often comprises crude collo- 60 years of recruitment agree- Scenes such as these should be lives in districts that many non- the longings and hardships etched room populated by the children of Babylon Berlin, the capital of with a slew of historical details quialisms and expressions in their ments, the prospect of having a enough to warrant a thorough migrants actively avoid; and they into the heart and mind of one the ambitious middle class, these the German Reich in the year thrown in a manner somewhat native tongues. In fact, no matter head of state with Arab or Turk- analysis of how and where things are cared for and receive their particular pimply-faced teenage children are left to fend for them- 1929, six years after the hyper- lacking in academic rigor, but where they stand on the political ish roots remains wholly incon- went wrong. How is it possible education in kindergartens and boy. This boy with Turkish roots selves, causing more strain on inflation of the early Weimar the broad strokes of history spectrum, people who are quick ceivable. that huge numbers of children schools that are widely known to sits down and begins to play a weary teachers and creating fertile Republic, and four years before more or less hit the mark. And to criticize migrants inevitably A recent TV program examined circumvent the legal obligation be problematic. piece on the piano – something he terrain for Islamists in search of Hitler comes to power. We find Tom Tykwer exploits certain have one thing in common: a the conditions at a school in the to attend school? How can this Kids like these can be found taught himself to do. His teacher new souls. These are clearly not ourselves at the peak of the Roar- of his talents that have brought false sense of superiority. Berlin district of Neukölln where happen in a country that had throughout Germany, especially admits that all these years, she’s the goals of integration. ing Twenties, a year in which the him success in the past: his use Many of us in Germany have almost all students come from a €48.1 billion GDP surplus in in areas where large numbers of never known he could play piano. Worker’s Revolt meets its bloody of kaleidoscopic imagery, his yet to learn how to share our lives immigrant families, including so- the first two quarters of 2018 immigrants reside. From a sta- It goes without saying that suppression, Alfred Döblin pens expertise at combining the fates GÜNER BALCI with people who are “other.” called problem students, that is, alone. And what’s wrong with tistical perspective, they are the we cannot single out teachers is a documentary film maker, his Berlin Alexanderplatz and of many individuals into one This seems to be a value and an those whose families depend on the students themselves? Can it “losers” of German society. After as being solely responsible for journalist and author. Her latest Bertolt Brecht delivers the trium- dynamic narrative whole and approach to life that we rarely welfare funds (Hartz IV). The be possible that all their prob- all, the cold hard reality is that the thousands of students who novel Das Mädchen und der phant Threepenny Opera. his inimitable sense of tempo Gotteskrieger (The girl and the strive to achieve. Few people report begins by stating that 18 lems are related to their oft-cited access to education is directly leave school every year without holy warrior) was published in Lead director Tom Tykwer and timing. It’s no matter that in Germany seem to even have of the 24 students in the class “migration background”? In all related to a child’s social and attaining their degree or with a 2016. (Run Lola Run; Sense 8), who the plot is sometimes over- the ability to view “strangers” arrive late for first period. We honesty, do we even want them economic background. For these certificate that condemns them to also co-created the series with wrought – what a ride! We Achim von Borries and Henk have love, sex, syphilis, crime, Handloegten, claims he is trying the state, and we’re just get- continued from page 1 to hurl his audience into a time Party like it’s 1929: Charlotte Richter (Liv Lisa Fries) is out on the town in Berlin Babylon. ting started; a woman dies but A tale of many cities machine. The mammoth project lives on, a tattooed priest of shot at 300 locations for 185 And why not? Is Germany not Väter (Our mothers, our war order was unshakable. This Gereon Rath. The commissioner the underworld and an Arme- shooting days with over 5000 the country that – in the era in fathers) tried, at last, to culti- order is crumbling before our of the homicide division comes nian stir up trouble. The series IMPRINT Berg for decades feel displaced crying, a note in her hand inform- As has always been the case, even Great Britain, who cannot for just 10 minutes, and with extras in just two seasons, on which Babylon Berlin is set – vate a complexity and cinematic eyes; the trans-Atlantic axis is to the capital from Cologne. He does not economize on violence, in places like Reinickendorf or ing her that her lease was being young people without a penny tolerate the rise of new nation- them their habits and customs, a budget of (gulp) €40 million. produced films like Metropolis? language that critics compared creaking; Europe is struggling is concealing a secret mission as gruesome corpses or gross The Berlin Times is an Hohenschönhausen, especially terminated because her landlord to their name are moving to alism in their countries or have the tables lining the sidewalks To make it all happen, the fee- Nazi propaganda films and the to Band of Brothers. for cohesion; the refugee crisis well as his love life and a mor- improbabilities, yet it invokes, international registered when they haven’t moved there wanted to move into the apart- Berlin to try their luck. They lost their work prospects for in front of cafés, the late-night financed public television station repressive kitsch of post-war But looking back at the 1920s and the fear of radicalized Islam phine addiction. Only drugs can indeed flawlessly, the classics trademark of Times Media GmbH. voluntarily. ment himself. But where to go if come from Brandenburg, Ham- political reasons. They are all convenience stores, the fruits, ARD first had to join forces with cinema would later teach Ger- is something new. Babylon is dividing society; the estab- quell his would-be disqualifying of the era of silent film. Its All rights reserved. For decades, the poor in Berlin Berlin is the only place that gives burg, from Dresden and from forming communities that are spices and meals, and the ways the subscription channel Sky. The mans a healthy skepticism of Berlin is now venturing such a lished parties are faltering and tremors that he and many other greatest success, however, stems had always had a roof over their you life, where no one gives a the Ruhr Valley, and despite more or less mixed, but often of walking, dressing, dancing, most expensive German series of the seductive power of imagery. feat – it first ran on Sky in 2017, right-wing populists are gaining soldiers brought home from the from its atmospheric depth. If Publisher and liable for editorial content: heads and a lock on their door. hoot if your hat’s on crooked, the cliché, not so much from exist in parallel as well. working and raising families. all time is seeking to step out of The medium became rather pro- and now currently on ARD – momentum. Germany is inch- trenches. At his side, played you’ve seen even three episodes, Detlef Prinz They have now become much your belly is big and round or Swabia. In terms of non-Ger- Most of the older generation of Even the most parochial born- the provinciality of German TV saic, often a bit superficial and finding large audiences and ing closer to “Weimar condi- by Liv Lisa Fries, is the young you need only hear the menac- more visible. Many people with your skin is dark? To live in aban- mans, most newcomers are from born Berliners is relatively com- Berliners wouldn’t wait a minute and onto the world stage without never experimental. Toeing the already drowning in awards. tions.” But a series like Babylon Charlotte Richter, a modern ing brass section in the intro Printed in Berlin by Dogan Media GmbH precarious employment – and doned shacks, allotment gardens Poland, followed by Turkey, posed in facing these changes. before screaming: “Enough of betraying its roots in European line was the order of the day. This is a symptom of something Berlin is a sensuously shudder- girl and a product of Berlin’s to become fully submerged in An der Brücke 20-22 there are many in Berlin – who or tents? Russia, Syria and Bulgaria. Their city has always reinvented this nonsense!” culture. It wants to speak to both Epic television was dedicated darker, as were a series of recent ing glance into a distant mirror. grim working-class districts. By Babylon Berlin. 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf rely on the dole or are raising The number of born-Berliners In the past five years, Berlin itself anew, even during the time a domestic and a global audience, to the Middle Ages, the present, exhibitions on the art of the Two main characters stare day she’s a stenotypist at the children alone are afraid of losing who still live there is dwindling. has become a Noah’s Ark, not of the Wall, when it served as fans who for almost 50 years have the division of Germany or the era. For Germans, the splendor back at us from the panorama, Alex, Berlin’s infamous police © Times Media GmbH, ANNETT GRÖSCHNER URSULA SCHEER Tempelhofer Ufer 23 – 24, their homes and having to live on At present the figure is 47 percent, only for refugees from Syria center stage for the Cold War. religiously watched the successful catastrophe of the Third Reich. and misery of the first German each conflicted, morally suspect headquarters. By night she’s 10963 Berlin, Germany is a novelist and journalism is a television critic and arts the street. I will never forget the while in Berlin Mitte, the city’s and Afghanistan, but for artists Imagine, if you will, that all professor at the University crime series Tatort as well the In terms of the latter, Philipp democracy seem closer at hand yet likeable, and each portrayed a prostitute, who dreams of a editor for the Frankfurter www.times-media.de moment when my almost 90-year- most central and most gentrified and intellectuals from Hungary, those who moved to the city over of the Arts Berlin. devotees of The Sopranos and Kadelbach’s 2013 World War II than they were just a few years by outstanding actors. Volker career as criminal investigator. Allgemeine Zeitung. old neighbor came down the stairs district, it’s only 34 percent. Poland, Turkey, Croatia and the past 30 years disappeared Game of Thrones. drama Unsere Mütter, unsere ago, when trust in the post- Bruch is the Great War veteran And then a character – straight

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GETTIN’

SCHOOLED Big stage: Alba youth during an exhibition game in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Alba’s basketballers are taking the game to the classroom

to acquire funding from the ate vicinity, where his popularity Alba. It was made possiblewith BY PAUL OSTWALD German Academic Scholarship BY HORST SCHNEIDER helped him consistently vanquish funding from the Berlin Senate Foundation and work with the his mightiest opponent: the school Department for Education, Youth andra Maischberger’s TV Refugee journal Dutch publishing house Brill or Basketball lovers, Moritz receptionist. As he got to know and Family in the capital. talk show in the fall of to publish our second edition. Wagner is a household principals and teachers, they turned The fact that more and more S 2015 was drawing to a Our new budget finally allowed Fname. But even lesser fans out to be interested contacts who children at school have lives that are close when she gave the last Sending a message to the political and academic world – why a us to pay the authors an hono - will be hearing the 7-foot center’s were very eager to work with Alba too stationary – some, for example, word to a guest from the audi - young Berliner at Oxford founded a science publication for refugees rarium, albeit a very small one. name in the future. He has – after and offered their school gymnasi- cannot even run backwards – is ence. In nearly accent-free In 2018, not only did German a successful college career with the ums for basketball clubs. the basis for the Alba Kitasport German, Hakim spoke about migration policy change, the Michigan Wolverines – signed an However, these sessions, led by project, which youth coaches have his studies in Syria, his trek origin of our authors did as NBA contract with the Los Ange- the Alba coaches after classes and been implementing in Berlin day across the Mediterranean well. Turkey had replaced Syria les Lakers, thereby becoming the during holidays, were just the begin- care centers for the past two years. and his new job as a geriatric and Iraq, which presented the first Berliner to play for the best ning. Harnisch’s realization that the Alba’s pioneering initiative to install Showing his true colors: nurse in a small town in Lower editors with new challenges. For basketball league in the world. introduction of the Ganztagsschule height-adjustable basketball hoops Moe Wagner at the Saxony. Before applause broke example, the migration stories When he was picked 25th by the (all-day school) has fundamentally at Berlin schools lets even the little NBA draft in June. out in the studio, a caption were often comparable to those Lakers in the NBA draft in June, changed the relationship between ones get a taste for the satisfaction showed viewers at home who of many Syrian academics; in "Moe" mounted the podium at school, sports and after-school when the ball finds its mark. They exactly this exemplary young addition to civil wars, environ- Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in a activities, triggered his innovation. can even dunk. Forty years ago, the Syrian was: “Hakim, refugee.” mental disasters and political custom-tailored suit and casually If children sit in school until 4, young Henning Harnisch had to set It was a revelatory moment ers. To treat them only with less fearful if they realize that was that our publication would teachers. The linguist Husam persecution were now promi- opened his jacket, flashing the two they’re left with little time or energy up a trampoline under his in a debate on the dangerous compassion, regrettably, often refugees are concerned with the enable and inspire our authors Aldeen al-Barazy from Damas- nent factors; fleeing across the logos inside: the golden capital M to actively play on a basketball team basketball hoop to take denigration of those refugees meant leaving their knowledge same issues as they are. Through to pursue their academic careers. cus described the importance of Mediterranean has in many of the University of Michigan and or participate in other after-school his first shots. who had fled to Europe in the and expertise untouched and contributions on television and Countless submissions started intonation when learning new cases been replaced by reset- the white albatross of Alba, where activities. The logical conclusion The Grundschul- summer of 2015. Hakim can thus limiting any intellectual in print media, we were able to flowing in. Many of them languages. He had fled Syria, tling in a more peaceful region his basketball career was born 12 was to directly integrate basketball liga (primary school vouch that the word “refu - exchange or discourse. cast a better light on refugees, focused in some way on migra - and now lives in the tranquil of migrants’ home countries. years ago. into the school curricula. The pro- league) founded gee” had become a new label My fellow students at Oxford one that would reach far beyond tion: an article by a lawyer from German town of Düppenweiler Therefore, in addition to The now 7-footer grew up in gram Alba macht Schule was born. by Alba, in which almost overnight. The German University and I were preoc- our academic audiences. At the Bangladesh argued that people in Saarland. translators, we also had to Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district, (“Alba macht Schule” is a pun that around 90 Berlin word for “refugee,” Flüchtling, cupied with the subject in the Gaining the authors trust establish some new guidelines: just a few blocks away from Max- roughly means both “Alba does schools compete for has the diminutive suffix ling, fall of 2015. To facilitate a new involved a great deal of respon - Who should decide whether an Schmeling-Halle, the former home school” and “Alba catches on.”) points and victories implying that a person must discourse in this situation, my sibility. We set about build - author is actually considered a court of Alba Berlin. The leap from “At school, on average, a single at the annual championship somehow be pitiable as well roommate Mark Barclay and I ing a small editorial office and "refugee"? We chose to leave intramural basketball at school to teacher must encourage 28 chil- in the Max-Schmeling-Halle, as from a distant, unknown founded the Journal of Inter- WE WERE ABLE recruiting the first academ - that classification to the authors regular training at Alba was rather dren to do sports. There are many and the associated Oberschul- culture. Reports frequently rupted Studies. It was to become ics for peer reviews. The vast themselves, to those who were manageable, as the head of the great teachers, but that’s almost liga (high school league) with painted the same image in dif - an academic journal that would majority was surprisingly open expelled or had to flee. Berlin division, just twelve years impossible, especially since elemen- about 80 schools, ensures that ferent shades of negativity. give refugee scientists the oppor- TO CAST A BETTER to our project, enlisted more We are now working on the ago, decided to make a push for tary school teachers with no back- competitiveness is kept alive. It was also a rather liberat - tunity to publish their finished of their colleagues and added third edition, and one new youth players. Henning Harnisch, ground in sports often have to teach Those on school teams that do ing moment, as this was one and unfinished articles in all dis- LIGHT ON REFUGEES, us to their mailing lists. But factor is the institutionalization a former national player and bas- sports,” explains Harnisch. So Alba very well automatically get the of the first opportunities for ciplines. we were missing one crucial of the journal. We are working ketball idol of the 1990s, found macht Schule puts teachers in the urge to fight for Alba wins. Last a refugee to represent himself At 19 years of age, none of us ONE THAT WOULD component: €1,500 to cover to create legal and editorial his calling in Alba management at classroom, with a qualified basket- season, Alba was the first club in the “refugee debate.” The had the capacity to assess the printing expenses. We started structures that will ensure the the end of his playing career and ball coach by their side. Initial fears ever to be the German champions daily reportages, comments and academic relevance or integrity getting our first donations and survival of the project regard- developed a new youth concept were quickly eliminated, as teach- in all youth categories (U14, U16 interviews on the new “task of of articles written by professors REACH FAR BEYOND by May 2016 we were able to less of whether we stay on as that today – highly lauded and ers realized that teaching in pairs and U19). the century” (Angela Merkel and researchers. So we set up a publish the first issue. publishers. frequently copied for its successful was more effective, and students For Henning Harnisch, it’s not on Jan. 14, 2016) had all been multi-level peer-review process, OUR ACADEMIC As expected, there were mixed combination of schools and sports were instantly excited by the new just about recruiting new basket- delivered by politicians – it as is common with scientific pub- feelings: while BBC, NPR and clubs – is a role model for more life being breathed into physical ball stars. He also cares about the remains the exception that a lications: subject matter experts the German weekly than just basketball programs and education. 999 out of 1000 students that don’t person who had himself fled receive and rate the essays with- AUDIENCES gave us a warm welcome, we well beyond the confines of Berlin. By now, more than 50 Alba youth make it to the NBA, or even to the to Germany was given a voice. out being told the name and received quite a few hateful Harnisch came to the realization coaches at 19 Berlin “schools with Bundesliga. If the majority of these There was widespread dis - history of the author. Texts were remarks on social media: “The that it will not do to wait for talent sports profiles” support teachers 999 students become “sports citi- regard for the fact that most to be selected based on their same time, we wanted to send displaced by natural disasters only knowledge these people to walk through the door and sign in physical education. Since 2012– zens” and continue to play sports refugees brought much more quality, not on their author’s a message to the academic and should be integrated into the bring with them is rape,” was up to train: “We have to go to 13, five other major Berlin clubs after graduation or even watch to Europe than a bundle of biography. political world: the knowledge international legal system. A one. The totality of reactions, the schools!” Harnisch, who in – Hertha BSC and 1st FC Union Alba games from the bleachers, clothes. Some brought their We were hoping to change the and diversity of discourse are Syrian student visited schools however, showed us that the PAUL OSTWALD his playing days sunk shots like no (soccer), the Foxes (handball), the the former basketball pro knows The 21-year-old Oxford student HORST SCHNEIDER knowledge: in their native perception of refugees and coun- jeopardized when refugee aca- during the civil war in order to project had found an audience. other and made dunking a German Polar Bears (ice hockey) and the BR that his going door to door in is the co-founder of the is a basketball writer HAGEN PHOTO/KEVIN ALLIANCE/AP PICTURE countries they had been pro- teract the understandable fears demics are not given a perspec- ascertain whether, in the future, While the first issue was Journal of Interrupted Studies. Bundesliga staple, eventually visited Volleys (volleyball) – also attend Prenzlauer Berg 12 years ago was based in Berlin. fessors, students and research- many people have; they may be tive. Our biggest hope, however, robots could replace missing self-published, we were able all the schools in Alba’s immedi- these schools and collaborate with most definitely not in vain.

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he giant Ferris wheel the whole “biography” of his loomed silently in the objects, seeking out the full story TBerlin sky. They could often hidden behind the city’s see it clearly through the trees, decaying structures. even from a distance. It stood He usually sets out by himself. within the fenced-off grounds “I’m more focused when I’m of a former amusement park in alone,” says Fahey. “That way, the Plänterwald district of what I don’t have to talk and there once was . As they are no time pressures. It allows got closer, they saw several signs me to get a deeper sense of the saying ZUTRITT VERBOTEN past. When you find yourself (NO TRESPASSING) on the in the very spot where an event fences surrounding the erstwhile took place, it allows you to feel fairgrounds. But nothing was the history much more intensely going to stop Ciarán Fahey. He than in a museum.” 3 turned to his girlfriend: “I’ve got On the other hand, setting out to get in there.” by himself also means facing all In the summer of 2009, Fahey of the associated dangers alone: overcame his fear of the security guard dogs, security guards, guards and German shepherds ghosts, falling ceilings, crumbling that might be awaiting him on stairs and tricky entrances that the other side. He climbed over can’t be used as exits. But that the high green security fence, never stopped Fahey. To this roamed around the abandoned day, he still gets tips from read- Spreepark and photographed ers and now has a list of more the rusted and uncanny remains than one hundred further sites of East Germany’s theme-park to explore before they disappear. culture. He then published his That is, before Berlin becomes as images and an accompanying clean as Munich. And, seeing as history of the amusement park the ravages of time continue to on his website abandonedber- gnaw away at the structures and lin.com. He also posted dozens sites, time and speed are indeed 1 2 4 of reports on other abandoned of the essence. In other words, properties in Berlin. Soon there- whenever possible, Fahey says: after, The Guardian newspaper “I’ve got to get in there.” rated his blog as one of the best City Blogs in the world. Ask Fahey what motivates him and the Irish-born journalist and photographer will explain that The pictures shown his goal is to capture the tran- here are taken from sient nature of things, to show Ciarán Fahey’s book RICHES OF RUINS the beauty of structures decay- ing in front of our eyes before Verlassene Orte/ NO TRESPASSING signs never stopped Ciarán Fahey from they are demolished or reclaimed Abandoned Berlin exploring Berlin’s many abandoned and forgotten buildings by nature. Just like people, he German/English argues, buildings too are not be.bra verlag, 2015,

BY PETER H. KOEPF made for eternity. As a journal- 192 pages, ist, Fahey doesn’t limit himself 22,00 euros to just visiting and taking pic- 6 7 tures of these sites; he researches

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1 COLOSSUS OF CEMENT AND IRON 5 TOP SECRET 9 SNAP-FROZEN After 100 productive years, German reunification spelled the demise of Vogelsang was one of the few military sites the Soviets built themselves. Cool, it isn’t. For 99 years, this ice factory delivered ice to all of Berlin, and the VEB Coswig Chemical Plant, which operated this factory in Rüders- They mostly took over German ones, but this one, all 5,800 hectares of it, right from the freezer, back when Berlin households, breweries, pubs and dorf. A barbed-wire fence did not stop Ciarán Fahey from sizing up this was top secret – they built nuclear weapons here. Let’s be thankful it’s no fishmongers didn’t have their own fridges. All that’s left now is this frozen asset. industrial-era cathedral, which started producing animal feed phosphates longer in use. // Vogelsang, 16792 Zehdenick // Eisfabrik, Köpenicker Straße 40/41, 10179 Berlin back in 1899 and continued to do so even after World War II. // Chemiewerk Rüdersdorf, Gutenbergstraße, 15562 Rüdersdorf 6 TRABI GRAVEYARD 10 TANGO TRISTE This old garage began to rot during the GDR. It houses dozens of They’re like twins, Dance Hall Riviera and Event Location Grünau. So splendidly 2 THE FUN’S OVER automobiles in various stages of decline, including a EZ P70 Zwickau they shone in the 1890s. Partygoers and night owls from far and wide came In 1969, on the 20th anniversary of the GDR, the government gifted manufactured in the fifties, a Sachsenring P70, forerunner of the Trabant to Berlin's southeastern district during the German Empire, Weimar Republic its subjects a second television channel and a public amusement park, P50, and a number of Moskvitches from Russia in very critical condition. and two dictatorships just to visit them. And now? The party’s over. The crowds the only permanent one if its kind in the country: the VEB Kulturpark // Trabiwerkstatt, Schönerlinder Straße 5, 13127 Berlin moved on to discos and now clubs, leaving the former dance palaces to endure Plänterwald. The roller coaster and Ferris wheel have now rusted the people’s indifference to their fate. // Ballhaus Grünau, Regattastrasse 161 through, and the dinosaurs have died out. 7 AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED & 167, 12527 Berlin // Spreepark, Kiehnwerderallee 1-3, 12437 Berlin Two abandoned houses with a common family history in Waidmannslust. Wind whistles through the shattered windows of Villa Schade, whirling 11 DOWN THE DRAIN 3 BAD DOCTORS letters and magazines up through the air, taking with it the memory of what As rats partied in the baby pool, the days of the Blub Water Park became Waldhaus Buch was a sanatorium and a hospital, but also a research once was here. Ciarán Fahey captured this image before the villa was turned numbered. In the 1980s and 1990s, up to 600,000 visitors got their feet wet institute. The clinic was involved in the Nazi’s euthanasia program. The into apartments. The cinema will presumably soon meet the same fate. here every summer. In 2002, years after it closed, there was an attempt to house, which served as an orthopedic clinic during the GDR, was closed // Villa Schade, Waidmannsluster Damm 167/163, 13469 Berlin re-open the waterpark – but only as a health spa. Judging by this photo, it didn’t in 1992. Time has since taken its toll. succeed. // Blub, Buschkrugallee 64, 12359 Berlin // Waldhaus Buch, Alt-Buch 74, 13125 Berlin 8 THE EARS OF THE WEST This radar station allowed the Americans to overhear enemy plans on 12 RISEN FROM THE ASHES – NOT 4 TRAIN TO NOWHERE the other side of the Iron Curtain. The large hill where the remains of the The villa of August Hinderer was destroyed by fire on March 24, 1944. The Trains no longer pass here; even the rails have disappeared. But when you station stand is not the work of the devil – despite its name, Teufelsberg, A professor and director of the Evangelical Press Service , Hinderer was stand in one of the decaying sheds and close your eyes, you can almost hear or Devil’s Mountain – it’s the work of Berliners themselves. Over 12 arrested by the Nazis in 1934, yet survived. After the unsuccessful attempt to the whirr of trains, the cries of diesel engines and the din of workers piling million cubic meters of rubble were deposited here, most of it the assassinate Hitler in July 1944, he survived yet another interrogation. . Hinderer goods onto cars. Nothing gets loaded here today. All that remains are loads of remains of buildings bombed by the Allies in WW2. died in October, 1945. Today, his granddaughter dreams of restoring the rot. // Güterbahnhof Pankow, Am Feuchten Winkel 137-145, Berlin 13089 // Teufelsberg, 14055 Berlin building. // Hinderer’s Villa, Location: not disclosed for fear of rioters

8 12 8 The Berlin Times October 2018 October 2018 The Berlin Times 9

Rich and sexy (2) PEDERSEN/DPA PICTURE ALLIANCE / BRITTA Booming Berlin is driving up real estate prices, and the city’s endless red tape is making the problem worse

job profiles and actually cut some BY TONG-JIN SMITH Red parade: The leaders of today’s Left Party Sahra Wagenknecht, Dietmar of the labor costs, but the change Bartsch, and (top; left to right) lead the flag is only slowly starting to happen, bearers (right) to Rosa Luxemburg’s and Karl Liebknecht’s grave (bottom). t was one of the last vacant leaving the construction industry plots in Berlin’s trendy dis- with a skill shortage for the time

Itrict of Prenzlauer Berg – a GRAHN EUROLUFTBILD.DE/ROBERT being. prime location nestled between What seems more troubling, historical buildings and in direct however, is the amount of time vicinity of shops, restaurants and energy construction com- and the heavily frequented U2 panies and developers spend on subway line. For years the plot dealing with bureaucracy. In remained barren – nothing to Germany, building is strongly see here. Then, one day a sign regulated and companies must BENSCH PICTURE ALLIANCE / REUTERS FABRIZIO appeared advertising a housing conform to literally thousands project initiated by an archi- of rules and regulations. “We’ve tect seeking co-builders for a asked our members to calculate multi-family house. The idea their expenses in dealing with was a combination of street- bureaucracy and found that 82 front apartments and courtyard percent felt rather burdened, if townhouses – a modern take not overly so. In fact, in 2017, on Berlin’s traditional housing about 17,000 employees in structure. Bit by bit every unit Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony was sold. Several months into and Saxony-Anhalt worked the project, the homeowner exclusively on bureaucratic Sacred socialist procession group was ready to build on matters resulting in these com- the lot. And in the spring of panies spending a good €500 A solemn march for the Goths of socialism and a folk festival for the left: the wintertime march honoring this year they finally moved into million just on paperwork. As a their new homes. result, many projects have been Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht is a bizarre parade of the pious in eastern Berlin. This year will “It was a long process but delayed, or even cancelled,” says mark the 100th anniversary of the death of these two icons of the workers’ movement well worthwhile. I love my new Momberg. It is now abundantly home and I’m starting to feel very clear that bureaucracy has also comfortable in my new neigh- become a decisive factor in real borhood,” says Kristina Kutsch estate price increases. tary vigilante militias comprising These men and women shake in protests in several East German In the hundred years since in early January 2019, the old who just finished furnishing her Add to that a massive increase BY KLAUS GRIMBERG former soldiers from the Prussian hands with familiarity; they know cities against the mass arrests that their deaths, many a battle has comrades from the GDR and penthouse in May. “But over the in land prices and you have an army. each other from back then. They had taken place both before and been fought over the true legacy young leftists from today will course of the last five years, since explanation for Berlin’s loss of hey’re easy to spot, even During the GDR, this hallowed know they are united in their after the demonstration. Some of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl come together in their worship we first started the project, we’ve affordability. For one, many pri- at a distance. Retir- procession to the Memorial to defiant adherence to the ideals historians see the events of Jan. Liebknecht. Time and again, the of these two larger-than-life role certainly seen an upward surge vate landowners have been hold- Tees bundled up in thick the Socialists represented an of socialism. The beginning of 17, 1988, as the first evidence of thoughts and writings of the two models. And yet, if you sat these in costs. Just finding a craftsman ing off on developing or selling winter jackets and fur hats important Kampfdemonstration one popular children’s song in a tangible beginning to the Peace- socialists have been interpreted groups down for a discussion or company to do the flooring or their properties with hopes of trudging towards the exit at the – a demonstration of continued the GDR went: “Dem Karl Lieb- ful Revolution in the GDR, which and instrumentalized, as they at a single table, they would tiling has been a challenge, no cashing in on the boom. Mean- Berlin Lichtenberg S-Bahn sta- struggle – carried out by the state knecht haben wir's geschworen, would eventually bring down the surely will continue to be in the likely have very little to say to matter how much they charge.” while, the public sector, a major tion. The color spectrum worn leadership and the ruling com- der Rosa Luxemburg reichen wir Wall in 1989. future. At the memorial march each other. Her experience is not unique. landowner in Berlin, continues by the members of this crowd munist party. It was designed to die Hand” (We have sworn to Berlin has become a boomtown to enforce the policy of selling ranges from gray to beige, while symbolically renew the legacy of Karl Liebknecht we’ll give Rosa for the building industry, as con- to the highest bidder instead of their facial expressions run Luxemburg and Liebknecht in Luxemburg a helping hand). For dominiums and rental apartments seeking the best concept, which between reverent and grim. The East Germany each year. Nothing most of the elderly comrades at have been going up in neighbor- could lead to more sustainable only splash of color in this pro- was left to chance at this carefully the annual march, these words hoods all across the city. At the and socially balanced urban cession of seniors is the red car- prepared march that started at continue to inspire. Berlin ist, wenn wir jetzt same time, real estate and rental development. nations they often carry. These Frankfurter Tor at the edge of Later on, after the Goths of prices have doubled in the past “When you look at the pure flowers provide the decisive clue downtown East Berlin. For loyal socialism have laid down their ten years, edging Berlin closer building costs per square meter as to where their strangely uni- party bigwigs, it marked a solemn carnations, things get a bit more to the top of the list of Ger- for a new residential building form caravan is headed, namely day on the socialist calendar. The colorful. To this day, party chair- noch mehr über Ihren many’s most expensive cities. – whether it be a single-family to the official Memorial to the majority of the other “demon- men and leading left-wing party Only Munich, Frankfurt, Ham- home or an apartment in a multi- Socialists in Berlin-Friedrichs- strators,” however, were forced members from all over Europe burg and Stuttgart are still ahead. story building – you currently felde. to attend by various factory use the opportunity to make But Berlin has made headlines as need to calculate about €2,000,” This memorial procession takes organizations, schools and other their pilgrimage to the graves in Lieblingsbezirk berichten. the city with the largest increase Momberg explains. Add on the place every year on the second groups. It became quite clear that Friedrichsfelde at the head of a between 2016 and 2017, with cost of the property itself and Sunday in January. It is held in the longer the GDR existed, the mass demonstration. This coming prices going up by a whopping total prices soar. Thus, a family honor of Rosa Luxemburg and less enthusiasm there was for the January, an especially large crowd Neu: Jeder Bezirk mit eigenem Reporter für die besten Geschichten. 11.4 percent. Real estate buyers looking to buy a two-bedroom, Karl Liebknecht, two of the lead- event. Apart from the apparat- of celebrities is anticipated. An Täglich auf morgenpost.de, facebook und in der Zeitung. are now expected to shell out 90 square-meter apartment in an ing figures of the German work- chiks and devout comrades, the alliance of a wide spectrum of close to €3,700 per square meter upscale neighborhood will more left-wing groups is expected to on average, according to a recent often than not need to spend over march to the memorial. It seems study. €500,000. With salaries increas- the memorial march allows them With a growing number of ing at a far slower pace than real to forget their trench battles and upscale and luxury condomini- estate prices, affording a home turf wars for a couple of hours. ums currently under construc- of their own has become signifi- And then, as soon as they arrive tion or in planning for the near cantly more difficult for Berliners. at their destination, the event future, prices can be expected Similarly, finding a rental unit FREEDOM IS starts to look more like a com- to continue their upward trend. has become a challenge for most, munity fair featuring stalls with More than 2,000 apartments as the market situation shows ALWAYS FREEDOM food produced in socialist soli- are currently on the market for no sign of relief. Young profes- darity and musical groups play- €4,500 or more per square meter, sionals, university students and ing old battle songs to lift leftist which constitutes roughly half lower-income families are being FOR THE ONE spirits. Of course, there are also the condominiums for sale, both hit especially hard. the obligatory bookstands where new and old. The sky is the limit Built next to that wall: “Living Levels”, a high-priced apartment building where East and West Berlin were once separated. More than a hundred appli- WHO THINKS one can find literature designed with penthouses and apartments cants per apartment and lines of to foster more in-depth study of between €5 and €10 million At the same time, however, more expensive. The same goes potential tenants cueing around DIFFERENTLY, leftist theories. becoming a sought-after com- housing construction has not for minerals and mineral oil. the corner to attend viewings But things weren’t always this modity for German and foreign been able to keep up with In fact, between February 2017 have become the norm in many peaceful at the annual Luxem- investors seeking to participate in demand. According to city and February 2018, German con- neighborhoods. “You have to be ROSA LUXEMBURG burg-Liebknecht demonstration. the boom and own a piece of the authorities, 194,000 new units REAL ESTATE struction companies have seen creative and willing to make a In 1988, citizens’ rights activists pie – or a pad in Berlin. will be needed by 2030 – an the cost of concrete rise 2.7 per- number of compromises to find FAMOUSLY SAID in the GDR had already begun to For the city, this is a new objective that seems out of reach AND RENTAL PRICES cent while the cost of bitumen an apartment you can actually advocate for a democratization of phenomenon. For years, Berlin as public housing companies and used for road surfacing and roof- afford,” says Marie Steffens, a their country and were planning was “poor but sexy” – a phrase private developers struggle with ing rose 8.6 percent. Steel used student at Berlin’s Free Univer- to participate in the state-orches- coined by former mayor Klaus bureaucracy and rising costs, let HAVE DOUBLED IN in stabilizing concrete structures sity, who has spent more than six trated mass gathering. Their goal Wowereit. But today we see a dif- alone properties adequate for saw a price increase of almost months looking for an apartment. was to take Rosa Luxemburg at ferent situation. “There are four urban development. THE PAST TEN YEARS 20 percent, and even softwood So while Berlin’s mayor Michael her word by rendering some of her reasons for Berlin’s tremendous “And lastly, the average stan- timber has been affected with a Müller (SPD) pointed a finger ers movement at the beginning majority of the participants forced quotes onto the self-made banners price development,” says Till dard land value for residential price increase of 4.5 percent. at foreign investors in a recent of the 20th century. Leftists of to attend could be seen trotting they intended to display during Johannes Brühöfener-McCourt, plots zoned for closed construc- Another factor contributing to interview, and considered banning all persuasions participate in this rather listlessly past the graves the official march: “Freedom is who heads the research depart- tion has increased sevenfold expensive,” says Robert Mom- prices. “Although construction higher construction costs is a lack them from purchasing homes in slow walk, which ends at the last and the VIP stand. always freedom for the one who ment at Ziegert, a Berlin based in the past nine years,” says berg, managing director of the is pretty much a local business of skilled workers. “The market Berlin – much like in New Zea- resting ground of these two icons In contrast, the individuals thinks differently” and “Those banking and real estate consult- Brühöfener-McCourt. “Simulta- Building Industry Federation relying on regional sourcing, we is practically void, which is due land – developers, builders and and other estimable socialists. who have been taking part in who do not move do not notice ing firm. “First of all, Berlin’s neously, residential developers East, representing 260 build- are nevertheless susceptible to in part to demographic change, Berliners are still waiting for costs In the coming year, this annual the march since the fall of the their chains.” Of course, the positive economic development. have seen an increase in costs of ing companies in Berlin, Bran- global market price changes,” but also to image problems con- and red tape to decrease and the commemorative gathering will GDR have done so with vigor GDR’s secret security forces were In the last ten years, we’ve seen over 25 percent.” The result is denburg, Saxony and Saxony- he explains. In other words, struction professions have among number of available and afford- have a special significance, as it and sincerity. It’s the pensioners already well-informed about the an annual GDP increase per clear: buying or renting a home Anhalt. “One contributing factor when the Chinese administration younger generations,” says Mom- able homes to increase. will mark the 100th anniversary above all who cling unbendingly plans and went about stifling the working person of 4.6 percent. has become a lot more expensive being higher demand resulting in decides to create the next mega- berg. “And you have to remember of the death of Luxemburg and to the socialist tradition. These action. However, there also hap- Secondly, in the same timeframe, in Berlin, a city that has been higher prices. A simple case of city and construction companies that construction requires a lot Liebknecht. On Jan. 15, 1919, cadres of yesteryear are individu- pened to be West German camera TONG-JIN SMITH we’ve seen the workforce grow known as the most affordable demand and supply. But there’s involved in its development buy of manpower. In fact, up to 28 is a freelance journalist and a after the brutal defeat of the als who boldly continue to believe teams on site, and their images by 20.6 percent.” This, he says, and hip European capital. more to it.” Momberg lists raw up all the steel they can find on percent of building costs are com- lecturer at the Free University Spartacist uprising in Berlin, they in the victory of socialism and see capturing the rabid suppression morgenpost.de has had a stimulating effect on “There is no denying it: con- materials as a contributing factor the market, building a multi- prised of labor costs.” Increased of Berlin. were both murdered by members German reunification as a hostile of the activists were broadcast the housing market. struction has become more resulting in higher real estate family house in Berlin becomes digitization may help create new of right-wing Freikorps, volun- takeover by imperialist forces. around the world. This resulted 10 The Berlin Times October 2018 October 2018 The Berlin Times 11 PICTURE ALLIANCE / AKG-IMAGES Runway model Berlin is spotlighting the history of the former Tempelhof Airport during DES TERRORS LEMWERDER / TOPOGRAPHIE WENZ, F.-HERBERT © ARCHIV the Nazi era. The city is gearing up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift with a festival featuring almost 40 original aircraft

Arlington, Virginia. The dimen- bly of aircraft was to use massive Army was actually the first to by the residents of its surrounding and Berlin Airlift, are thus not BY JAN KEPP sions at Tempelhof in the Nazi numbers of forced laborers taken occupy Tempelhof airport, but neighborhoods. The technical and chronologically identical. era reflected a preoccupation by the Nazis from German-occu- in July 1945, the US Air Force logistical arrangements required The lifting of the Blockade and empelhof Airport is with overly large buildings that pied territories. More than 3,000 took over and maintained an air for a three-day commemorative the end of the Airlift marked the firmly anchored in the was typical of National Socialist men and women were ruthlessly base in the eastern part of the event will presumably end up resolution of the first true crisis Tcollective memory of architecture. The original termi- exploited and forced to work in building all the way up to 1994. being too protracted to incorpo- of the Cold War by peaceful (West) Berlin residents first and nal building, which functioned weapons manufacturing for the The western part of the airport rate the central site of the Airlift. means. However, the absence foremost as the main take-off as such up until the end of the Luftwaffe. Living in barebones was opened for civil aviation For recent generations of Ber- of military force did not prevent and landing strip used by the war, appeared almost as a dwarf barracks at the edge of the air- under German administration liners, the sheer scale of the larg- all loss of human life during American and British “Ros- in comparison to it. field, the forced laborers had in 1951. est humanitarian relief action in the Air Lift. Airplane accidents inenbomber” (transport planes) With the outbreak of war, the to work for ten or more hours The image of the US soldiers the history of the world can be accounted for the death of at during the Berlin Airlift 1948-49. new airport complex was trans- each day, all the while with inad- in West Berlin changed deeply hard to comprehend. For more least 78 people, the names of This “gateway to the free formed into a large-scale aircraft equate amounts of food. They with the start of the Berlin Airlift than a year, propeller planes whom are engraved on the base world” would continue to factory. The roof of the building faced draconian punishments or “Luftbrücke” (air bridge). delivered a total of two mil- of the Airlift Memorial in front influence the emotional lives of was extended over the airfield’s for the slightest negligence or After the unprecedented supply lion tons of supplies to Berlin. of the former airport. West Berliners from the 1950s “apron” and given a wooden offense and there was very lim- of food and especially coal to Thus, more than 270,000 flights, One of the honorary guests on. In contrast, very little is exterior, thus creating spacious ited medical care. This meant the city – which had been sealed i.e. almost 1,000 flights per day at the 70 Years Berlin Airlift known about the role played factory halls. The companies that many of the forced labor- off on all sides by the Russians – to guarantee the survival of the festival will be none other than by Tempelhof Airport during known as Weser Flugzeugbau ers did not survive their time between June 24, 1948, and May hungry and freezing citizens Gail Seymour “Hal” Halvorsen, the era of National Socialism 12, 1949, Berliners started to see of West Berlin. The technical born Oct. 10, 1920, in Salt Lake (1933–1945). the GIs more as protectors than and logistical feats of air trans- City, UT. Halvorsen was the first The exhibition “Ein weites as occupiers. From that moment Under construction: Junkers Ju 87 in 1943 at Tempelhof. port executed by the pilots and pilot to – just before landing Sent from above: Uncle Wiggly Wings Feld” (A Wide Field - Tempelhof on, this new relationship was ground crews remain one of a at Tempelhof – delight children Airport and its History), which reflected and celebrated once a in Hessen, then to Fliegerhorst the actual schedule and time kind and will forever be linked waiting atop the mountains of as he approached, earning him needy children of bombed-out is on display until the end of the A NEW GENERATION year at the US Air Force’s Open Faßberg (June 12–15) in Lower intervals from 1948–49 at the to the history of Berlin. rubble in Neukölln by pitching the nickname “Uncle Wiggly Berlin. Historical eyewitnesses year in the former General Avia- Door Day at Tempelhof, a huge Saxony and finally to the air- three airports. In other words, The incessant, positive reports from his plane bags of candy, Wings.” agree that he had a tremendously tion Terminal, seeks to change OF BERLINERS WILL BE festival attended by hundreds of field in Berlin-Schönhagen (June for the first time in 70 years, a by news outlets all over the world each equipped with its own little Halvorsen’s initiative was positive impact on the image A WIDE FIELD – TEMPELHOF this. Curated by the Topography thousands of people. 15–19). new generation of Berliners will focusing on the Allied air deliver- parachute. This Operation Little quickly picked up by the press, of Americans in postwar Ger- AIRPORT AND ITS HISTORY of Terror foundation in Berlin, ABLE TO EXPERIENCE The gratitude of Berliners for Of the many airplanes that par- be able to experience the Airlift ies in 1948–49 and the burgeon- Vittles led to the Airlift pilots and unleashing a wave of support. He many. the exhibition focuses on the the energetic and extensive soli- ticipated in the Airlift, there are with their own eyes. At the air- ing reputation of the Western their airplanes to be called “Ros- and his crew were soon given 425 strategic expansion of the air- darity shown by the Allies for only roughly 160 left in opera- ports in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, powers constituted one of the inenbomber,” or “Candy Bomb- kilos of sweets to drop on Berlin An exhibition by the Topography of Terror THE AIRLIFT WITH THEIR foundation at the former Tempelhof Airport; port starting in 1936 and its their walled-off city will be on tion worldwide. Individual fans, Faßberg and Berlin-Schönhagen, reasons the Soviet Blockade was ers.” As the airplanes landed at each day. By the end of the Air until Dec. 30, 2018. later use as a weapons produc- display again in the coming year. foundations, museums and asso- crews and aircraft will also be lifted on May 12, 1949. None- Tempelhof every 90 seconds, the Lift, a total of about 25 airplane tion site. Emphasis is also placed OWN EYES A week-long festival is currently ciations spend a lot of time and on display for the general public theless, the Airlift carried on for children on the ground could not crews threw 23 tons of candy over JAN KEPP Free entrance daily from 10AM to 7PM. on the fate of the thousands of in the works for June 2019; the effort to keep them in good flying to visit up close. Plans include another four months until late tell which one was Halvorsen’s. the city. Halvorsen would later is a freelance journalist based in Berlin. laborers who were forced to event will take place at three condition. For the one-week festi- a “Luftbrücke zum Anfassen” summer of that year. The twin He thus arranged with the kids explain that he had just wanted work on the assembly of combat locations and commemorate the val in Germany, almost 40 planes (hands-on airlift) accompanied historical events, Berlin Blockade that he would “wiggle” his wings to bring a little happiness to the aircraft. and Deutsche Lufthansa used at Tempelhof; some were even end of the Berlin Airlift 70 years have already agreed to partici- by multiple-day public events and Large sections of the monu- the facilities as an important site killed in Allied bombing raids. prior. The special feature of the pate. Some of them will be coming school and youth projects. mental airport complex at Tem- for the manufacturing of equip- While the old manufacturing fest: those historical “Rosinen- from diverse European cities, over Whether the airplanes will be pelhof were built between 1936 ment for the Luftwaffe during buildings were almost com- bomber” transport planes will be 20 will be flying from the United able to land at Tempelhof Airport and 1939 at the edge of the then the war. Among other things, pletely destroyed in the war, returning to Germany. A number States, and a DC-4 will be coming is currently being debated in Berlin airfield. Although never fully Tempelhof saw the production the new main building remained of the original planes – including to Germany from South Africa. political circles. While a special completed, at the beginning of of roughly 2,000 Ju-87 dive intact. The order to demolish Douglas DC-3/C-47, Douglas One owner has indicated that he permit good just for the exhibi- the 1940s it comprised the larg- bombers, which would go on it was apparently ignored by DC-4/C-54 and Junkers JU-52 intends to make the flight all the tion is theoretically conceivable, est building in the world in terms to become the backbone of the the airport commander, and the models – will make their way way from Australia to be a part it seems highly improbable. The of area covered; in the post- Nazi Luftwaffe. Allies also spared the complex, from several different corners of of the reunion. spacious tarmac of the airport, war period, that position would During the war, the only way seeing as they planned to use it the world, first to the Wiesbaden With the help of these original which was decommissioned in be usurped by the Pentagon in to guarantee the efficient assem- for their own purposes. The Red Erbenheim Airbase (June 10–12) aircraft, organizers will reenact 2008, is now a park mainly used

done with walls Berlin #FreiheitBerlin

be.berlin

BePa_GermanTimes_DoneWithWalls_375x264_ISOnewspaper.indd 1 07.03.18 11:58 12 The Berlin Times October 2018

For a short time in 2017 it looked like Friedenauer Presse would have to close its doors. But after the 87-year-old

HENRIETTE GÄNGEL Katharina Wolff stepped down, Friederike Jacob (left) could not let the storied publishing house vanish, and decided to take it over herself: “I invite everyone to discover Friedenauer Presse, again or for the first time.”

excavations that lie unrecog- embarked on an adventurous tution, thanks in large part to the BY LUTZ LICHTENBERGER nized and dormant in archives, journey to Moscow in search of efforts of its tireless patron and anthologies and complete edi- the lost manuscript. There, she prose stylist, Peter Urban. Urban, n inconspicuous street tions.” managed to track down Babel’s who died in 2013, translated all in Berlin’s Wedding dis- Friedenauer Presse began in the widow, Antonina Pirozhkova, the big names: Daniil Kharms, Atrict: in a light-flooded 1960s with a focus on German who was about to emigrate to Nikolai Gogol, Ivan Goncha- apartment on the second floor contemporary literature. The Florida. Though she put herself rov, Maxim Gorky, Alexander of a classic pre-war tenement first book they published was at risk by doing so, she had kept Pushkin and especially Anton stands a seemingly ordinary written by the later Nobel Prize the remaining parts of the diary Chekhov. Anyone witnessing bookshelf. A closer look reveals winner Günter Grass – it was a for all those years. Wagenbach one of the countless Chekhov that it holds nothing less than thread-bound brochure. To this needed barely one afternoon to performances being staged at any the history of German-Russian day, the house continues to pub- gain Pirozhkova’s trust. She then given time experiences it in the publishing, literature and cul- lish such booklets of bibliophilic retyped the manuscript on her tone set by Urban. It comes with- ture. And, along with Friederike elegance in its Presse-Ducked typewriter and journeyed back to out the flowery, almost lovely Jacob, it also holds the future of series. Berlin, where the publisher’s star touch of the older translations, this tradition. The 35-year-old In 1983, Wagenbach took over translator, Peter Urban, trans- but shines in its sober, elegant Slavicist is the new publisher at the management of the publish- timbre. Jacob, who devoured Friedenauer Presse, the widely ing house, and with her came Dostoyevsky as a teenager and renowned Berlin publishing increased attention on Russian later learned to love Chekhov, is house also known as a one-stop literature. For the woman who publishing a new edition of his shop for German translations of had never lived in Russia but Seven Stories. Russian world literature. grew up surrounded by Rus- And in the spring, Friederike Friedenauer Presse was sian parents and grandparents, Literary mission Jacob is waiting, as did her pre- founded in 1963 in the epony- Russian literature was a time decessor thirty years earlier, in a mous southwestern district of machine, her homeland in the similarly confused political situ- Berlin by Andreas Wolff, the pages of a tattered book. In the Friedenauer Presse is rekindling the international ation for a supposedly lost trove. grandson of the St. Petersburg midst of the Cold War, her mis- understanding through great works of art Then came the stories of Vsevolod publisher M.O. Wolff. From sion was not a political one. Petrov (1912–1978), whose dis- the very beginning it was the However, Wagenbach’s publica- covery in the Pushkin Archive in mission of the publishing house tions had, as all successful books Moscow was a recent cultural to make previously untranslated do, just enough global aware- She also wanted to paint a dif- and genuine. It has its own space, lated the text into German. Frie- spectacle in Russia. “Literature is and unpublished works acces- ness. The publisher also takes ferent picture of Eastern Europe. it makes it possible to approach denauer Presse finally published more direct, it’s a fictional real- sible to German readers. Wolff's on translations from French, Considering the current political a country without receiving a the book in 1990. ity – and yet can convey a differ- successor, his daughter Katha- Spanish and Polish, but Russian conflict between Russia, the US pre-emptive interpretation of it.” Friederike Jacob has already ent image of a society, and thus rina Wagenbach, describes the works remain the focus. and Europe, media coverage, One of the most important reissued Babel's Red Cavalry in resonate beyond the private space idea as follows: “It’s about Jacob, who was born that same irrespective of political direction, books published by Friende- her first program this autumn, of the reader,” says Jacob. She enabling readers to make dis- year, remarks that the publishing is always necessary from a spe- nauer remains Isaac Babel’s which will be followed by a new sounds very much like her great coveries, regardless of time and house has stayed unequivocally cific perspective. “Fortunately, Diary: 1920, the basis for his edition of Diary: 1920 next year. predecessor Katharina Wagen- language – novelties as well as loyal to its initial mission. “Lit- the raison d'être of literature is famous novel Red Cavalry. In Friedenauer Presse has become bach. The tradition of the house the (unjustly) forgotten, the erature is not simply reporting.” different. Literature is immediate the mid-1980s, Wagenbach a German-Russian literary insti- is ready for the future.

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