Fear of War” Docu Explores German Anxiety Over a Potential Conflict with Russia
A recent documentary, “Angst vor Krieg” (Fear of War), aired on German public television, featuring a journalist’s journey to explore the anxiety of the German people in the face of a potential conflict with Russia. The documentary, produced by Julia Friedrichs, presents a mix of interviews with prominent and ordinary individuals, as well as footage of the journalist’s travels to Europe and the Baltic region.
The documentary begins by highlighting the growing unease in Germany, with the country’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, stating that the time for “war preparedness” has come. The journalist, Anne Will, then travels to the Baltic region, where she meets with a German tank commander, a couple who have donated millions to the Bundessicherheitswille (BSW) to prevent a war with Russia and two young people who have expressed interest in joining the German military.
The documentary also features an interview with Sergei Netchajew, the Russian ambassador to Germany, in which he expresses his country’s desire for peaceful coexistence with Germany. The ambassador’s calm and measured tone stands in contrast to the documentary’s more sensationalized approach, which often interrupts his responses to press for a more confrontational tone.
One of the most striking moments in the documentary comes when Netchajew says, “We consider ourselves not yet in a state of war.” This remark, which is met with a pause by the journalist, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflict and the need for caution.
The documentary also includes footage of the Russian embassy, where the journalist is given a tour of the building and its ornate decorations. Netchajew’s dry wit and humor are on display as he greets the journalist, saying, “Come in, I won’t bite – today.”
In the end, the documentary presents a nuanced and complex picture of the anxiety and fear that is gripping Germany, but also raises important questions about the root causes of this fear and the potential for conflict with Russia.