Anne Applebaum, a renowned American historian, Pulitzer Prize winner of 2004 and the German Book Trade Peace Prize winner of 2024, has high expectations for Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in terms of foreign policy. Applebaum stated, “It’s about whether Germany starts to understand that it is a strategic actor in the world and can usher in a new era of European defense together with the United Kingdom, France and Poland.” She added, “It’s clear to me that Merz understands intellectually the importance of Ukraine. That he understands intellectually what has happened in the United States and why this has changed Germany’s position in Europe.”
In light of the threat from Russia, Applebaum urges the next German government to invest more in the defense industry. “If Merz is able to awaken the country and focus it in this way, making it a world player, then he will achieve much. Much for Germany, much for Europe and much for Ukraine.” She also calls for the new German government to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons like the Taurus missile: “It would be immensely helpful if Germany were to make them available.” Additionally, Applebaum emphasizes the need for support for Ukraine’s drone and ammunition industries.
Furthermore, Applebaum advocates for a reform of NATO in light of the foreign policy shift in the United States under Donald Trump. She suggests that NATO’s command systems should be taken over by European countries, with Germany playing a leading role: “Germany is the largest economy in Europe and has a very good defense industry that could pull others along. I think Merz understands that.” Applebaum’s expectations for Merz’s leadership in foreign policy are high, as she believes his intellectual understanding of the situation will lead to significant achievements for Germany, Europe and Ukraine.