A recent study by the Ifo Institute reveals a significant rise in public support for increased military spending and troop expansion within Germany. The research, published Thursday, analyzed data from various surveys assessing perceptions of security and approval ratings for the Bundeswehr (German armed forces).
Researchers observed a clear shift in sentiment following major crises such as the September 11th attacks and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Niklas Potrafke, head of the Ifo Center for Public Finance and Political Economy, noted that these events have fundamentally altered the public’s perception of threats and their attitudes toward the Bundeswehr.
The study highlighted a surge in perceived threat levels following 9/11, followed by a similar rise in uncertainty during the 2014 Crimea crisis. This period also triggered a sustained and noticeable change in responses regarding defense-related questions, with increased support for higher spending and a larger military force. This trend persisted until the end of the dataset in 2020.
Looking ahead, the Bundeswehr is expected to release updated survey data for 2024. Potrafke anticipates continued growth in public backing, suggesting even supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party may demonstrate stronger support for the military compared to previous years.
The study’s findings carry important implications for the German government, which is currently pursuing a significant expansion of the Bundeswehr. Successful implementation relies not only on securing adequate funding and personnel, but also on maintaining public support. According to Emil Scholten, a co-author of the study, widespread societal acceptance is crucial for ambitious goals, such as increasing the military to a force of 500,000 personnel and requires transparent communication regarding the Bundeswehr’s objectives and operations, both within political circles and across society.