Link: to Article: https://www.dw.com/en/how-should-germany-respond-to-russian-hybrid-attacks/a-78784262
Summary: This article talks about the attempted drone attack on August 4 at Leipzig airport, Germany, which is an important hub that supplies military aid to Ukraine. It goes over how Germany believes Russia was involved even though they denied responsibility. They responded by making it harder for Russian citizens to enter their country and closed several institutions believed to be used for espionage by the Russians. Though there is mixed reactions by the Germans with many arguing that there should be a stronger response against Russia like the Green Party who believes they should take stronger measures against Russia’s shadow fleet or the CDU calling for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. It seems that the German government is not willing to enter the war and is seeming to try to make everyone appease fearing escalation furthering the conflict. But the further dilemma about this incident is that Germany is very divided about the issue to either retaliate against Russia for this or as many in eastern Germany want is to cut off aid to Ukraine separating Germany from the conflict.
Analysis: This article is important not just to understand the attempted attack on Germany but to also understand what is going on inside Germany’s government as they try to respond to this attack. It goes in depth about the struggle of Germany’s foreign policy stance on this issue since they don’t want to be dragged into the war but at the same time also appease the different German people at the same time. As Germany’s foreign Minister stated “we are not at war, but not at peace either”. I believe if Germany does not take a firm stance on this issue then Russian will provoke them again and just keep testing them. The effect of this event is just Russia testing Europe to see how much they can get away with. This is extremely dangerous as it will only lead to getting the rest of Europe involved.
Construction + Connection: There are many ways which Germany can respond, but I think if they level heavy sanctions against Russia limiting their economic abilities it would stop Russia from instigating the rest of Europe. I don’t think any other country in Europe needs to get involved as this attack from Russia was focused on Germany. But as we were discussing in class about IGOs, it is Nato’s primary responsibility to show political solidarity especially since Russia attacked one if its members and needs to come out with a unified diplomatic stance because if this happens again it could mean war. Russia the primary stakeholder in this event has come out and denied involvement, even though Germany has proven otherwise. So it seems from this whole event, nothing major has been resolved and has only increased tensions between these 2 states.