Germany and Nuclear Weapons in the Twenty-First Century: Atomic Zeitenwende?

Over the past 75 years, German security has depended on the extended deterrence provided by U.S. conventional and nuclear forces. In that time, Germans have intermittently debated what to do if the United States decides to withdraw its nuclear shield. The options have changed little: build a German bomb, form a multilateral (now EU) nuclear force, or equip German planes with U.S.-owned and -manufactured bombs. Thanks to the possibility of former President Donald Trump’s returning to the White House, the debate is being waged with more urgency and a more hawkish tone today, not just in Germany but across Europe. Germany has already agreed to purchase F-35 planes that can carry nuclear bombs, a move taken with tremendous public support. Further steps might have significant implications for the EU, the global nonproliferation regime, German relations with Iran, Germany’s use of civilian nuclear power, and much more. This volume, edited by a senior policy expert, assembles leading analysts to debate Germany’s strategic options, with particular attention to the level of leadership its fractious political parties might be willing and able to provide.