Eighty years after the fall of the Nazi regime, Germany finds itself grappling with renewed anxieties about the state of its democracy and the specter of global conflict. A recent YouGov poll reveals that 64% of Germans believe their democracy is under threat, and 59% fear the outbreak of a third world war. These concerns are not isolated; they reflect a broader unease permeating German society amid political shifts, economic challenges, and international tensions.
Democracy Under Threat: Echoes of the Past
The YouGov survey highlights that 60% of Germans perceive parallels between current developments and the tumultuous 1930s and 1940s. Alarmingly, 43% consider a return to authoritarian rule, reminiscent of the Nazi dictatorship, as a possibility. This sentiment is compounded by the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is projected to secure 20% of the vote in the upcoming federal elections—doubling its 2021 performance.
The AfD’s ascent is fueled by public discontent over immigration, with 56% of Germans identifying it as the country’s most pressing issue. The party’s anti-immigration stance resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential normalization of extremist ideologies.
The Shadow of Global Conflict
Beyond domestic politics, Germans are increasingly apprehensive about international stability. A survey by the Allensbach Institute indicates that 79% of Germans view Russia as the greatest threat to global peace, and 61% are highly concerned about Germany being drawn into a military conflict . The re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has further exacerbated these fears, with 46% of Germans now considering the United States a significant threat to world peace—a sharp increase from 24% in 2024.
These concerns are particularly pronounced among younger Germans. The 2024 Shell Youth Study reveals that 81% of individuals aged 12 to 25 fear the possibility of war in Europe, a substantial rise from 46% in 2019 . This generational anxiety underscores the pervasive sense of insecurity affecting the nation’s youth.
Eroding Trust in Institutions
Compounding these fears is a growing mistrust in political institutions and the media. A study by the University of Mainz shows that trust in the media has declined from 56% in 2020 to 44% in 2023 . This erosion of confidence hampers the public’s ability to engage in informed discourse and undermines the foundations of a healthy democracy.
Moreover, nearly 90% of Germans express concern over foreign interference in their elections, particularly from Russia and the United States . This apprehension reflects a broader unease about the integrity of democratic processes in the digital age.
A Nation Reflecting on Its Past
As Germany commemorates the end of World War II, public sentiment remains divided. While 45% of Germans view May 8 as a day of liberation, 15% see it primarily as a defeat, and 27% believe it represents both. This ambivalence highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile national identity with historical accountability.
Despite these challenges, a majority of Germans (55%) acknowledge a special moral responsibility to promote peace and international cooperation due to their history. This sense of duty offers a glimmer of hope that Germany can navigate its current crises by drawing lessons from its past.
Germany stands at a pivotal juncture, confronting internal and external pressures that test the resilience of its democratic institutions. The convergence of political polarization, fears of global conflict, and eroding trust in media and governance structures underscores the urgency for collective action. By reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and fostering inclusive dialogue, Germany can strive to address these challenges and fortify its role as a bastion of stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
