Germany Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Personnel Shortage Remains One of the Biggest Problems of the German Armed Forces

The shortage of personnel remains one of the most serious challenges facing the Bundeswehr. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces of Germany, Henning Otte, has released a new report on the…

March 4, 2026Germany

Threat Assessment: Kremlin Exploitation of Pacifist Networks in Germany

The Kremlin is seeking to exploit German pacifist groups to disrupt the Munich Security Conference. Ahead of the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 13–15, 2026, Russian intelligence services intend…

February 10, 2026Germany, pacifism, Russia

Geoeconomics

From Parliament to Parallel Trade: The AfD, Belarus, and the Mechanics of Sanctions Evasion

AfD lawmaker from Saxony Jörg Dornau, who is suspected of violating the ban on exporting goods to Belarus, was summoned for questioning, and searches were conducted at all properties he owns.…

February 5, 2026AfD, Belarus, Germany, Russia, Sanctions

Governance Intelligence ops

From Counterintelligence to Domestic Control: The Strategic Logic of Germany’s BND Expansion

According to the German chancellor’s plans, Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is expected to significantly expand its surveillance capabilities. Particular attention will be devoted to internet communications transmitted from Germany…

January 23, 2026BND, Germany

Intelligence ops

Cracks in the Pro-Russia Front: Why the AfD’s Internal Conflict Alarms the Kremlin

Divisions inside the German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) over relations with Russia have caused alarm in Moscow: the Kremlin is following with concern the conflict between the party’s co-chairs,…

November 13, 2025AfD, Germany, Russia

Geopolitics Governance Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation

The Kremlin’s New Platform: How Sahra Wagenknecht’s Party Amplifies Russian Propaganda in Germany”

As we previously noted, the pro-Russian orientation of the German party Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht has begun to reveal itself — particularly through its facilitation of Kremlin propaganda in Germany and its provision…

October 9, 2025Germany, Russia

Governance Intelligence ops

Russian Hybrid Operations and the Threat of Extremist Convergence in Germany

Russia appears to be returning to active subversive operations in Germany after a period of concentrating on influence campaigns and psychological operations. We are convinced that the Kremlin is seriously…

September 12, 2025AfD, Germany, Russia

Intelligence ops National Security Propaganda and Disinformation

SVR Director’s Attack on riedrich Merz: Why the Kremlin Reached for the “Nazi” Label

Russia’s foreign-intelligence chief, Sergey Naryshkin, amplified the Kremlin’s long-running trope that today’s European leaders are steered by “Nazi” ideas—this time aiming the charge at German Chancellor riedrich Merz. The timing and…

September 4, 2025Germany, Naryshkin, Russia, SVR, USA

Geopolitics Intelligence ops National Security

Rising Russian Espionage Activity in Germany: Timing, Tactics, and Threats

Russia has sharply intensified its espionage activity in Germany since 2022. This escalation reflects shifts in Moscow's intelligence priorities amid the war in Ukraine, worsening relations with the West, and…

July 22, 2025Germany, Russia

Coup Governance

From Berlin to Asmara: German Arrests Uncover Eritrea’s Shadow War Against the Afwerki Regime”

In March 2025, German authorities conducted raids across six states targeting members of Brigade N’Hamedu, a group accused of plotting to overthrow the Eritrean government. This operation sheds light on the complex…

May 8, 2025Eritrea, Germany

Germany