Germany Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Exploiting East–West Fault Lines: Russian Information Operations and the Political Symbolism of the Dessau-Roßlau Incident

At a party event in Dessau-Roßlau, AfD co-chair Tino Chrupalla and the party's lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, joined the audience in singing the anthem of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR).…

July 16, 2026AfD, Germany, Russia

Governance influence ops

From “Three Ukraines” to “Two Germanys”: Russian Influence Narratives and the Exploitation of Regional Identities in Europe

The statement by the leader of the Thuringia branch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Björn Höcke, claiming a supposed mental and cultural “difference” between East and West Germans has…

June 12, 2026AfD, Germany, Russia

Geopolitics Intelligence ops

AfD in St. Petersburg: How the Kremlin Cultivates Political Influence Inside Germany

Four members of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) have confirmed their participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), scheduled to take place from June 3–6, 2026. The…

June 1, 2026AfD, Germany, Russia

Propaganda and Disinformation Psyops

Germany as the “Threat”: How Pro-Kremlin Networks Seek to Undermine European Defense Unity

The statements made by Florian Philippot regarding Germany’s military modernization represent more than an isolated political opinion or Eurosceptic rhetoric. They reflect a broader information narrative actively promoted by pro-Kremlin influence networks seeking…

May 21, 2026France, Germany, Phillippot, Russia

Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation

AfD, Russian Influence, and the Growing Risk of Ethnic Polarization in Germany

The public organization Turkish Community in Germany has warned of a critical increase in the threat of physical violence from right-wing extremists, correlating with the growing popularity of the far-right party Alternative for…

May 14, 2026AfD, Germany, Russia, Turkiye

Governance

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

Conflict ideology Intelligence ops Propaganda and Disinformation

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

Germany