Thread by @RusVerstehen

Good afternoon, we will temporarily switch to English and live tweet from the @ChathamHouse event
"Germany’s Russia Policy in the post-Merkel Era"
@JohnLough's and @fuecks talk about John's book ‘Germany’s Russia Problem’

John begins by arguing that Germany always managed to have relations w Russia on many more levels than say, Britain. At the same time, Germany remained in denial as Russia got more and more adversarial and "non-modern"

Ralf @fuecks sums up Germany's relationship w Russia as being dominated by guilt - because of World War II - and fear - stemming from the Cold War - and a strong tendency to lucrative economic relations

Fücks: Of course, there is a rational argument that Russia must not be cornered: "We must find a balance between limited cooperation and limited confrontation"

John @Lough expresses hope that a Green Party participation in the next German government will usher a more values and human rights-orientated foreign policy

Ralf @fuecks: The Greens will surely play a significant role in the future German government. It will be interesting to see if the Liberals (FDP) and Greens will move closer over foreign policy. Will we be ready to strengthen NATO's eastern flank?

On Nord Stream 2, Fücks argues that there is growing awareness in Germany that growing dependence on Russian gas has its flip side. Unfortunately, the phasing out of nuclear energy will increase this in the short-term

John Lough argues that Germany is much more vulnerable to Russian propaganda than other European countries, Moscow does not have to work so hard to influence public opinion.

Fücks agrees, says that Moscow is playing skilfully w German resentments and the national “mindset” concerning Russia. However, Russia's language has became more aggressive and tough recently - "I wonder if they are still interested in a special relationship"

Asked whether Russian propaganda will now undermine the Greens, Fücks says that partisan coverage of the election has been less than expected and Ru. state media instead focused on sewing conflict in the COVID-crisis, eg amplifying anti-vaccine views

Asked about a possible "reset" of relations with Russia, Lough says that Moscow is obviously not interested. "What is amazing is that Russia has simply discarded its excellent relationship with Germany"

Fücks: There is always a temptation for reset, but right now we should not shy away from the crucial decision to begin seeing #Russia as an adversary rather than a partner, despite the uncomfortable consequences

Asked by @marydejevsky what the Germans have done well with regard to Russia, John @Lough names people to people contacts: "There are amazing exchange programs and it is very important that they continue"

Asked, how Germany can accelerate Russia’s return to Europe, Lough says it should present a vision of Europe that Russia can fit into. However, there is a "fundamental incompatibility" with how Russia is governed at the moment.

Ralf @Fuecks warns against falling back into Cold War mentality and feed the besieged fortress narrative when advocating assertive policies towards Moscow. "We must reach out to Russian civil society and retain empathy w their country.