The Debate at a Crossroads Europe is increasingly expected to step up in the face of growing military instability. Yet, a recent proposal, to deploy European peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, has triggered deep unease in Germany. For decades, Germany’s military approach has been shaped by caution, historical memory, and wariness of entanglement in external conflicts, particularly in the post‑World War II and post‑Cold War era. The latest debate underscores the tightrope Berlin must walk between solidarity with Ukraine and the lessons of history. Chancellor’s Calculated Caution Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed measured openness to contributing troops, but emphasized that such a step would require close coordination with European partners and clear parliamentary approval through a Bundestag mandate. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz Opposition remains significant, not only within his coalition but across the broader political spe...