I would think that for energy supply reasons Russia is a much more important partner for Germany than Ukraine, and that entirely explains German reluctance to help Ukraine, do you think this is incorrect?
I agree in general that depending on Russia for your energy is concerning. However, two points:
(1) Given that it is possible to import LNG from the US (although more expensive), energy dependence on Russia is always in a sense chosen and needs itself to be explained.
As weird as this sounds, I would hope that is the reason because it would mean Germany acts for understandable reasons. However, my discussions with other Germans and broader public sentiment suggest to me that Germans are insanely pacifistic. Even things like sending troops to stabilize a region when asked by the respective country are seen as critical by many. https://​​twitter.com/​​RikeFranke a German IR researcher/​​pundit seems to share my belief. Maybe you should check out her twitter.
I would think that for energy supply reasons Russia is a much more important partner for Germany than Ukraine, and that entirely explains German reluctance to help Ukraine, do you think this is incorrect?
I agree in general that depending on Russia for your energy is concerning. However, two points:
(1) Given that it is possible to import LNG from the US (although more expensive), energy dependence on Russia is always in a sense chosen and needs itself to be explained.
(2) This is just one data point, but at least in 2017 german dependence on gas was not higher than neighbouring countries. https://​​imgur.com/​​a/​​UhHaZ3B
Good points, thanks!
As weird as this sounds, I would hope that is the reason because it would mean Germany acts for understandable reasons.
However, my discussions with other Germans and broader public sentiment suggest to me that Germans are insanely pacifistic. Even things like sending troops to stabilize a region when asked by the respective country are seen as critical by many. https://​​twitter.com/​​RikeFranke a German IR researcher/​​pundit seems to share my belief. Maybe you should check out her twitter.
That’s interesting, and if true a very disappointing and convenient delusion. Thanks!