As Germany prepares to re-arm and boost its military presence in Europe, thousands will gather across the nation for traditional Easter peace marches, highlighting a complex public opinion on war and peace.
The Decline of Germany’s Peace Movement
In recent years, Germany‘s peace movement has experienced a drastic decline. While the country prepares to re-arm and boost its military presence in Europe, thousands will gather across the nation for traditional Easter peace marches.
A Complex Public Opinion on War and Peace
Surveys conducted by Forsa research institute have revealed that Germans are increasingly fearful of war, with 54% believing that their country could get dragged into conflict. However, only one in six of the population would be prepared to fight for their country. This complex public opinion highlights the challenges facing Germany‘s peace movement.
The Easter Marches: A Call for Peace and Diplomacy
The Easter marches are a long-standing tradition, with each protest publishing its own appeals that make different demands and call attention to various conflicts around the world. Common demands include opposition to excessive arms build-up in Germany and Europe, increased diplomatic efforts to end wars, particularly those in Ukraine and Gaza, and the dismantling of all nuclear weapons.
Kristian Golla, coordinator for the demos through the Network of the German Peace Movement, emphasizes that there are alternatives to rearmament. ‘I think it’s essential to point out that there are alternatives — that it’s not just about rearmament, rearmament, rearmament,’ he said. ‘The right path is not always clear-cut.’
The Rise of Pacifism and the Decline of the Peace Movement
Olaf Müller, a pacifist and philosophy professor at Berlin‘s Humboldt University, believes that Germany‘s peace movement is at one of its lowest ebbs in decades. He attributes this decline to the fact that pacifists are increasingly viewed as being aligned with Putin‘s agenda.
Olaf Müller, a German philosopher and theologian, discussed the concept of pacifism in his work.
He argued that pacifism is not simply the absence of violence but rather an active commitment to nonviolence.
Müller emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts peacefully.
According to him, pacifism requires a deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of conflict.
Müller's views on pacifism highlight its potential as a powerful tool for promoting social change and reducing violence.
Müller argues that there are practical alternatives to military defense and suggests introducing non-violent civil resistance and civil disobedience as an alternative to reintroducing military service.
Non-violent resistance is a technique used to challenge unjust laws and policies without resorting to violence.
This approach, popularized by Mahatma Gandhi, involves peaceful protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience.
Studies have shown that non-violent movements are more effective in achieving social change than violent ones.
In fact, 53% of successful revolutions since 1900 have used non-violent resistance.
The movement's leader, Martin Luther King Jr., led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States using non-violent tactics.
The Impact of Social Concerns on the Peace Movement
Annette Ohme-Reinicke, sociologist at Stuttgart University, believes that Germany‘s peace movement has been undermined by other concerns since the end of the Cold War. Societal anxiety over issues like inflation and rising rents, as well as a more neoliberal economic system, have led to a sense of disconnection between government concerns about national security and public concerns about their own safety.
Ohme-Reinicke emphasizes that bridging this discrepancy is crucial for the peace movement’s success.
The Need for Debate Culture and Polarization
Polarization has also contributed to the decline of Germany‘s peace movement. With the rise of far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany, many people are hesitant to join peace demonstrations due to concerns about being associated with extremist groups.
Germany, known for its post-World War II commitment to pacifism, has experienced increasing polarization in recent years.
This phenomenon is reflected in the country's politics, society, and media.
According to a 2020 survey, 62% of Germans consider their country to be more divided than ever before.
The rise of right-wing extremism and anti-immigrant sentiment has contributed to this polarization.
Meanwhile, Germany remains committed to its pacifist values, with over 70% of respondents supporting disarmament and conflict resolution efforts.
Klaus Schlichte and Stephan Hensell from the University of Bremen urge experts to think ahead and initiate a new disarmament process to address Europe’s security dilemma.
