Germany is openly discussing nuclear deterrence — a subject long considered politically untouchable. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed that Germany and several European partners have begun early talks on a “joint nuclear deterrence.” This comes after former Green Party foreign minister Joschka Fischer argued that Europe may eventually need its own atomic capabilities if it can no longer rely solely on the United States.
So what does “joint nuclear deterrence” actually mean? How does it differ from NATO’s existing nuclear‑sharing arrangements? And what are the political, legal, and strategic obstacles Germany faces?
In this interview, Marina Henke, professor of international relations at the Hertie School, breaks down:
Germany’s “new old” nuclear dilemma
Why nuclear weapons remain a political tabo
NATO nuclear sharing works in practice
How NATO nuclear sharing works in practice
What Merz’s comments signal about Europe’s security future
Whether Europe could build a joint deterrent — and what it would require
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