Die Zeit4 hours agoOpinion1 min readGermany

Civil protection: Democratic preparation is necessary

Quick Look

In Germany, citizens are currently experiencing heat waves with an estimated 16,000 deaths, forest fires, dry riverbeds as well as a failed Russian drone attack on Leipzig Airport and a successful hacker attack on the Berlin Senate administration.
The BND speaks of a “shadow war” with Russia, while the USA has mutated from an ally into a hostile actor.
Experts warn that this situation is now the norm.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The article describes current challenges in Germany in the context of the so-called "turning point", including extreme weather events such as heat waves with high death rates, forest fires and low river levels, as well as security-related incidents such as a failed Russian drone attack on Leipzig Airport and a successful cyber attack on the Berlin Senate administration. The BND describes the situation as a "shadow war" with Russia, while US foreign policy is described as increasingly hostile towards former allies.

Font size

In the past few months, we have also experienced in Germany what everyday life feels like at the turn of the times: heat waves with an estimated 16,000 deaths, forest fires and dry river beds. A Russian drone attack on Leipzig Airport (narrowly failed); a hacker attack on the Berlin Senate administration (successful). A “shadow war” (according to the BND) with Russia. In addition, a US government that has mutated from an ally into a hostile actor.

If anyone still thinks this will all go away soon: sorry, this is the norm now.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The frequency of cyber attacks on German authorities and companies will continue to increase in the next few months.
Likely · Within months
Extreme weather events such as heat waves and forest fires will occur more frequently and more intensely in Germany due to climate change.
Very likely · Within months

Open Questions

What is the exact number of heat deaths in Germany?
What specific data was compromised in the hacker attack on the Berlin Senate Administration?
What specific measures is the German government planning to respond to the threats mentioned?
To what extent has U.S. foreign policy specifically changed to move from an ally to a hostile actor?