welt.de
German Military Chief Urges Citizens to Prepare for War
Captain Michael Giss, head of Baden-Württemberg's military command, says Germans must mentally prepare for war, citing low public awareness and a survey indicating only a third would defend the country; he advocates for more civic engagement and potentially reinstating conscription.
- What is the immediate impact of Captain Giss's call for Germans to prepare for war?
- The head of the Baden-Württemberg military command, Captain Michael Giss, urges Germans to mentally prepare for potential war, citing a lack of awareness among many citizens still enjoying peacetime. He points to surveys showing only one-third of Germans would defend their country, highlighting the need for increased engagement and understanding of national defense.
- What are the underlying causes of the perceived lack of preparedness among German citizens?
- Giss's statement reflects a growing concern about Germany's preparedness for conflict. His criticism of a 'peace dividend' mentality among two-thirds of the population underscores a perceived gap between societal complacency and the realities of geopolitical tensions. He advocates for increased civic engagement and education, particularly within schools, to foster a better understanding of national defense and the value of protecting liberal democracy.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of insufficient military preparedness in Germany?
- The long-term impact of Giss's call for greater military preparedness could involve significant shifts in German public opinion and policy. Increased public awareness, combined with educational initiatives, might lead to greater support for military spending and potentially even the reinstatement of conscription, as suggested by Giss. This could also reshape Germany's role in NATO and its approach to international security.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed around the urgent need for Germans to mentally prepare for war, using strong language such as 'war affects everyone' and highlighting the perceived lack of preparedness among the populace. The headline (if there were one) would likely emphasize this sense of urgency. The quotes from Giss are selected to support this framing, creating a narrative of national vulnerability.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language to emphasize the perceived threat. Terms like 'Vollkasko-Denke' (full-coverage insurance mentality) are used to criticize those who are not prepared for war, implying complacency and irresponsibility. The frequent use of phrases like 'Gewehr in die Hand nehmen' (taking up arms) creates a militaristic tone. More neutral alternatives could be: 'engage in defense efforts,' 'contribute to national security,' or 'participate in civilian defense initiatives'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the opinion of Michael Giss, and doesn't include counterarguments or other perspectives on the need for increased military preparedness in Germany. It omits discussion of the economic and social costs of increased military spending or the potential negative consequences of a more militarized society. While the article mentions polls showing only a third of Germans would defend their country, it doesn't elaborate on the reasons behind this statistic or explore alternative interpretations.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between a 'peaceful, friend-surrounded world' and a state of war, ignoring the complexities of international relations and the spectrum of responses between complete peace and outright conflict. It simplifies the choices facing citizens to either being 'in denial' or actively prepared for war, neglecting the wide range of opinions and actions individuals may take.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the importance of preparing citizens for potential conflicts to safeguard peace and security. The call for increased civic engagement and understanding of national defense mechanisms directly contributes to stronger institutions and a more secure society. Promoting dialogue in schools about the values worth defending strengthens societal resilience and commitment to peace.