dw.com
Rising Concerns in Germany over Russian Aggression and AfD's Growing Support
A new Politbarometer poll reveals that 56% of Germans fear a Russian attack on Poland or Baltic NATO members, while the AfD's support has risen to 26%, equal to the CDU/CSU.
- What is the most significant finding of the Politbarometer poll regarding public perception of Russia?
- The poll shows a significant increase in concern about a potential Russian attack on Poland or the Baltic states, with 56% of respondents expecting such an attack. This is a substantial rise in apprehension compared to previous surveys.
- What are the potential political implications of the AfD's rising popularity and the public's concerns about Russia?
- The AfD's growing support, now equal to the CDU/CSU at 26%, raises concerns about its potential influence on German politics, especially given its classification as partly far-right. The high percentage (56%) fearing a Russian attack could heighten political pressure regarding NATO and defense policies.
- How does the poll reflect the German public's opinion on recent events involving Russia and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
- A strong majority (81%) believe Russia intentionally violated Polish airspace with drones, indicating distrust. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 83% consider Israel's actions in Gaza unjustified, reflecting widespread disapproval of the high civilian casualty count.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced overview of the Politbarometer survey, presenting both positive and negative aspects of different political parties and opinions. However, the placement of the AfD's rise in popularity near the beginning, followed by descriptions of the party as 'partially far-right' and including opinions on its potential governance, might subtly frame the party in a negative light. The inclusion of the counterintelligence assessment also contributes to this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, employing descriptive phrases like 'partially far-right' to describe the AfD. While the descriptions are factual, the choice of words might subtly influence the reader's perception. Alternative neutral phrasing could be 'classified by counterintelligence as having far-right elements' or similar. The use of percentages avoids loaded terms, maintaining objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the specific policy proposals or platforms of the various parties discussed. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully assess why respondents hold their particular opinions. The reasons behind the shifts in voter support are also not deeply explored. While space constraints may necessitate this omission, it's a relevant factor that could have been briefly addressed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the potential governance of AfD and other parties by focusing predominantly on concerns and negative viewpoints concerning AfD's potential leadership, while less attention is paid to the potential issues of the other parties. A more balanced presentation would include analysis of both the potential benefits and drawbacks of each party's platform.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights growing concerns in Germany about a potential Russian attack on Eastern European NATO countries. A significant portion of respondents (56%) expect such an attack, indicating a perceived threat to peace and security in the region. This directly impacts SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by revealing anxieties about the stability and security of the region, undermining the goal of peaceful and inclusive societies. The concerns about Russian actions and the debate surrounding NATO's response further underscore the challenges to maintaining peace and justice.