Germany's Peace Movement: From Mass Protests to a Fractured Landscape

For decades, Germany has been a stronghold of pacifist sentiment, a legacy born from the ashes of two World Wars. The German peace movement, once a powerful force capable of mobilizing hundreds of thousands against nuclear armament and military intervention, now finds itself navigating a complex and fractured landscape. The war in Ukraine has exposed deep divisions within the movement, challenging its core tenets and raising questions about its future relevance.

A History of Pacifism

The roots of German pacifism can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the formation of the German Peace Society in 1892. However, it was the horrors of the 20th century that truly solidified the movement's significance. The devastation of World War I and World War II instilled a deep-seated aversion to militarism and a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

During the Cold War, the peace movement reached its zenith. In the 1970s and 1980s, massive demonstrations against nuclear armament, particularly NATO's double-track decision, brought millions of people into the streets. The "No to Nuclear Armament" rally in 1983 saw over a million people protesting across West Germany. This era witnessed a broad coalition of leftists, liberals, intellectuals, church leaders, and anti-fascist organizations uniting under the banner of peace. The movement's influence extended into the political sphere, with the rise of the Green Party, which emerged from the peace movement and gained parliamentary representation.

The end of the Cold War brought a sense of triumph for the German peace movement. The reunification of Germany, a key demand of pacifists, was achieved. Environmental issues, another core concern, gained prominence in mainstream politics. However, this period of success was followed by a gradual decline in broad political influence.

The Ukraine War: A Turning Point

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a critical juncture for the German peace movement, exposing deep fault lines and triggering fierce debates about the appropriate response. The movement, traditionally united in its opposition to military force, found itself grappling with the reality of an unprovoked act of aggression against a sovereign nation.

The question of whether to support Ukraine with arms became a major point of contention. Some within the movement maintained their staunch opposition to any form of military intervention, adhering to the principle of "creating peace without weapons." Others, however, argued that providing defensive weapons to Ukraine was a necessary act of solidarity and self-defense. This division led to fragmentation and exclusion, as exemplified by the removal of a Ukrainian diaspora organization from a peace rally in Berlin.

The Rise of "New Pacifists" and the Far Right

The internal divisions within the traditional peace movement have created space for new voices to emerge, some of whom have been labeled "new pacifists." Figures like Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent politician from the Left Party, and journalist Alice Schwarzer have gained attention for their calls for a negotiated settlement and their criticism of NATO expansion. Their "Manifesto for Peace" garnered over half a million signatures and sparked large protests across Germany.

However, the emergence of these figures has also raised concerns about the potential for the far right to co-opt the peace movement for its own purposes. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a far-right party, has strategically positioned itself as a champion of peace, criticizing arms transfers to Ukraine and advocating for a return to closer relations with Russia. This has led to accusations of "Querfront," a strategy of appealing to both left-wing and right-wing sentiments to gain broader support.

While many who support these new movements may distance themselves from right-wing extremists, the risk of the peace movement being exploited by those with ulterior motives remains a significant challenge.

Reasons for the Decline

Several factors have contributed to the decline of the German peace movement in recent years:

• Integration of the Left: Some argue that the integration of the political left into the "Western, globalist regime" has led to a decline in its anti-militarist stance.
• Shifting Political Landscape: The rise of new political issues, such as immigration and climate change, has diverted attention and resources away from traditional peace activism.
• The Ukraine War: The war in Ukraine has challenged the core tenets of pacifism and exposed deep divisions within the movement, leading to fragmentation and a loss of momentum.
• Lack of Institutionalization: Unlike the environmental movement, which has spawned influential organizations like BUND and Greenpeace, the peace movement has lacked a strong, institutionalized foundation.

The Future of Peace in Germany

Despite the challenges it faces, the German peace movement is not entirely defunct. Protests against the war in Ukraine, while smaller and more fragmented than in the past, still occur. There is a growing recognition that peace activism must adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape and address new challenges, such as climate change and social inequality.

Some observers suggest that the peace movement's future success hinges on its ability to link its cause with environmental, democratic, and social issues. Others argue that a fundamental rethinking of pacifist principles is necessary in light of the war in Ukraine.

The German peace movement stands at a crossroads. Whether it can overcome its internal divisions, adapt to the new realities of the 21st century, and regain its former influence remains to be seen. However, the country's deep-seated commitment to peace and its history of anti-militarism suggest that the quest for a more peaceful world will continue to be a significant force in German society.