Mark Sappenfield

1 month ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

Since World War II, perhaps nothing has shaped German identity more than a keen sense of remembrance. German leaders’ determination to make their country face its atrocities and take responsibility for them has changed how Germans view their nation – and how the world views Germany. As much as any industry or initiative, this culture of remembrance, or Erinnerungskultur, has allowed Germany to rebuild trust, rejoin the family of nations, and thrive.

Feb 24, 2025 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

In the end, the forces of moderation in German politics appear to have gotten what they hoped for to hold off a rising populist tide. But only by the thinnest of margins. The winner of Sunday’s national elections was the center-right Christian Democratic Union with 29% of the vote. It looks as if it will be able to form what is sometimes known as a “grand coalition” with the center-left Social Democratic Party.

Feb 20, 2025 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

When the polls close here in Germany on Sunday, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could well be the second-largest in the federal parliament with more than 20% of the vote. Yet its candidate for chancellor will not be seriously considered. No major party will likely ask it to join a coalition, nor for its help in passing legislation. This is the German “firewall.” Every other major German party refuses to work with the AfD because it is widely seen as an extremist right-wing party.

Dec 11, 2024 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

As I read the recent Monitor Weekly cover story on increased inclusion of the Bible and Christian values in public education by Jackie Valley, I couldn’t help but think of Charlie Brown. When my children were younger, we would watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every year, and one thing always astonished me. In the middle of the show, for a full minute, the lights dim, the music stops, and Linus recites the story of the birth of Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke.

Nov 5, 2024 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

Some 236 years ago, it would seem that James Madison foresaw this moment. Election Day in the United States has arrived, and the great question that lies ahead is one he spent no small amount of time attempting to answer. How does a nation with democratic principles prevent the winners from walking all over the losers? Madison’s answer was a masterstroke of realpolitik. In political factions, he saw the human tendency to be whipped into groups of passion and ill will toward others.