In a recent episode of the talk show 'Maischberger', former German President Joachim Gauck expressed his concerns regarding the shifting dynamics of international relations, particularly the withdrawal of the United States from established global norms. Gauck, now 85, highlighted the implications of recent decisions made by the U.S. government, which he views as a significant departure from America's historical role in promoting a shared values framework. During the discussion, participants analyzed a new debt agreement reached by Germany's major political parties, the Union and the SPD. Robin Alexander, Editor-in-Chief of Welt, acknowledged the potential long-term financial burdens this deal could impose on Germany and Europe. He emphasized the necessity for political leaders to sometimes make difficult choices, acknowledging the complexity of such decisions. Anna Lehmann, a journalist from taz, commented on the SPD's advantageous position following the deal, suggesting that it took a significant electoral defeat for the party to implement its policies effectively. ARD's economic expert, Anja Kohl, characterized the agreement as a historic landmark, stating that those opposing it would have to answer to history for their refusal to adapt. She stressed the importance of European collaboration for the U.S., remarking that America cannot thrive in isolation and advocating for investments in a technologically advanced military. Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and a member of the SPD, expressed the urgency of addressing security threats, particularly in light of perceived aggressions from Russia and the American military's withdrawal. She warned that Germany may need to allocate up to 100 billion euros annually for defense, nearly doubling previous expenditures. Gauck characterized the turmoil in the U.S. as a turning point, labeling the behavior exhibited during the Trump administration as contrary to American values. He recalled a time when the U.S. was a steadfast advocate for international order and expressed concern over the current trajectory of American foreign policy. He warned against the dangers of wishful thinking in political analysis, stating that historical miscalculations regarding global threats have led to the current crisis. Gauck emphasized that the presence of malevolence in global affairs necessitates a robust response, including the potential use of military force to uphold freedom and human rights.