Violent attacks, arson attacks, death threats: Brutal hostilities against politicians are shaking democracy in Germany. Experts are observing a growing far-right youth culture and are calling for more protection, especially for public officials in local authorities.

The far-right AfD presents itself as a patriotic party, but revelations about possible monetary payments from Russia and a suspected Chinese spy have exposed its members as traitors to their country. DER SPIEGEL has learned that the Kremlin even drafted a "manifesto" for the party.

The German chancellor and his foreign minister recently visited China and the Middle East and the government is conducting crisis diplomacy at all the global hotspots. But Berlin has failed to deliver much, and some are asking if Germany is even a global player politically.

An open letter about Hitler salutes in the schoolyard and swastikas on the benches of a school in the municipality of Burg made nationwide headlines in Germany. But is the place really a hotbed of right-wing extremism? We went to find out.

The Identitarian Movement in Germany seemed to have ebbed. But now the right-wing extremists are making a comeback. They have close ties to the Alternative for Germany party and a notable financier who used to be an important member of the center-right Christian Democrats.

With Europe falling significantly behind on its targets for ammunition production, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is stepping in to help. He wants to significantly boost the domestic industry to assist in providing aid pledged to Ukraine.

Politicians in Germany have failed to find the means to successfully fight the rise of the far-right AfD. Now, hundreds of thousands of normal citizens have taken to the streets in efforts to stop the party. Although the protest movement includes broad swaths of society, it remains fragile.

Israel's security is an element of Germany's "reason of state," Chancellor Angela Merkel famously stated. It is a formulation that has since been adopted by the country's leading politicians. But what does it mean? And where did it come from?

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock believes Germany can play a key role as a mediator in the Middle East. She has been focusing heavily on the crisis there since the Hamas terror attack in October. But can she really make a difference?

Germany used to be considered a safe haven for Hamas, a place where the terror organization could raise money and build networks. Now, with the arrest of suspected members, fears are growing that Hamas could be planning attacks in Europe.

Eighty-five years have passed since the Nazis launched their first comprehensive pogroms against Jewish life in Germany. This year, the Hamas massacre in Israel – and the lack of support many Jews across the country feel they have received – has revived old fears.

Jews in Berlin are being spit on and swastikas are being scratched into their doorbells. Rabbis are covering up their kippa. Some in Berlin are beginning to wonder: Is it time to leave Germany?

Hamas' terror and Israel's counterattacks have unleashed levels of anti-Semitism not seen in years in Germany. Jews are living in fear and now wonder if they should leave the country. The political response so far appears to be doing little to change the situation.

In an interview, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz underlines his support for Israel, discusses recent anti-Semitism events in Germany and outlines a tougher approach to migrants who overstay their welcome.

In Berlin's Neukölln district, open displays of anti-Semitism are hardly unusual. Following the Hamas slaughter of innocent Israelis, many voices in the neighborhood are siding with the Palestinians.

It goes without saying that Germany now stands with Israel, even if it comes to the provision of military assistance. But the imperative of moderation must also apply: protect civilians to the degree possible.

Güner Balci is the integration commissioner for the Neukölln district of Berlin. In an interview, she speaks about widespread hatred of Israel in her neighborhood and the failures of German political leaders to combat anti-Semitism.

The right-wing radical Alternative for Germany party long seemed unable to gain much traction in western Germany. But on Sunday, two state elections showed that the party has begun attracting significant support beyond its traditional stomping grounds.

The German government originally had ambitious plans for lifting its prohibition on the consumption of cannabis. But concerns about health and crime are growing and little more is expected now than a legalization light.

The right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany party is increasingly open about its rejection of democratic principles. But public support is soaring nonetheless. The party's focus on professionalism could be one reason why.