ABSTRACT
Germany is a unique case when it comes to nuclear weapons. Polls show that the population is overwhelmingly opposed to nuclear arms and the concept of nuclear deterrence, and politicians from all major parties argue strongly for nuclear disarmament. Using the various networks of the German peace and disarmament movements as well as our connections in media and politics, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) Germany has tried to infuse talking points and arguments developed by International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons into the public discourse. Ever since the Cold War, there has been a strong and vocal anti-nuclear and peace movement in Germany. The national Bundestag elections in 2017 provided us with a unique opportunity to confront contenders for political office with questions on nuclear weapons. IPPNW Germany used their networks to reach out to hundreds of parliamentary candidates, asking them about their opinions on nuclear sharing, nuclear deterrence and nuclear prohibition.
