WWL launches Series on the Westphalian Peace Prize
The Wirtschaftliche Gesellschaft für Westfalen und Lippe (WWL) has launched "Friedensfall," a new podcast centered on the International Peace of Westphalia Prize. Guided by the central question "What does peace need today?", experienced journalist and presenter Wulf Schmiese discusses peace, security, and Europe's role in a changing world with prominent figures from politics, academia, the military, and civil society. With this podcast, Schmiese – who hails from the Münsterland region – returns to his home area to engage in dialogue on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
The podcast is available now on all major streaming platforms and comprises a planned six episodes leading up to the award ceremony honoring NATO in Münster on October 1.
First Episode: Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on NATO, Ukraine, and European Defense
The series kicks off with Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Chairwoman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and former German Federal Minister of Defence and Minister-President of Saarland. In conversation with Wulf Schmiese, she reflects on seven decades of German defense policy – spanning from the founding of the Bundeswehr and the era of Konrad Adenauer to Donald Trump and the current military conflict involving Iran.
The discussion focuses on how NATO has evolved—shaped by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the fluctuating stance of the USA, and Europe’s growing responsibility for its own security. Kramp-Karrenbauer advocates for military strength as a fundamental prerequisite for peace; she views it not as the antithesis of diplomacy, but as a condition for it. "The greatest danger lies in reaching an agreement with the aggressor at any cost – one where Ukraine, the victim of aggression, ultimately falls by the wayside. That danger has not yet been averted," says Kramp-Karrenbauer in this first episode.
"Friedensfall": Peace as a Topic of Conversation
Münster, 1648: It was here that, after three decades of war, a peace agreement was negotiated that reshaped Europe. 378 years later, with the podcast "Friedensfall" (Case for Peace), the WWL asks what this historic site still has to say at a time when war has once again become a reality on the European continent. The podcast is not intended to provide an answer, but rather to invite dialogue – featuring guests who approach the subject from political, military, academic, ethical, or journalistic perspectives.
"Peace cannot be taken for granted; it requires open – and sometimes uncomfortable – discourse. With 'Friedensfall,' we are creating a space where, together with distinguished guests, we explore what peace truly requires today. We are delighted that Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is launching this podcast with such a clear and substantive perspective," says Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, Chairman of the Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe (WWL).