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John Kampfner

@johnkampfner.bsky.social
5.5K followers 361 following 302 posts

Author, journalist website: www.jkampfner.net newsletter: johnkampfner.substack.com Berlin, London

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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Where's the courage? Resilience? Candour? Imagination? Where is the practical optimism and sensible risk-taking to meet our many long-term challenges? I've been advocating this, with examples from abroad. It's too early to say for sure, but might Andy Burnham have found some of it?
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Kulturfilter @kulturfilter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Lösungen für Wohnungsnot, Gesundheitsversorgung, Migration existieren längst, irgendwo auf der Welt. In seinem neuen Buch hat John Kampfner sie gesucht & gefunden. Was fehlt, ist politischer Mut zur Umsetzung. Er spricht mit @tessaszy.bsky.social @kreiskyforum.bsky.social @johnkampfner.bsky.social
kulturfilter.at
Braver New World | Event in Wien | kulturfilter.at
Infos zur Veranstaltung Braver New World in Wien: Termin, Ort & Details auf kulturfilter.at.
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Tessa Szyszkowitz @tessaszy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Aus Liverpool vom Labour-Parteitag nach Wien, um dort am Donnerstag Abend mit @johnkampfner.bsky.social im @kreiskyforum.bsky.social darüber zu reden, was wo wie gut klappt: Kommt und diskutiert bitte mit!
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Much media comment about Burnham's brave new world, one election away. It was an impressive start, for sure, but what he needs is a braver new world. Courage, imagination, resilience. www.ft.com/content/122a...
ft.com
Burnham’s brave new world — just one more election away
The starting gun for the prime minister’s real revolution will not be fired till he has gone to the country
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
johnkampfner.substack.com/p/the-rights...
johnkampfner.substack.com
The right’s about to go even more extreme
The lesson Europe has learnt from the AfD
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Today is publication day of the German edition of Braver New World - 'Mutig in die Zukunft'. Last night marked the first in a series of events, with a great audience, as Germany grapples with the need for political courage. Will post on it once the pictures are in. In the meantime, here's the cover
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Fascinating analysis by Steve Erlanger @nytimes.com on the social causes of the far-right resurgence in Europe. Was pleased to be in the company of some venerable commentators quoted in the piece www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/w...
nytimes.com
The Fuel That Feeds Europe’s Far Right: Nostalgia and Lost Pride
The populist emphasis on national identity and threats to it, real and imagined, finds a deep response in voters adrift in a world they no longer understand.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Merz on the ropes. What next? An interview Sky News wetransfer.com/previews/128...
wetransfer.com
Full interview - John Kampfner.mp4
1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
My instant analysis on the BBC news channel of the two important German elections this evening, seconds after the first exit polls were published
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Today is the 2nd time I've voted in Germany (first was the gen election early 2025). This time it's the regional elections in Berlin - and rarely has a vote for liberal democracy felt so vital. The results here and in Meck-Pom nearby will have huge repercussions. Will be broadcasting & writing later
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The New World @thenewworldmag.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The extremist AfD party has won the state election in Saxony Anhalt – it is a disaster for the west. Both Putin and Trump will be well pleased ✏️ @johnkampfner.bsky.social
thenewworld.co.uk
The AfD victory could mean the first far right government in Germany since the Nazi era
The extremist AfD party has won the state election in Saxony Anhalt – it is a disaster for the west. Both Putin and Trump will be well pleased
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Latest broadcast interview on the German elections @news.sky.com
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
On this very difficult day for Germany and for liberal democracy, I gave an interview to BBC News and the ever-excellent Kasia Madera on today's elections in Saxony-Anhalt. You can watch it here
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
A portentous day for Germany and liberal democracy everywhere
johnkampfner.substack.com
Germany on the brink
How a small eastern state is testing my faith in the country as never before
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 02/09/2026
The shadow of the AfD hangs over German democracy – but I still have faith in my adopted country | John Kampfner
theguardian.com
The shadow of the AfD hangs over German democracy – but I still have faith in my adopted country | John Kampfner
As I celebrate five years of citizenship, the far right is poised to take control in Saxony-Anhalt. Courage is needed to defeat it, says author John Kampfner
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
johnkampfner.substack.com/p/germany-on...
johnkampfner.substack.com
Germany on the brink
How a small eastern state is testing my faith in the country as never before
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
He loves being called Germany's most dangerous man. Who is Ulrich Siegmund, the leader of the far right AfD in the eastern German state of Saxony Anhalt and now on the verge of power? I discuss on the Guardian's Today In Focus podcast www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
theguardian.com
Is Ulrich Siegmund the most dangerous man in Germany? - podcast
Ulrich Siegmund, the charismatic young leader of the AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt, has been labelled Germany’s most dangerous man by Der Spiegel. John Kampfner explains why
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Five years ago (next week) I became a German citizen. These are my reflections now, written on the eve of the expected far-right triumph in Saxony-Anhalt www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The shadow of the AfD hangs over German democracy – but I still have faith in my adopted country | John Kampfner
As I celebrate five years of citizenship, the far right is poised to take control in Saxony-Anhalt. Courage is needed to defeat it, says author John Kampfner
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
A week ahead of elections in Saxony-Anhalt
politico.eu
Germany is poised to enter one of its most dangerous moments yet
What happens in Saxony-Anhalt on Sept. 6 will affect all of Germany, Europe and the wider world.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
johnkampfner.substack.com/p/germanys-s...
johnkampfner.substack.com
Germany's social conservatism
A culture war with deep roots that few people want to fight
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A new season of events on 'Braver New World' started yesterday in Edinburgh with a packed-out event with Jeremy Hunt & Liz Lloyd. We didn't agree on everything (that would've been strange); we did agree that voters are crying out for fresh ideas from around the world to get us out of the mire.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Getting ready for an autumn series of events for 'Braver New World'. It will take me across the UK and Germany, also to Vienna, Helsinki and more. Kicks off next Thursday Aug 20 at the Edinburgh Book Festival, in conversation with Jeremy Hunt and Liz Lloyd www.edbookfest.co.uk/events/jerem...
jkampfner.net
BOOKS — JOHN KAMPFNER
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
open.substack.com/pub/johnkamp...
open.substack.com
Migrant mayhem and populist glee
The Ceuta crisis and the concerted Trump-Putin-Meloni attack on Spain's Sánchez
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Martin McKee @martinmckee.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
“Braver new world” by @johnkampfner.bsky.social should be required reading for all politicians. I’d vote for any party that used it to write its manifesto. In a world with so little to celebrate, it offers hope that things really can be better.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
open.substack.com/pub/johnkamp...
open.substack.com
Who'll be the first to slay the populist dragon?
The new British PM is the first out of the blocks
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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Just read the chapter on Estonia in the @johnkampfner.bsky.social book ‘Braver New World’ -Their success in digital ID contrasts with our timid and counterproductive attempts to do something similar. In particular Starmer turned a country broadly sympathetic to the idea of ID to a hostile one.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Which of the three, Germany, France or the UK has most cause for optimism, or least cause for pessimism? The chart changes all the time, but for the moment... johnkampfner.substack.com/p/wholl-be-t...
johnkampfner.substack.com
Who'll be the first to slay the populist dragon?
The new British PM is the first out of the blocks
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Europe is starting to take note of Brand Burnham inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
inews.co.uk
Brand Burnham's performative style is making waves in flailing Europe
European leaders are urgently seeking a path to defeating the far-right
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Thank you @nickmh.bsky.social
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
As he starts his journey...
open.substack.com
Does Burnham have what it takes?
Explaining the UK's latest prime minister to a quizzical world
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Your pre-match primer
open.substack.com
Is a German about to save the English?
The painful irony after 60 years of hurt
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
One of a series of 'Braver New World' events in the UK and around Europe this autumn. The Henley Lit Festival is always one of the most enjoyable. Looking forward to it. Oct 9.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Brits’ neuralgia about the Germans is about to go into overdrive johnkampfner.substack.com/p/is-a-germa...
johnkampfner.substack.com
Is a German about to save the English?
The painful irony after 60 years of hurt
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The Irish Times @irishtimes.com · 17/06/2026
Braver New World by John Kampfner: Enlightenment under threat
irishtimes.com
Braver New World by John Kampfner: Enlightenment under threat
The active narration ensures the reader is right by the author’s side through this epic journey of discovery
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Giles Wilkes @gilesyb.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Also public housing does not have to be bad: read about what they do in Vienna, which @johnkampfner.bsky.social devoted a chapter of his book to, reviewed by me here www.ft.com/content/7de3...
ft.com
Braver New World by John Kampfner — how to be bold in troubled times
A rattlingly readable analysis of good public policy in 10 countries — and what the rest of the globe can learn from it
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Bertelsmann Foundation @bertelsmannfdn.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Can democracy become more resilient by being bolder? In the latest #HowToFixDemocracy podcast, Andrew Keen speaks with John Kampfner about why resilience, imagination & political courage are essential to renewing democracy.🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fRsEaQulEWLGrkpMLed90
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Rob @arrellemm.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Gah I’m buying too many books. But look at the beauties I have to read!
Five books: 
Europe’s Tragedy, A New History of the Thirty Years War by Peter Wilson
Fantastic Kingdom by Helene Von Bismarck
The Bookseller of Florence by Ross King
In Search of Berlin but John Kampfner
The Burgundians by Bart Van Loo
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
It was a delight to have long conversation with the folks @politico.eu about the best practice Europe can learn from others. Hope you enjoy the podcast www.politico.eu/podcast/brus...
politico.eu
Week Ender: Why Europe can’t avoid Erdogan
This week, NATO leaders gathered in Ankara — giving President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a powerful stage at a moment when Turkey’s strategic value to Europe is rising. Sarah Wheaton speaks to Aslı …
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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 10/07/2026
Europe is embracing Turkey as Donald Trump’s commitment to the continent’s security wanes. But Ankara’s human rights record makes it awkward. 🎙️ On #BrusselsPlaybookPod, @swheatonjourno.bsky.social unpacks it with @asliaydintasbas.bsky.social. + We discuss @johnkampfner.bsky.social's new book.
podcasts.apple.com
Week Ender: Why Europe can’t avoid Erdogan
Podcast Episode · Brussels Playbook Podcast · 10 July · 42min
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derekmcauley59.bsky.social @derekmcauley59.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
@johnkampfner.bsky.social great to hear about what is possible for liberal democracies to succeed in this populist era
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tarilang.bsky.social @tarilang.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
First Bluesky post with a lovely review of my book My Neighbour, The Dictator, covering four years immediately after Suharto’s brutal coup and yes, he did live in my neighbourhood. @johnkampfner.bsky.social @thenewworldmag.bsky.social @monsoonbooks.bsky.social www.thenewworld.co.uk/john-kampfne...
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Looking forward to it @radixuk.bsky.social
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The 7th UK prime minister in 10 years. Will he finally be the one?
open.substack.com
Does Burnham have what it takes?
Explaining the UK's latest prime minister to a quizzical world
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The New World @thenewworldmag.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Britain's European allies want to know what a new PM would mean for defence, Ukraine, energy and AI ✏️ @johnkampfner.bsky.social
thenewworld.co.uk
Germany wants answers from Andy Burnham
Britain's European allies want to know what a new PM would mean for defence, Ukraine, energy and AI
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The New World @thenewworldmag.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Britain's European allies want to know what a new PM would mean for defence, Ukraine, energy and AI ✏️ John Kampfner ( @johnkampfner.bsky.social )
buff.ly
Germany wants answers from Andy Burnham
Britain's European allies want to know what a new PM would mean for defence, Ukraine, energy and AI
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
It wasn't about character or charisma; it was about courage
open.substack.com
The lesson for Burnham - before it's too late
It wasn't an absence of charisma that did for Starmer; it was an absence of courage
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The World Tonight & Crossing Continents were the last BBC programmes that dealt in depth with global affairs. Their demise says everything you need to know about priorities in British public life, which is mired more than at any time in monolingual mediocrity and insularity. You reap what you sow.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The World Tonight & Crossing Continents were the last BBC programmes that dealt in depth with global affairs. Their demise says everything you need to know about priorities in British public life, which is mired more than at any time in monolingual mediocrity and insularity. You reap what you sow.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
How more brazen could the attacks be? And yet British politicians and voters are in perpetual denial about the Russia threat. inews.co.uk/opinion/puti...
inews.co.uk
Putin is not even hiding his threat to Britain – but we're still in denial
This is just the latest in a string of tawdry crimes carried out by often petty criminals on behalf of the Kremlin
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The i Paper @theipaper.com · 16/06/2026
Opinion | Putin is not even hiding his threat to Britain – but we’re still in denial 'Yet, in terms of the Putin threat closer to home, the British public still seems in denial.' 🖋️ John Kampfner Read more: trib.al/nwXqjIo
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