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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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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 · 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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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 · 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 · 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 · 19/05/2026
A very positive review of Braver New World in @newstatesman1913.bsky.social followed the next day by a very positive piece in @dailyexpressnews.bsky.social. What does that mean, I wonder? Shoots of optimism on both sides of the political divide?
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Last night I had the German launch of Braver New World. Amazing night, full house of scarily bright Germans, Britons and guests from all over. Thanks to the British Embassy for, as ever, fabulous hosting. More events in both countries and elsewhere can be found www.jkampfner.net
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Delighted that the German version of 'Braver New World' is now on pre-order (via usual online outlets), ahead of publication Sept 22. I've just seen the cover. And it's great. A dozen UK events coming weeks, plus a series in Berlin on the Eng and Ger versions. Info via my website www.jkampfner.net
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Today was a memorable day. Two things came together, as if by chance... it started with chairing an event with Yvette Cooper and Johann Wadephul. The foreign ministers talked about, dare I say it, courage and imagination in tackling our problems. Braver New World... www.amazon.co.uk/Braver-New-W...
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Today marks publication date of 'Braver New World'. It's the culmination of a three-year odyssey in search of hope and best practice. I'm grateful to the many people in the 10 countries for giving me their insights. Please buy the book, engage and spread the word! www.amazon.co.uk/Braver-New-W...
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
As Trump flounders in Iran, taking a swipe at the Pope and all who cross him, and as Hungary shows the way, is the time for optimism? Only if liberal democracy finds imagination and courage. That's the message of 'Braver New World', my journey to 10 countries in search of best practice. Out Thursday
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
What better day to be (cautiously) hopeful about the state of our politics than after the Hungary result. Was a delight to do Start the Week this morning with Natasha Walter Nick Niarchos and Tom Sutcliffe on Radio 4. Braver New World is out this Thursday!
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
A week to go to publication of 'Braver New World'. With populists causing mayhem everywhere, see it as a survival kit for democratic governments
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Nine days before the launch of Braver New World - 10 countries showing political courage in dealing with the world's problems. A small dose of optimism for our troubled times.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
In exactly a month, 'Braver New World' will be published. I can't think of a time when we've felt more alarmed about the future. I hope my look at 10 countries dealing courageously with our challenges will help. It's already on pre-sale. Thanks to the many who know what it's like on the front line
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Here it is. Braver New World. Publication date April 16. You can pre-order already (from Amazon, Waterstones or wherever). I'm told that pre-sales are already v strong. I hope it triggers wide debate about political courage and what it takes to tackle the world's many problems. I hope you enjoy
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Tonight of all nights, I’m in Frankfurt speaking to a sell-out audience hosted by the Frankfurt Press Club and Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft on the fate of the UK. On my way I couldn’t resist this visual metaphor. (A famous U-Bahn station in case you were wondering)
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
With less than two months to go before Hungary's elections, posters such as these are everywhere. Ukraine and the EU are now, according to Orban and Fidesz, public enemy number one
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Thanks to the brilliant efficiency of Berlin Airport, it's been shut due to a bit of ice. My flight from Geneva on Friday was cancelled. So, shock horror, I took the train, overnighting in Bern, then visiting friends in Freiburg for a few hours today. Note to self: do that again, and again
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
On the day of Trump's Davos-Doom, here's an animation that attempts some practical optimism. 'Braver New World'. 10 countries with lessons in radical change to improve lives & strengthen democracy. More on the book to come, including some exhilarating endorsements
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
I've spent the past few days in Poland. Many are fearful of a Trump 2.0 out-of-control scenario after elections next year. Yet I'm struck by the determination to keep liberal democracy alive. At the impressive European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk they haven't given up hope of something better
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
'What makes the Germans different?' I love the pay-off line. Who indeed might write a book like that? (although I'm not sure that's quite what he meant). Thanks to the friend who sent me this clip of the movie Nuremberg
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
What is it about politicians and shades that makes me chuckle?
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
A South African take on new-look American soft power
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Berlin, my adopted city, is inundated with experts talking of a hostile Putin and an out-of-control Trump. Sometimes the quieter voices are the most powerful. At an Orthodox Christmas service last night the exiled priest delivered a beautiful homily juxtaposing aggression to Christian teaching.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Good morning Berlin
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Opening of Christmas concert for Ukrainian community in Berlin. Across town Zelenskyy under pressure from the Americans to agree to a peace that would sell out his country
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Travelling this morning from Charlbury (Oxfordshire) to Manchester. Three trains, one missed connection, the last train packed liked sardines. One hour late. Could have walked more quickly. Come back German railways, all is forgiven
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
An extraordinary group of next-gen Germans and Brits, from all walks of life, super talented, coming together for the annual Young Königswinter conference in Berlin. It's been my pleasure to co-chair it for past four years with @birgitbujard.bsky.social with thanks @diplo.de and the British Embassy
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Start of quick swing through Saxony Anhalt and Thuringia to write various pieces. First stop: the Bauhaus Museum in Dessau
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Berlin today
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Two years ago today I published 'In Search of Berlin', a personal take on the 800 years of my adopted home. I first lived here (in the East) as a young reporter in 1988. I'm so grateful for the reception the book received, and to the many people over the years who've been on the journey with me
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Had the privilege of seeing Daniel Barenboim conducting the Berlin Phil last night, Schubert's 'Unfinished' and Beethoven's 7th. He was so frail but he commanded the orchestra, and the audience was in raptures. What a servant to music and the cause of peace in Israel/Palestine
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Dear city of Munich, Free State of Bavaria and Government of Germany. There is no moral equivalence in these two flags
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Not your usual activity on a sunny Sunday morning in Berlin: helping to remove long-standing graffiti in one of the city's wartime tunnels, one which also straddled the wall, on Dresdener Strasse
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
A great 4 days in Delhi talking to experts about the use of tech for social and economic development, part of my new book on global solutions. Culminated in a whirlwind discussion hosted by good friend, the Australian High Commissioner Philip Green, on geo-politics in front of a daunting audience.
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
Just arrived in India on final leg of my book journey, looking at digitisation of economy of over a billion people. But before I hit the road on that, some street art in Delhi
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Frankfurt. On my way to central train station, a delightful encounter
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Germany passes historic change to constitution, voting in huge injection of funding for defence and infrastructure. A great decision for the country, for Europe and for those still trying to defend liberal democracy
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Merz must form a new coalition within a few weeks, and the other parties seeking to resist Trump-Putin must cast aside their differences and make it work. Interview @jamesmates.bsky.social for the 10pm @itvnews.bsky.social bulletin as huge day for Germany continues
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Just voted for the first time in Germany. In these most important elections for several generations. My decisions were based on who can best defend Germany and Europe from the Putin-Trump menace
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Start of frantic day trying to explain these seismic German elections. Starting with Broadcasting House @bbcradio4.bsky.social
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Is the US friend or foe? Key question we discussed in To The Point @deutschewelle.bsky.social
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Germany's big election face-off between Merz and Scholz. Takeways: Two competent technocrats with a good grasp of policy issues but little emotional intelligence Differences on migration (but not as large as claimed) Differences on economy (significant) Amusing height optics Not a word on climate
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Sacrow Lake, Berlin, this late afternoon
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John Kampfner @johnkampfner.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Opposition CDU motion toughening asylum passes by 3 votes, thanks to support from AfD. Friedrich Merz, future Chancellor has broken the firewall that was supposed to keep the extremists at bay. Not only has he damaged democracy, he's made it much harder to build a post-election coalition. Dark day
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