Dr. Henning Hoff is executive editor of Internationale Politik Quarterly (IPQ) and editor-at-large of Internationale Politik (IP). He studied international history in Cologne and London and worked as a foreign correspondent in the British capital for nearly a decade after receiving his doctorate. In 2011, he joined IP and its publisher, the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). Since 2014, he has also been responsible for the IP‘s international edition, the IPQ.

Contributions

Aerial view from an airplane window of Pireaus port GRPIR. The majority of Port of Piraeus is owned by China COSCO Shipping. Piraeus, Greece, August 7, 2022.

The Looming Confrontation

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While German politics are in disarray, the EU is approaching a moment of truth in its relationship with China.

Henning Hoff
IPQ
Editorial
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gives a statement after first exit polls of the Berlin and Mecklenburg Western Pomerania state elections, at the CDU headquarters in Berlin, Germany, September 20, 2026.

The AfD Wins Again, but Merz Clings On

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Germany’s far right has had another strong showing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the chancellor’s CDU failing to enter the parliament. Without a challenger ready to pounce, however, Merz is likely to stay in office—for now.

Henning Hoff
IPQ
Berlin Cable
Top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) Ulrich Siegmund speaks next to party co-leader Alice Weidel at the AfD election party after polls closed in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections and exit polls were announced, in Magdeburg, Germany, September 6, 2026.

A Shock to the System

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The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has won big in the small federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, but not big enough for an outright majority. Still, the result may well trigger changes at the national level.

Henning Hoff
IPQ
Berlin Cable
German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz speaks during a press conference with newly elected leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group Thorsten Frei, Bavarian Premier and Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Markus Soeder, and parliamentary group leader of the CSU Alexander Hoffmann, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany July 29, 2026.

A Troubled Merz Faces Crucial Elections in September

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An amateurish government reshuffle has gone badly wrong for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. With the far-right AfD likely surging in regional elections, the end of his chancellorship may come more quickly than expected.

Henning Hoff
IPQ
Berlin Cable

Henning Hoff

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